As 2022 seems to be the year of sequels I wasn't really holding out much hope for this one (my Disney spirits well and truly dampened by the mess that was Hocus Pocus 2) - so imagine my surprise when I actually found myself completely immersed in the lands of Andalasia and Monroeville!
The concept of "happy ever after" and the impossibility of achieving it in the "real world" really hit home - I'm sure after the last couple of years this is a feeling that a lot of people can relate to. Watching Amy Adams as the - quite literally - disenchanted Giselle is absolutely heartbreaking; and it sets up an Act I ending perfectly. The pacing of the film really steps up in Act II - and, once again, Amy Adams' is able to showcase her amazing versatility shifting from innocent princess to dastardly, wicked stepmother in an instant. Up until this point, my only main criticism was that the songs weren't anywhere near as catchy or essential to the plot as they were in "Enchanted" ... but I was firmly put back in my box when Idina Menzel belted out "Love Power" - easily the best song in the film. The plot was excellent, acting superb, and the head-nods and winks to Classic Disney ever present. Well done, Mr Shankman, for this incredible sequel.
The concept of "happy ever after" and the impossibility of achieving it in the "real world" really hit home - I'm sure after the last couple of years this is a feeling that a lot of people can relate to. Watching Amy Adams as the - quite literally - disenchanted Giselle is absolutely heartbreaking; and it sets up an Act I ending perfectly. The pacing of the film really steps up in Act II - and, once again, Amy Adams' is able to showcase her amazing versatility shifting from innocent princess to dastardly, wicked stepmother in an instant. Up until this point, my only main criticism was that the songs weren't anywhere near as catchy or essential to the plot as they were in "Enchanted" ... but I was firmly put back in my box when Idina Menzel belted out "Love Power" - easily the best song in the film. The plot was excellent, acting superb, and the head-nods and winks to Classic Disney ever present. Well done, Mr Shankman, for this incredible sequel.