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Saturday, April 5, 2014

E is for Enchanted

There are many wonderful fairy tale adaptations these days. Animated films. Live action TV shows. Books. Graphic novels. But there's one movie that stands out for it's playfulness, musicality, and self-deprecating humor . . .

The 2007 Disney film, Enchanted. Starring an amazing cast including Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon, Idina Menzel, an original score by composer Alan Menken (who previously worked on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas), and some kick-butt animation, this film is an homage -- a tribute -- to the Disney princess films my generation grew up loving.

It combines elements from every princess fairy tale we've ever seen. The wicked stepmother from Cinderella with a Snow White/Sleeping Beauty sorcery twist. The handsome, if dim-witted, prince that spends his time slaying trolls and taking names. The beautiful maiden living in the forrest that sings to animals. Not to mention the furry creature guardian that protects said maiden when the wicked stepmother causes a ruckus.

But it also plays with these elements in a nod to the modern movement, the trends that are shifting away from the helpless princess we've seen in the past and moving toward a more self sufficient heroine. The princess who saves the prince from the dragon, and equally stunning, the "prince" who suggests dating and getting to know someone before leaping into marriage with a perfect stranger.

It's a terrific movie, one full of fun and adventure. And one that doesn't forget the tradition from which it sprang. 
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This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. My theme (in case you didn't already guess) is Fairy Tales. Stay tuned for the rest of the alphabet, and if you'd like to check out the other participants, simply click here

24 comments:

  1. Enchanted is such a cute movie. I really need to rewatch it one of these days...

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  2. I've only seen parts of the movie. I guess I need to sit and watch it all the way from beginning to end.

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  3. I didn't know what to expect from this film, but I really enjoyed it. Had a very sweet nature.

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  4. I'm glad you mentioned this movie as it is one of my favorite Disney movies too!

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  5. Enchanted is a great film. I love how tongue in cheek it is, whilst still doing what Disney does best: being magical.

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  6. I loved this movie; it was so fun and Amy Adams was perfect as the princess.

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  7. I have seen bits and pieces of this film, but never all the way through.

    LuAnn Braley
    AJ's Hooligans @AtoZChallenge
    Back Porchervations

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  8. I haven't watched this movie yet, I want to watch it after reading your post. :)

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  9. I seldom if ever get to watch films, but I like a happy ending Disney is normally a safe bet for that.

    Thanks for the visit to my blog, I am trying to visit everyone on the list before we reach Z this year so my comments are rather thin on the ground. I think I have been to about 400 so far.

    Good luck getting to Z

    Rob Z Tobor

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  10. Every bit of Enchanted was awesome. They did a great job with it.
    And, after seeing the trailer for Maleficent last night, that looks to be on par.

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  11. I liked enchanted! It was well made. Good luck on the A to Z challenge. From fellow participant
    #theawsomedish

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  12. Sounds like this is a good book and one I can not wait to watch. Thanks for sharing it.

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  13. I adore this movie...Amy Adams was perfect for the role! Aditi, A2Z participant

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  14. I've never seen this one, but I really need to!

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  15. I'm not sure how I missed it, but I've never seen or heard of this movie. It looks really cute, and I'm a huge Amy Adams fan, so I will be looking for it.

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  16. I really enjoyed this movie. Amy Adams was so funny, and Susan Saradon was SCARY!! Great choice! :)

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  17. Never seen that film, but I know I'd love it!

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  18. Great film. Very cute and very entertaining. I love the "even though you're vermin" lyric. Thanks for sharing.
    *waves*

    -Jimmy

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  19. Speaking of Disney, are you looking forward to Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie?!

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  20. Hi, popping in from the A-Z - great topic, and love Enchanted :)
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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  21. It did actually take me a while to warm up to this movie. I am a fan of Ella Enchanted (yes, I may be the only one) and, even though they are two completely different movies, I felt they were a bit too similar. I'm also not a fan of either Amy Adams or Patrick Dempsey, so that was another hurdle for me. But James Marsden reminded me a lot of Carey Elwes in The Princess Bride (which I LOVE) and Susan Sarandon was an excellent villain!

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  22. I believe I've seen this, but it's not really my cup of tea. I like the idea of it though. It's good for what it is.

    Random Musings from the KristenHead — E is for 'Elementary' (and Elephants)

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