Audiences 'Enchanted' by Disney parody
Critic's Corner
By DNA Smith
"Enchanted" Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes MPAA rating: PG

Amy Adams' performance in "Enchanted" as Giselle is extraordinary.

"Enchanted" -- a Disney movie that parodies Disney -- is one of those movies that could so easily fall on its face. Parody is tough to pull off, doubly so for a studio wound as tightly as Disney.

The reason "Enchanted" is such a delightful movie is due in large part to the extraordinary performance of Amy Adams, who stars as the princess-to-be Giselle. Adams' captivating and infectious enthusiasm pulls you into the magical world that for Giselle is her only reality.

Her commitment to her role and the sincerity that she brings to the part often overwhelm her costars. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing since some of her costars (James Marsden, I'm looking in your direction) don't have the acting chops to make their cartoon-come-flesh characters believable.

The story draws its inspiration from several Disney animated classics, "Snow White" in particular. Giselle is the fairest maiden in Andalasia. She sings a lot about her True Love's Kiss, and has many wee woodland friends to help her make pretty dresses and clean house.

Prince Edward, Giselle's true love, has been kept far away from Giselle, thanks to the machinations of his wicked step-mother (Susan Sarandon, who has an obviously fun time chewing up the scenery). Things go awry when Edward and Giselle accidentally meet.

The wicked step-mother banishes Giselle far away from their cartoon realm to the real-life New York City. Giselle is rescued by a divorced attorney and single dad (Patrick Dempsey). As Giselle and the lawyer get to know one another, they both learn from each other. He learns to believe in love again, and Giselle learns that true love is more than the childish, fairy-tale version.

"Enchanted" is a wonderful kids' movie that also will give grown-ups one heckuva fun time at the theater. So far, I think it's the best movie of the holiday season.

GRADE: A (c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.