I have to say, I'm not much of a fantasy person. And you know how I feel about romances a.k.a. chic flicks (booo).
But despite all the fluffy and sugaryness in this film, it's surprisingly entertaining. That's not to say it's not a little
ridiculous at times. It is after all a Disney film. And you know the formula for Disney films.
I don't know if
this film is supposed to be a satire on traditional fairy tales stories or if it's just a revamp of them; sometimes it feels
as if it's trying to be a satire on the genre a'la 'Hot Fuzz' but at others it feel as if it really wants to be another romantic
Disney fanatsy film and is only trying to put a little twist on the film. Personally, I love satire, and I think if the film
had had more bite and the wit had been sharper, and it had gone down the lines of satire, it would have been better and funnier.
I think they still could have had a fun fantasy adventure and still kept it bubbly and innocent (there is no need for it to
go down the lines of 'Scary Movie' etc.) even if it did become satire; I just think that older audiences might have enjoyed
it a bit more and would have found it funnier. But maybe that's the bitter cynical adult in me. At any rate, it's still
a good solid film, just not as funny as it could have been. And I don't know what they were trying for here. Aside from
that, there are some moments which are quite funny (Edward getting run over by cyclists) and there are some quite witty lines.
It does give a nice twist on the classic Disney fairy tales, but like those films, it's pathetically predictable. I guessed
how it would end before I even got to the theater (and no, I did not come across any spoilers for this film to ruin the ending
for me). You'll probably guess the ending way before the end as well, but then this is Disney, and did you really think it
would end any other way? I found it a little annoying that everything is so predictable and simple, but this is mostly a
kids film, and seriously, simple films are nice every now and then. Speaking of the ending, this was really the only part
of the film that I thought was seriously flawed. I don't mean how the film resolves and the way it turns out, I am talking
about the showdown with Narissa and Robert and Gisele. I was really hoping for Edward or Robert to go fight the big dragon
a'la 'Sleeping Beauty' and to get some big awesome battle in the end. Instead we got Pip simply stepping on the dragon and
the dragon getting so heavy that it loses its balance and falls. And if it had wings couldn't it fly and save itself? Sad
to say that I was so into the film by the end that this ending was really disappointing. Come on, why can't we have the real
Prince Charming grabbing the sword and being a hero and killing the dragon? I know this is a kid's film but still! So yes
I was pretty disappointed. Hey, I adored Disney princess films when I was little. What little girl doesn't?
Aside
from that scene the film itself, while as I said a little fluffy and bubbly, and even ridiculous, is pretty solid. The animation
is good, and the story itself if excellent. So different and unique compared to the recycled story lines Hollywood has been
throwing at us lately, so brownie points for that. And the acting! The acting is superb. Every one is so well cast and
plays their parts so perfectly. Amy Adams as Gisele started to grate my nerves a little before halfway through but she's
still good. Patrick Dempsey is good as Robert (you know, I honestly don't find him remotely gorgeous or dreamy), and Susan
Sarandon is completely unrecognizable but still wonderful as Narissa (yeah, I totally didn't realize that was her either!
Did you see her obscenely ugly and high platform boots in New York? Hysterical.). But big kudos to James Marsden who is
superb and awkward yet simply adorable as the fearless yet daft Edward (Mr. Marsden is so much more dreamy than Mr. Dempsey.
Ok fangirls, you can hurt me now.). He was certainly my favorite; a complete idiot but he's so devoted to Gisele that he
certainly wins your heart. Why can't we all have a prince charming? You'll recognize Timothy Spall who comes out as Nathaniel
from 'Harry Potter'; he's much better here and proves his worth. Big kudos to the cast. And even more kudos to them for
having to wear those ridiculous costumes in New York, especially the ones with the horrid poofy sleeves. Yikes. The costuming
is lovely, by the way.
Along those lines, the special effects are very good. They're simple, which is nice. I
especially liked the iridescent colors of the dragon's scales, all those purples and blues, even though the design of the
animal itself seemed a little weak to me. The music, however, isn't anything to holler about. It fits in nicely with the
film and the songs are a bit catchy, but even so I don't think it's anything spectacular (even though it's written by a Disney
veteran who's won many Grammys for his work. My words seem akin to blasphemy here.).
It's a good film. It's
lovely and warm and fuzzy but it doesn't overstay it's welcome (it's under two hours! A modern miracle!). And it doesn't
feel overly sugary either, like many chic flicks. Thus is the magic of Disney. I can't tell you if you should see this or
not; it's your call. If you like or used to like Disney films, then you'll probably like this one. If these types of films
make you want to become violently ill, then stay away. I can say for certain that not everyone is going to like this film.
But you might. Be warned though. I will probably eithe rmake you wish you were a fairy tale princess or prince charming,
and will probably make you feel terribly romantic and make you believe in happily ever after all over again.
Best moment: Either Edward getting
run over by bikes, Edward talking to the TV, or Edward attacking the bus. Most of the funny moments involve Edward.
Worst
moment: the showdown with the dragon; actually, what showdown? I was sorely disappointed we didn't get a big heroic fight
and rescue. :( Waaah.
Best quote: There are quite a few funny ones, or at least funny exchanges. But the best
singular line: 'The pizza is breathing!'
Why you should see it: It's different from your typical Disney fantasy/romance
films. It's also a good solid film and good entertainment. It's funny and the acting is amazing. Plus if you loved the
old Disney animated princess films you'll probably like this one.
Why you should choose something else: If you don't
like those old Disney princess films then you will absolutely hate this one. I know there are some of you weird people like
that out there....I see you.....most of you are males, oddly enough.....It's also fluffy, sugary, romantic, and a little ridiculous.
If you have some passion for two and a half hour plus films then this one will disappoint you because it's relatively short.
And if you're looking for biting satire then look elsewhere. This isn't your film. It's not much of a comedy either (although
my friend who I saw this with said it was hysterical and laughed a heck of a lot more than I did; this film also makes for
a good girls night out.).
