Reviewed by Mark Cappuccio
Stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon,
James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Rachel Covey, Julie Andrews
(as narrator), Samantha Ivers, Idina Menzel
Written by Bill Kelly
Certification UK PG | US PG
Runtime 107 minutes
Directed by Kevin Lima
It was only a matter of time before someone came up with the wicked concept behind this new Disney film. Animated fairytale Princess Giselle (voiced by Adams) is looking for her true love and finds it in the form of Prince Edward (Marsden) but things look bad when Edward’s mother, the Evil Queen (Sarandon), pushes Giselle down a well as she does not want to lose her throne. But this is no ordinary well and Giselle climbs out — not in the animated fairytale land of Andalasia but in the real Times Square, New York City and in the appealing physical form of Adams. This is where the fun really begins as she meets a divorce lawyer (Dempsey) and his daughter (Covey) who agree to help her on her quest to return to her true love.
Adams gives a fantastic performance as Giselle, creating the right balance of fish out of water and princess in waiting without being annoying, even with her extreme levels of happiness and unerring belief that Edward will come and save her. The direction is sound as is the quick witted script that crackles with one liners and cute Disney in-jokes which will keep the adults as well the kids amused. Sarandon makes a fine villainess, all evil stares and strops, as she has to finally come into the real world herself, wreaking havoc on all around her. But come the final act which has included an amazing song and dance involving all in Central Park and the realisation that Giselle’s true love might not be Edward, the film comes to a satisfying conclusion that will warm the cockles of any cynic’s heart. A magical little gem that works extremely well and will — dare I say it — enchant audiences old and young this Xmas.