‘Disenchanted: Giselle Returns’: Not even Amy Adams can save a failed sequel

In the age of nostalgia and resurrection of stories and franchises, “Enchanted: Giselle’s Story” could not remain empty. The iconic film starring Amy Adams has been no stranger to a Hollywood movement that, with varying degrees of success, has laundered all of its golden eggs. Thus, ‘Disenchanted: Giselle Returns’ has arrived on Disney+, an attempt to turn the original fairy tale upside down.

In the film, as in the real world, several years have passed since Giselle left her imaginary kingdom of Andalasia to go to live “happily ever after” with Robert Philip in the Big Apple of New York. But life has ended up passing him by, and what was once a place full of infinite possibilities now drowns him in a boring and stressful routine. So they decide to move to the suburbs, Monroeville. But when trouble returns, Giselle will wish with all her might that the world was a perfect fairy tale, that it was more like Andalasia. This causes a number of fatal consequences to the place.

So much enchantment for so little magic

The premise of “Disenchanted” is definitely interesting. With this being an utterly pointless sequel (no matter how much fans of the original demanded it) and being over 15 years old, the idea of ​​turning the tables is original and fun. However, everything remains in the intention. Beyond the curious storyline, there’s not much else to scratch.

By the time the magic enters Monroeville, the film fails to develop and move forward. It’s hilarious to discover how characters and places are transformed into elements of classic Disney princess fairy tales. But as soon as the illusion passes, “Disenchanted” is doomed to nothing. Most storylines either go nowhere or are too boring and obvious.

All the magic that the original had on this occasion is gone. She tries to disguise it with flashy sets and special effects, but what lies at the bottom is a poor, innocuous and bland story. The humor has no spark, the plot twists are very crude and absurd, the rhythm of the soap opera is in fits and starts… There is no room for surprises, for dreams. And “Enchanted” is supposed to be about that.

The more goals there are, the better

The most recoverable moments in “Disenchanted” are the ones where he becomes more self-aware. It’s only when he plays with clichés and cheeky nods to certain recognizable sequences from princess movies that he manages to pique interest. A pity that Adam Shankman, the director, no longer enjoys working behind the scenes, because his few creative moments bring out the potential that existed in the project.

It is clear that ‘Enchanted’, in its very essence, implies being an ongoing tribute to all those classic films. And when, instead of being made purely for aesthetic purposes, they’re used for a narrative purpose, “Disenchanted” trumps it all. The most striking example is the stepmother plot, too tense but which allows for the most playful sequences of the entire film.

Amy Adams, another level

Of course, much of the blame for those moments that were the best lies with Amy Adams. The actress returns to give another sublime performance recital, rising well above the group that is ‘Disenchanted’. She is capable of conveying the purest innocence to be, half a second later, the vilest and most ruthless woman in existence. With a lot of credibility, as if she cost nothing. She is one of the best actresses of the last 20 years and in this film she proves it once again.

The rest of the cast are also quite successful. The commitment and affection that the original performers have for their characters is very evident. Patrick Dempsey as Robert, James Marsden as Edward, Idina Menzel as Nancy… And the new ones also show the dedication and self-confidence that is required of them. In this respect, ‘Disenchanted’ stands out. If only I had a good script…

music and imagination

The soundtrack was one of the most important ingredients of ‘Enchanted’. Legendary composer Alan Menken received three Academy Award nominations for that work. Now it returns with the idea of ​​modernizing itself and in turn staying rooted to the essence of the original. And he succeeds, even without giving his best.

The new songs on the “Disenchanted” soundtrack are addictive. Especially that “Love Power” performed by Idina Menzel (Elsa in “Frozen”), one of Disney’s most powerful voices. The big downside is that they’re not as catchy and hummable as the first film, and they don’t resonate as strongly as some of the composer’s best works. Either way, it’s a section where the film complies as well.

In summary, “Disenchanted” is the example that there are sequels that shouldn’t be made. While the work to find a story is commendable, and its cast and technical section provides a positive counterpoint, Overall, it’s a boring and unfunny movie.. A procedure that is easily seen and forgotten, which contributes nothing and overshadows the beautiful legacy that ‘Encantada’ created in her time.

Note: 5

The best: Amy Adams, playing in another league, and the premise, which shows there was potential for something else.

Worse: The development of the film is clumsy and boring, it fails to arouse much interest.