'Enchanted'/kiwi milk tea

Movie: Enchanted
Ratings: 3.5 pearls

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Now, with any film that takes on the genre of the fairy-tale, one has to be very careful to note the ways in which the patriarchal values in the fairytales [1] are subverted, revised or exposed. We hope, of course, that something is done to advance the feminist cause.

With Enchanted, what we have a film that pokes fun at the apparent naivety and childishness of fairytale worlds, through the transposition of cartoon characters from the magical 2D-realm of Andalasia to contemporary (but not quite real and gritty) New York City, thereby allowing much humour to ensue from the clash of realities.

The heroine, Giselle, is played completely unself-consciously by the surprisingly (at least to me - I've not seen Junebug) charming Amy Adams. Starting off annoying and whiny, Giselle wins the audience over with sheer positivity and enthusiasm. (In fact, she's so positive, she could teach the author of 'The Secret' something about externalising goodwill.) It helps that she looks so darn adorable - much more so than on the movie's rather blah posters. As gung-ho as Adams is the facially sculpted-as-hell James Marsden (H thinks that Marsden will never be a leading man. And thinking back, it IS true! The X-men trilogy, Hairpsray, now Enchanted...), who plays the constantly confused and narcissistic Prince Edward - together, they make the very unreal premise so endearing: so much so that this cynical reviewer must admit to having been charmed.

Of course, this didn't mean that I was just going to sit there and absorb the film (Stuart Hall and his oppositional reading, thank you). THis reviewer did wonder if the movie wanted to draw the audience in and hoodwink them so that they wouldn't see the movie's flaws, such as its adherence to the traditional fairytale: after all, like Snow White at the 7 Dwarves' cottage, Giselle merrily takes upon herself the task of cleaning up Rob's (played by Patrick Dempsey, who might well be romancing Meredith Grey here. His expressions are almost exactly the same. Having said that, I (grudgingly) concede that he is less annoying here.) home after he takes her in. In fact, the usual fairytale tropes are in place: i) wicked witch-mother (Susan Sarandon, here having so much fun in her role), check. ii) damsel-in-distress, check. iii) helpful animal sidekick (a chipmunk: watch for the hilarious pantomime scene in the restaurant!), check.

Just as Rob predictably kisses Giselle awake after she bites into a magic apple, and as I was about to walk out to get me another milk tea, the film decides to surprise. Giselle brandishes a sword to rescue her man - yes, I know a woman wielding a sword is nothing fresh, you jaded bitches!! - but considering how she started off as a passive damsel, it is a significant development indeed. This is emphasised by how Giselle kicks off her glass slippers - the film's message is clear: drop your pre-conceived notions about this film, for the woman can be the rescuer!

Ultimately, of course, Giselle saves Rob (flailed around by dragon that looks like a dog, a clear subversion of King Kong). Certainly, the ending for the witch-mother certainly isn't a feminist departure, but the film doesn't not try. Enchanted wants us to focus on the fairytale and lovely aspects of life/reality, and embrace it. This is most clearly seen from Giselle's permanent settlement in 'the real world' and Rob's girlfriend's move to Andalasia with Prince Edwards. While the movie's happily **** ***** (I refuse to type it out) ending is its biggest flaw, this doesn't not detract too much from its aim. You're most likely going to leave the cinema with fluttery and romantic feel in your heart, humming Giselle's signature tunes to yourself on your way home. You will be slightly less dis-enchanted, I guarantee.
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[1] Anyone who believes that the ‘original’ fairytales are somewhat similar to Disney’s versions, and thus ‘should just remain the way they are’, please visit your local feminist bookstore. Or NLB.