Disenchanted review: Amy Adams has lost none of her Oscar-worthy sparkle as Giselle in new fairy tale twist-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Giselle is back and facing a new struggle, far away from True Love’s Kiss (Picture: Disney)

After 15 long years, Disney has finally brought back the magic of Enchanted, Andalasia and the glorious Amy Adams as Giselle to sprinkle again on audiences worldwide – and it seems, reassuringly, like it was actually worth the wait.

In an era of remakes and revisits, it can be hard to justify returning to much-loved one-offs when it’s almost inevitable that some fans will be disappointed. Disenchanted is by no means a perfect film but, considering the ridiculous weight of expectation resting on the shoulders of director Adam Shankman, its writing team and stars, the sequel offers plenty to admire.

It’s been 10 years in the world of the movie for Giselle, Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and Morgan (newcomer Gabriella Baldacchino), and New York City has lost its shine for our favourite Andalasian (who now also has baby Sofia in tow).

So, the family echoes the moves of many and relocates to the suburban community of Monroeville for more space and a fresh start. However, as Giselle struggles to acclimatise to their new surroundings, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally placing her family and home in fairy tale jeopardy.

Disenchanted takes a little while to kick into a truly satisfying gear as it flits around setting up everything for the drama that eventually takes place. However, all of our favourites are back and introduced in quick succession, including chipmunk Pip, flamboyant Prince Edward (James Marsden, this time it’s big braids) and Nancy (Idina Menzel). There’s also a speedy nod to the joke that nothing ever happens after marriage in old-school Disney fairy stories that lets us know we’re in for some of that same wit from last time that saw a bondage joke sneak in.

Disney maestro Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz also return with a whole clutch of new songs, which initially – it’s painful to say – were forgettable enough to have me double-checking the writing credits. Fear not though, it goes from zero to 100mph of musical bliss once you reach Fairytale Life, and the remaining tunes have all the charm, memorability, and zippy lyrics you’d expect.  In fact, duet Badder between Adams and villain Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph) is the highlight of the whole film and certain to ring out across audition rooms and karaoke bars as a staple for years to come.

All of Enchanted stars are present and correct once more, including Marsden and Menzel (Picture: Disney)

Disenchanted also makes a point to put the one egregious wrong of Enchanted right by finally having Idina Menzel flippin’ sing! Last time around she was yet to voice Elsa in Frozen, but still a Broadway star who ended up with her song chopped from the film. Here, she gets a duet with Marsden and the stonking ballad of the movie – Love Power – which is written to let her do exactly what she does best.

Speaking of allowing people to do what they do best, six-time Academy Award-nominee Adams has lost none of her sparkle and sincerity as the embodiment of a perfect Disney princess, pitched as precisely as it was last time to allow for laughs, avoid anything cloying and never undercut the heart of the character. That is a very tricky balance to strike, and the effortlessness with which she does it is truly impressive. Even better, this time around she gets another string to add to her bow, as we see her battle with a spell that slowly attempts to turn her into a wicked stepmother (but don’t worry, there’s still time for her to build a resort for crickets and enjoy a singalong with the kitchen appliances).

Monroeville presents challenges to Giselle, Morgan (Baldacchino) and Robert (Dempsey) (Picture: Disney)

New villain Rudolph shines as Malvina, particularly in her show-stopping duet with Adams (Picture: Disney)

Stepping into the shoes of primary antagonist Malvina, Rudolph is fabulous foil to Adamas as her new community’s Queen-Bee-turned-actual-Evil-Queen. Another person who absolutely understood the assignment, her Saturday Night Live sketch background serves Rudolph well as she nails the comedic and character elements. That she also keeps pace with Adams in their duet is no mean feat either.

Choosing to embrace similar fairy tale themes as last time, but with a different twist – we’re no longer in rom-com territory – means there’s plenty of space for all the Disney references and Easter eggs enjoyed in Enchanted too – but this time with bells on. Most of the fun is in the spotting, so suffice it to say, keep an ear and eye out for lyrics, props, animation, and costumes. As suggested by the stepmother struggle, there are plenty of nods to Cinderella in particular. This does mean though that it’s not exactly a red-letter day for stepmothers or, um, cats.

Adams gets to explore a new side of Giselle in Disenchanted (Picture: Disney/Backgrid)

More: Trending

There will always be an element of weirdness in returning to something many years later to try and replicate that success once more, as it can’t help but pierce that bubble of nostalgia in which the original lives in hearts and minds. However, accepting that a sequel can’t just simply be more of the same – while also delivering the specific ingredients that made it so well-loved last time – is the secret to longevity in the best-made franchises. Luckily, the Disenchanted team has this balance in the bag.

Oh, and if it wasn’t clear earlier – can someone please give Adams her Oscar already?

Disenchanted releases on Disney Plus on Friday November 18.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Ralph Fiennes drops wild bombshell that he was ‘relationship decoy’ for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez 20 years ago

MORE : Emily Blunt doesn’t rate her chances of surviving in the Wild West – or being able to do laundry

Entertainment – MetroRead More