Disenchanted (2022)

Disenchanted is special because it lets a fairy tale grow up without losing its sparkle, turning the question of “happily ever after” into something warm, funny, and surprisingly relatable. Amy Adams slips back into Giselle with effortless charm, and the movie leans into its musical-fantasy vibe with playful songs, bright visuals, and a winking sense of humor that knows exactly what kind of story it’s telling. The tone is cozy and family-friendly but laced with just enough magical chaos and mild peril to keep the momentum zipping along, especially as the suburbia setting becomes a storybook playground. It may not hit quite the same lightning-in-a-bottle wonder as the original for everyone, but if you want an upbeat, good-hearted sequel with big-hearted performances and a genuine message about imperfect love, it’s easy to enjoy.

Disenchanted is clearly trying to update the original’s fairy-tale satire into a “parenting is messy, happily-ever-after takes work” sequel, with a bigger suburban setting and a lot of musical whimsy. The problem is it often feels like it’s going through the motions: the plot is predictable, the jokes and references lean harder on nostalgia than fresh invention, and several songs land more as filler than showstoppers. Amy Adams still commits and there are scattered moments of charm, but the overall spark and originality that made Enchanted feel special just aren’t consistently there. If you want a light, kid-friendly fantasy with familiar faces and low-stakes peril, it’ll do the job; if you’re hoping for the first film’s punchy magic and memorable tunes, temper your expectations.