“Disenchanted,” the enchanting sequel to the 2007 film “Enchanted,” is a 2022 American live-action/animated musical fantasy comedy directed by Adam Shankman. Returning to the whimsical world of fairy-tale and reality crossover, the film features an all-star cast led by Amy Adams and includes a blend of familiar faces and exciting new additions.
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Table of Contents
Plot
Set after the events of “Enchanted,” “Disenchanted” continues the story of Giselle, Robert, Morgan, and their baby Sofia. Moving to the suburbs of Monroeville, they face the challenges of adapting to a new life. The film takes a fantastical turn when Giselle uses a magical wand to transform their lives into a perfect fairy tale, inadvertently creating chaos and turning herself into a wicked stepmother. The story unfolds as they try to reverse the spell before it becomes permanent.
Cast
- Amy Adams as Giselle Philip, who undergoes a dramatic transformation.
- Patrick Dempsey as Robert Philip, depicting a knight in the altered reality.
- Maya Rudolph as Malvina Monroe, the main antagonist in the film.
- Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays as Rosaleen and Ruby, Malvina’s assistants.
- Gabriella Baldacchino as Morgan Philip, stepping into the role previously played by Rachel Covey.
- Idina Menzel and James Marsden reprise their roles as Nancy Tremaine and Edward, the royal couple from Andalasia.
- Newcomers Oscar Nunez, Kolton Stewart, and Griffin Newman join the cast in pivotal roles.
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Production
The journey to “Disenchanted” began in 2010, with several years of development and planning. With the original cast members returning and the addition of new talent, the film was shot in Ireland, capturing the essence of both the real and fantasy worlds.
Music
The musical score and songs are crafted by the returning duo Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, bringing the same charm and whimsy as the original film. The soundtrack blends new musical numbers with the film’s narrative, enhancing the magical experience.
Release
“Disenchanted” premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles and was released on Disney+ in November 2022. The film, unlike its predecessor, received mixed reviews but was still celebrated for its creative storytelling and Amy Adams’s performance.
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Reception
Critics praised Amy Adams’s performance but noted that the sequel lacked the original’s charm. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 36% approval rating, while Metacritic presents mixed reviews. Despite this, it found success in viewership, ranking high among streamed films across platforms in its release week.
Conclusion
“Disenchanted” brings back the magic of “Enchanted” with a twist, blending fairy-tale elements with real-world challenges. Though it might not have recaptured the full magic of its predecessor, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of fairy tales in modern cinema. The film’s cast, led by the ever-charismatic Amy Adams, brings life to this enchanting world, creating a delightful experience for fans of the genre.
