Maybe I’m Just Jaded…
I went Thanksgiving week to go see the movie ENCHANTED. Now, first of all, you guys know I’m an absolute Disney FREAK. I love everything related to the movies, the theme parks, the clothing, the books, the music. If it’s Disney, I’m there. I can’t say I’ve liked every movie they’ve ever made, but I certainly expected to enjoy ENCHANTED.
First, the reviews were fabulous. Even Gayle King (Oprah’s friend) was raving on her radio show.
Second, it has Patrick Dempsey. I don’t watch Grey’s Anatomy regularly, but when I do, this guy just melts my insides. He’s so adorable! Cast him in a somewhat princely role and what’s not to love?
Third, Susan Sarandon is the wicked witch and Peter Pettigrew, er, Timothy Spall, as her henchmen. Excellent casting. Both are fabulous actors.
Fourth, it’s Disney, for Pete’s sake! Disney doing a riff on it’s own ever-growing popular line of princess this and princess that.
So ready was I to love this movie!
And yet…
…flatter than a pancake.
It was cute, I’ll give it that. I’m certainly not telling people not to go see it, but this was one movie where my expectations did not match the experience. Amy Adams and James Marsden were fabulous. I take absolutely no issue with the acting or singing in this film. Top notch all around. I didn’t realize until five minutes ago that the woman who played Nancy and who sadly, never sings, (who ends up being the princess in the end…sorry to spoil it if you haven’t seen it!) played Elpheba (the Wicked Witch) in the original Broadway production of WICKED…and the irony there is just delightful.
But the story just didn’t hold together.
How come the henchman adapted so well to modern New York City?
And though I totally buy the princess breaking out into song in the middle of Central Park and no one thinking this is the least bit unusual (it is New York, after all), how come everyone else suddenly knew all the words and dance steps?
And SPOILER ALERT…
Why did modern career-girl Nancy, after being happily engaged to practical, logical, un-romantic Patrick Dempsey for five years, suddenly want a prince so badly she chucks it all to live in a make-believe world?
I could go on, but honestly, that was enough to ruin the whole story for me. I sat there and watched and I smiled, but I’m not foaming at the mouth to get my hands on the DVD (unlike, let’s say NEXT WEEK when HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX comes out! Wahoo!)
Luckily for me, my daughter is not a princess girl. Okay, she did go as Princess Leia for Halloween, but I think that’s only because she got to carry a big gun. She was Mulan a few years ago, but Mulan, technically, was a soldier, not a princess and despite her beautiful kimono, she carried a big, honking sword. The other “princess” my daughter has emulated for Halloween was Pochohantas. No weaponry there, but she ran fast and saved the hero’s life…I mean…you do see the pattern, don’t you?
She liked the movie, but didn’t ask to go back like she did the minute we left Ratatouille, which is the last Disney film we saw (and have since seen about a gazillion times because the DVD was released a few weeks ago.) THAT ONE is worth seeing people. But trust me when I warn you that by the first half, you will be hungry for soup. By the end, you’ll want your veggies. It’s really cool how that happens.
Seen any good movies lately? Asking for any particular DVDs in your Christmas stocking or for Hanukkah?
mastree: :happychanuk: :elf: mastree:
Yesterday, I mentioned in comments that the Plotmonkeys have a special offer we’re kicking off today–if you buy a book (or books) by any of the Plotmonkeys, either as a gift for yourself or for someone you love for the holidays–we will send you an autographed bookplate (for the author you bought) and a Plotmonkey bookmark!
Just email me the receipt (julie @ julieleto.com) if you order online or send me a copy of your store receipt to:
PO Box 270885
Tampa FL 33688-0885
We’ll pay the postage to send you the bookplates and bookmarks! Don’t forget to send your snail mail address, too!
Remember, Plotmonkeys make great gifts! 
: : :
Oh that’s disappointing that you didn’t like it - this one is on my list. I still might go, but to the cheap show.
Hmmm, last movie I saw was “American Gangster”, which, while good (I heart Denzel) is not the kind of movie I’d rec for the holidays *g* I do want to see “August Rush”, and “P.S. I Love You” with Gerard Butler - it looks cute, and well, it’s Gerard Butler.
I love Netflix, btw.
Comment by Stacy ~ — December 5, 2007 @ 7:01 am
We saw Enchanted and The Mist on the same day and preferred The Mist…lolol! (Despite the totally stupid, sucky ending!)
I agree with you on Enchanted–a very cute movie, good acting, good concept, but it just didn’t “nail” it, you know? The stuff with the dragon was very stupid IMHO.
Frankly, my favorite part was knowing all the “insider” info beforehand and watching for the several actresses doing cameos who’d done the voices of Disney princesses in the past (Belle, Pocahontas singing voice, Ariel, and I’m thinking one of the really old ones? Sleeping Beauty maybe?) Plus the little Disney insider jokes here and there–like the Muzak song playing Part of your World in the aquarium scene. Stuff like that.
I am absolutely DYING to see Sweeney Todd as is my entire family! We’re gearing up by just watching the dvd of the Broadway show from 25 years ago!
Comment by Leslie — December 5, 2007 @ 7:27 am
I’ve already requested Supernatural Season 2 for Christmas.
Comment by Heather Harper — December 5, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Good morning Plotmonkeys and all,
We haven’t been to a movie theater in like–forever! We have been watching this interesting series on the Sci Fi Channel–Tin Man–it’s a different take on the Wizard of Oz. That’s all I can think of this early in the morning…
Have a great day all,
Cher
mastree:
Comment by Cher — December 5, 2007 @ 9:01 am
Leslie, I didn’t notice any insider stuff, and as a regular hunter of hidden Mickeys at the theme parks, you might just entice me to go back just for that! I did remember that the princesses were making cameos, but I totally forgot to look for them.
I’ll probably wait for video!
Comment by Julie Leto — December 5, 2007 @ 9:25 am
i’m dying for HP5!! Can’t wait. Also just got Ratatuille.
I liked Enchanted. Thought it was really cute. Loved the chipmonk.
Comment by Cail — December 5, 2007 @ 9:32 am
I have heard mixed reviews of Enchanted. I still plan on going to see it, even though I read the spoilers.
The last time I went to the theater was to see Garth Brooks live in concert. Before that? Pirates? HP5? I can’t remember.
As for the special offer- check yesterday’s posts for a link to a coupon from Border’s- some of you are on there. I have to see what I don’t have before I lose that employee discount. Not that that would stop me from buying the books anyway.
Been looking for a reason to use that icon.
:wreath:
Comment by ev — December 5, 2007 @ 9:42 am
I did think the movie was really cute and I wouldn’t tell anyone NOT to go…I think it’s worth going. I just was disappointed by the way the story didn’t seem to have that extra glue to really make it hold together. That special something that made it all tie together in a super-clever way. As it is, it’s an enjoyable movie, for sure.
Comment by Julie Leto — December 5, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Julie:I am suprised as I am a Disney girl (hello, got engaged at Disneyland!)…I haven’t seen “Enchanted”…been too sick…signing off to go hack up a lung…blech…
Comment by katie — December 5, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Well I throughly loved Enchanted.
But then I always loved Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella are my 2 all time favs of the Classics.
I didn’t go into the theater trying to overanalize anything. I thought it was sweet. Good prevailed over evil. The prince and Dempsy were ‘HOt” and the chipmunk stole the show. And the innocence of Gizelle (hope I spelled that right) was perfect and Amy Adams has the most beautiful voice. It is worth going to the movie just to listen and hear her sing.
I felt good when I left the movie and for me that is all that counts.
mastree:
I thought it a perfect way to start the holiday
But then I did go see it on Thankgiving afternoon. :vibrating:
Comment by Gigi — December 5, 2007 @ 9:55 am
I think the last movie I saw in the theater was HP5. I would like to get Ratatouille for Christmas. I will buy HP5 on Tuesday, so there is no way I’ll wait for Christmas for that one. I will try and see Enchanted before it leaves the theaters, but my must see movie is National Treasure Book of Secrets. Comes out on December 21 and I can’t wait to see it!!!
:happychanuk:
mastree: :elf: :menorah:
Comment by Liza — December 5, 2007 @ 10:06 am
Dear Julie,
to have one. But I completely understand if you’re saying that is way too much effort and I’m not angry if you can’t. I just wanted to ask. But I don’t want to bother one of you guys because I know that you have better things to do…But I would really appreciate it.
Honestly, I haven’t seen the latest movies and so I’m currently not up-to-date. But I’m really feeling with you. Because if there’s one thing I hate, it’s when you had been looking forward to a certain movie like crazy and then, when you are watching it it turns out to suck
As for the bookplate or bookmark: Since not living in the U.S. I really understand that it is too expensive to ship anything over to Germany. But I’d really love to own at least one thing from the plotmonkeys (other than books). The last book I bought was Carly’s SEALED WITH A KISS.
Now I wanted you to ask if you had a kind of bookmark on one of your computers that you could mail me. Because then I could print it and I would
See you
Vero
PS: :happychanuk:
Comment by Vero — December 5, 2007 @ 11:00 am
I HIGHLY recommend RATATOUILLE, but then, I LOVE PIXAR movies (when they come out, we are there the first weekend…my oldest…who has autism…HAS to see the new PIXAR movies the weekend they come out, which is weird because he doesn’t seem to mind that it is noisy, busy, etc. I swear, he is going to work for PIXAR someday….
Comment by katie — December 5, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
Julie, I took my daughter and niece to see Enchanted and thought it was cute, and the girls absolutely loved it. I just picked up Pirates 3 to watch again and can’t wait for HP5 to come to video. There are two movies coming out on the 21st that I want to see–P.S. I Love You with gorgeous Gerard–and something else, which totally escapes me at the moment. I just remember thinking I’d go see both on the same day. :mrgreen:
Also, I don’t know if any of you have watched it yet, but if you like darker comedies, then the Brit-com KEEPING MUM is absolutely hysterical. Maggie Smith, Rowan Atkinson–and he doesn’t play a total doofus–Kristin Scott Thomas and Patrick Swayze. (He’s the sleazy American golf instructor and plays the part to perfection.) Very, very funny!
Comment by Rhonda Nelson — December 5, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Julie, I agree. I enjoyed Enchanted. The acting was great, but the story lacked that something. I’m looking forward to P.S. I Love You also. And National Treasure Book of Secrets too! This weekend my son wants to see The Golden Compass, which looks really good.
:happychanuk: Carly! And everyone else who celebrates!
Comment by Robin — December 5, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
Robin, that was it! National Treasure, Book of Secrets. Thank you!
Comment by Rhonda Nelson — December 5, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Enchanted looks like a good light movie for stress relief! Sorry it didn’t live up to your expectations, Julie! I think the trailer’s sometimes show to much & then we are disappointed when we see the whole movie.
Last night I stayed up later than normal finishing Janelle’s book The Wilde Side. Loved it! Couldn’t put it down & finish this morning.
So far I have enjoyed each of the Wilde books. Now, I have to find the next one! :santawhat:
If I received DVD’s I would want The Sound of Music & maybe Pretty Woman. Love those two movies despite that they are not new. Movies now playing or will soon be playing I want to see The Great Debate with Denzel Washington, National Treasure, Book of Secrets, & August Rush. They all look good.
mastree: :stocking:
Comment by Donna M — December 5, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
My 16 year old niece said August Rush was wonderful. She even wants the soundtrack for Christmas.
Comment by Liza — December 5, 2007 @ 4:01 pm
I wouldn’t mind getting the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie as a present.
Comment by Jane — December 5, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
OK, so I’m dying to see Enchanted and Fred Claus but can’t get anyone in my family to go with me…lol But we are all planning to go see Sweeney Todd–Johnny Depp..YUM! National treasure also looks really good.
:happychanuk: :menorah:
:cold:
Comment by Tina Martinesi — December 5, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
How disappinting for you.
mastree:
I am not a movie fan, so no movies for me for Christmas.
Comment by Estella — December 5, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
I am really disapointed to hear about this film, because my daughter (she is a teenager) is a HUGE Disney fan, and is all bout Mickey and Disney. She has ants in her pants to see this flick, hopefully to the teenage mind it will be alright.
I have been in Christmas movie madness lately. We have watched my hubby’s favorite Christmas movie; The Ref. We have watched all the old Christmas movies and a few interesting new ones; The Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Frosty the Snowman 2, A Year Without Santa Claus, Santa Clause, Santa Clause 2, Santa Clause 3 and to my delight Shrek the Halls. We have yet to watch my favorite Christmas movie, but it will be on tonight while I decorate - National Lampons Christmas Vacation.
Merry Christmas!
Comment by celeber — December 5, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
I don’t go to the movies, I have to wait until DVD. I borrowed my SIL Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (since I hadn’t seen it) in preparation for #3. I just watched “The Waitress” a cute indie film with that cutie Nathan Fillion from Firefly. Looking forward to the new National Treasure.
Comment by Bailey Stewart — December 5, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
The last movie I saw with my son was The Game Plan with the ROCK. I enjoyed that movie very much and can’t wait for it to come out on DVD which I still have a VCR hooked up to my tv in the bedroom so I hope :santawhat: bringe me on
This is the list of DVD’s I have to get for my son for
mastree:
Spiderman 3
Transformers
We Are Marshall
Live Free Die Hard
Fantastic 4
Santa Claus 3
Surf’s Up
Shrek The Third
Ratatouille
Bourne Ultimatium
Harry Potter
I watched Shrek The Halls last week and it was
I am going to watch Santa Claus is Coming to Town tonight
:happychanuk: Carly
:cold: here
Comment by Cherylann — December 5, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
Have not seen Enchanted yet, and have not set foot in a theater in several years (how sad that sounds…
. Have had friends go recently who loved Enchanted (maybe in part because they have young princess-loving daughters who also loved it, and am not sure I’m convinced I have to go see it yet. I’m generally a harsh movie critic, so I may wait for DVD 
Comment by Fedora — December 5, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
The last movie I saw was Fantastic Four from netflix. It was eh, ok. But the best movie I’ve seen lately was 300. Gerard Butler! MEOW!
Comment by bluecat — December 7, 2007 @ 4:10 am