Name: Disenchanted
Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2022-11-18T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino

The opening shot of Disenchanted (2022), directed by Adam Shankman, lingers on Amy Adams‘ Giselle, her once-animated eyes now weary and her Disney-princess smile strained. It’s a stark contrast to the vibrant, musical world of 2007’s Enchanted, and it sets the tone for this sequel: a woman questioning her happily ever after in the unmagical suburbs.

Disenchanted picks up fifteen years after Giselle’s fairy-tale ending. Now living in the real-world suburbia of Monroeville with her husband Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and their daughter Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino), Giselle feels out of place, her magical optimism clashing with the mundanity of modern life. When she accidentally transforms her town into a literal fairy tale, she must race against time to reverse the spell and find a new definition of happiness.

The film’s strongest moments lie in Adams’ performance. She carries the weight of Giselle’s disillusionment with a nuanced blend of humor and pathos. The scene where Giselle sings “Unforgotten,” a poignant ballad about her fading magic, is a standout, showcasing Adams’ vocal range and emotional depth. Maya Rudolph also delivers as Malvina Monroe, the vain mayor, injecting much-needed energy into the film with her sharp wit and comedic timing.

Visually, Disenchanted maintains the charm of its predecessor, blending live-action and animation seamlessly. The sequences in Andalasia are a feast for the eyes, filled with vibrant colors and whimsical creatures. However, the suburban setting feels flat in comparison, lacking the visual spark that made the original so engaging.

Where Disenchanted falters is in its narrative structure. The plot meanders through various fairy tale tropes without fully committing to any of them. The pacing is uneven, with some musical numbers feeling rushed while others drag. The film also struggles to balance its tonal shifts, oscillating between comedy, drama, and fantasy without finding a consistent rhythm.

The soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken, is a mixed bag. While “Unforgotten” and “Simply Loving You” are memorable, other songs feel forgettable and fail to elevate the scenes they accompany.

Disenchanted is a film that tries to have its cake and eat it too. It wants to be a heartfelt drama about finding happiness in the real world, but also a fantastical musical adventure. In the end, it doesn’t fully succeed at either.

The film’s themes of disillusionment and the search for happiness are relevant, but they’re not explored as deeply as they could be. The suburban setting, while relatable, lacks the charm and magic of Andalasia, making it difficult to invest in Giselle’s struggle. The film also misses an opportunity to delve into the complexities of modern family life, instead opting for a simplistic resolution.

Disenchanted is clearly aimed at fans of the original Enchanted, as well as families looking for a light-hearted musical adventure. However, it may fall short for those seeking the same level of charm and wit that made the first film so beloved. The film’s target audience—families and Disney enthusiasts—might appreciate the nostalgia and the performances, but they’ll likely find the story and songs lacking.

In comparison to other family musicals like The Princess Switch or Descendants, Disenchanted holds its own in terms of production value and star power. However, it lacks the freshness and originality that made those films stand out. It’s a sequel that relies too heavily on nostalgia, rather than forging its own path.

Despite its flaws, Disenchanted has moments of genuine charm and humor. The dynamic between Adams and Rudolph is a highlight, their comedic timing elevating even the film’s weaker moments. And while the soundtrack may not be a standout, it does feature some memorable numbers that fans are sure to enjoy.

Ultimately, Disenchanted is a sequel that tries too hard to recapture the magic of its predecessor without offering anything new. It’s a film that will likely please fans of the original, but it’s unlikely to win over newcomers or critics.