by Isabella Jordan Enchanted Directed by Kevin Lima. Starring Amy Adams, James Marsden, Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon, and more. Giselle's an animated girl in an animated world, dreaming of her handsome prince. She hasn't met him yet but she's dreamed of him. She's busy building a likeness of her dream prince with her animal friends as our story begins, waiting for her true love to find her. She doesn't have long to wait. Her handsome prince, Edward, rescues her from a dreadful, maiden-eating ogre and it's love at first site in our perfect animated world. They ride off into the sunset with the audience warm and fuzzy and secure in the knowledge that they will marry and live happily ever after.

That's when everything goes wrong and the real fun begins. Edward has a stepmother who doesn't want him to marry and take her crown. She wants to remain queen. What does she do? You guessed it. She disguises herself as a harmless, old peddler woman who shows Giselle to a magic wishing well. Then pushes her in. Right into another dimension where "there are no happy endings."

What's that dimension called? You guessed it. Reality.

My young children were all about seeing this movie and I went along because, hey, I need something to review and I was most anxious to see what all the fuss was about. Was this movie everything it has been hyped up to be?

In this reviewer's opinion, basically yes.

This was quite a departure for Disney in making a film that is self-deprecating to an extent. Enchanted makes light, fluffy sport of its own classic films like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. It also offers a thinly veiled message. Our society could use a little belief in magic, happy endings, and true love.

Amy Adams as Giselle represented the fairy tale. Everything can be overcome with love and a song. And if you need help with those household chores, well, look no further than your neighborhood vermin for a little free help. Though I haven't seen much of this actress' work, I was impressed with her performance. I was also pleased that an actress was cast who was wholesome and pretty but not drop dead beautiful. Considering the millions of little girls who have gone and are going to see this film, I think it was a great casting call. It said to me that any girl can be a princess.

Patrick Dempsey as Robert represented reality. He's a single dad who doesn't believe in love anymore or happy endings. He's a divorce lawyer who unwittingly comes to Giselle's rescue when she's thrown onto the mean streets of New York. He learns just as much from her as she learns from him.

The rest of the cast did a great job as the story unfolds and heads toward an ending that you can predict but can't. James Marsden as Prince Edward was funny and charming (pardon the pun). Susan Sarandon as the evil Queen Narissa didn't have a huge role but as she always does, she took command when she did come on the scene. Rachel Covey was adorable as Robert's daughter Morgan and Idina Menzel turned in a solid performance as Robert's girlfriend Nancy.

There are laughs and mild thrills but this movie is suitable for everyone in your family. There's enough humor to keep this film entertaining for adults and the content should entertain the boys along with the girls. It's just under two hours. Make sure you get the snacks and go to the potty before it starts. You won't want to miss any of the fun.

Best lines:

Prince Edward: [threatening Robert with his sword] Have you any last words?
Robert: You have got to be kidding me!
Prince Edward: Strange words.

Isy