I've Been Enchanted

There I am on a Saturday night and it is cold and I am tired but I have a mission. There are movies to be seen, damn it and see them I will. I go online to buy my ticket -- new releases are Atonement and Juno -- two films I feel destined to see. What's this? I can't purchase tickets until the 11 PM show? Ah the misfortune of NYC -- movies are ALWAYS sold out on opening night (or at least the good ones are). So I scroll through the titles hoping for a spark -- it is December after all, there must be other films out there for my viewing pleasure.

And there it was, Enchantment. Not my top pick but I had heard good things (and one key opinion that insisted its star would be nominated for an Oscar -- Yes Ed, that's you). So I stroll to the theater and sit down for what I'm sure will be fun, light entertainment. The film begins as a Disneyesque animated film with a heroine who sews her clothes with the help of the animals and sings a sweet tune waiting for her Prince Charming. The Wicked Queen, trying to save her crown, sends the poor girl to the real world, NYC to be specific, to keep her out of the kingdom. And so the movie switches to the real, non-animated world but the heroine, though real, still has the naivete of her animated self.

Amy Adams plays the heroine and she is just adorable. Her expressions are full of life, she sings sweet Disneyesque songs (actually they were written by the Little Mermaid team, so they are Disney songs) and as the plot moved forward I was literally enchanted by her. I felt my face moving along to her expressions. It is a simple tale, but sweet, sweet, sweet. Patrick Dempsey is good as her real life version of Prince Charming and there is the most adorable chipmunk who is hysterical. I can't really explain the merits of the film besides saying that it totally takes you along for its ride and thanks to Amy Adams, the ride is spirit lifting and joyful. Poor Idina Menzel, though. I have always loved her onstage (RENT, Wicked) but on screen her face looks so angular and harsh. Not so pretty.

Another film I saw last week - Sweeney Todd. A dark musical done in Tim Burton style. Johnny Depp is very good (though he does do the Ewan McGregor version of singing the high notes very loudly) but Helena Bonham Carter is a bit annoying. I couldn't understand the words she was singing even though I already know the words to all of the songs. I mean I understand Tim Burton loves his wife, but I wouldn't have minded if he actually used the casting director and found someone to play the lead besides the woman he is married to. And somehow in the film version the fact that the show really only has 4 songs that are repeated over and OVER is very obvious and a bit tiring.

Also saw No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers film that is getting raves. It is really good. The actors -- Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones are just fantastic. It keeps you very tense though, so I highly suggest a drink after -- you will need it. I also suggest a buddy to bring with you so you can do the analysis after (thank you Joe). There is a lot to talk about with this one.

I guess I have checked off a bunch of films from my list. Still more to see and more to discuss
so you will be hearing from me soon. Now it is off to bed to prepare for tomorrow -- tickets for the Keith Urban / Carrie Underwood concert go on pre-sale and I, as a member of Keith's fan club must prepare to purchase pre-sale tickets. I can't believe they are touring together -- it is a concert made just for me. Will they duet? Very exciting.

And so in honor of the holiday season, I leave you with this,

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...

share them...