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*** STARS

“Enchanted” is a 2007 comedy-fantasy-musical film directed by first timer Kevin Lima. “Enchanted” uses various filming techniques such as live action, traditional animation, and computer-generated imagery, and stars the remarkable Amy Adams, Patrick “Mc Dreamy” Dempsey, the cute as pie James Marsden and the deliciously over the top Susan Sarandon (who does a great impression of a drag queen). Marsden really shines in his second pitch perfect musical performance this year (the first is as Corny Collins in “Hairspray”).

For years Disney has cornered the market on animated films, but over the past decade other animation studios have been releasing quality family entertainment that rivals that of Disney’s. If it weren’t for Pixar, Disney would be hard pressed to point out a certified animated hit that they have released recently. All of this has changed though, “Enchanted” not only gives Disney it’s title back, but they also make fun of themselves in the process.

Amy Adams plays “Giselle” who lives in the magical animated world of Andalasia, where animals are talkative side kicks and musical numbers punctuate every interaction. Susan Sarandon plays the wicked Step Mother who tries to keep her step son Prince Edward single so she can remain queen. The scene when Giselle and Prince Edward meet is a hilariously witty moment that pokes fun at romantic fairy tale love.

The fun in “Enchanted” really kicks in when Giselle is pushed through a portal by the wicked queen and sent to a live action, modern day downtown New York city. Watching Giselle’s innocently naive character interact with various rude New Yorkers is hilarious. Amy Adams gives an Oscar worthy comedic performance that had me in stitches. Her musical number cleaning the apartment with various “city animals” is priceless.

“Enchanted” has a basic familiar Disney-esque fairy tale set up but it manages to dodge all of the cliches that bog down many fantasy themed family films. The screenplay is crackling with hilarious Disney references and fairy tale jokes. This film will have you grinning from ear to ear as you leave the theater, it was a delightful surprise for me. Disney did the right thing by poking fun at itself and sticking to familiar territory at the same time. This is a great family film for all ages.