Enchanted | Alan Menken, Harry Warren, ...

Enchanted | Alan Menken, Harry Warren, ... | Great Songs!

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Enchanted

	Enchanted Alan Menken, Harry Warren, ... Walt Disney Records, 2007 average customer review:based on 51 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Songs you'll remember

It has been a long time since I've left the theater wanting to purchase the soundtrack for a movie that I've seen. "Enchanted" has a number of songs that will stay in your head (in a good way!) and have you humming them once you've heard them. Both Amy Adams (Giselle) and James Marsden (Prince Edward) do a wondeful job of singing the songs themselves; although music purists may scoff at some of Adams' phrasings, she gives a vocal performance that evokes the magic of past Disney princesses and overcomes any flaws that one could find with her voice. The CD presents the "hit" songs first, and then follows up with a number of underscoring pieces. "True Love's Kiss" and "Happy Working Song" owe more than a nod in spirit to "Snow White"; they definitely remind one of the type of song you'd expect to hear from a Disney animated movie. "That's How You Know" is more of a bridge song from the animated world to NYC's Central Park; with its calypso beat and huge chorus, the roving production number is something you'd expect from a Broadway Show (which I have heard is a possibility for this movie) and not an animated film. "So Close" is the love song/ballad of the movie, and signifies Giselle's full-blown transition into the modern world. In the context of the movie, the song is extremely moving as you watch the performances of Adams and Patrick Dempsey (Robert), but even on the CD, it is able to stand alone. "Ever Ever After" is the Carrie Underwood 100% pop music hit. This CD features the music video of the song, which also turns Carrie into an animated Disney character. Animated or live action, Underwood's wholesome beauty could qualify her as a Disney princess. Although on the soundtrack, the blaring beat of this song seems out of place, it fits perfectly when seen in the context of the movie. The rest of the soundtrack is enjoyable, and even more so for those who have seen the film. The underscoring for "Nathaniel and Pip" actually contains a few rifts from "Beauty and The Beast." The Enchanted Suite is a nice orchestral medley of favorites from the film and was used for the end titles/exit music. "That's Amore" is a pleasant remake of the Dean Martin classic, sung by James Marsden (Prince Edward), in the same hammy over-the-top cartoonish style of his character. Menken and Schwartz have crafted a memorable group of songs for this movie. If you are a fan of Disney movies or light & catchy hummable songs, this soundtrack is for you.

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Great Songs!

I took my daughter and her friends to see this movie, and we all loved it. You know the songs are great when you can't get them out of your head. I was going to get my daughter the CD for Christmas, but broke down and bought it early because we both wanted to listen to the songs again right away! The three main "showtunes" are charming,witty, and beautifully sung by the next great musical star (why isn't she on Broadway?)Amy Adams. "True Love's Kiss" is a tuneful,gentle parody of Snow White, as is "Happy Working Song". Some of the clever lyrics to the latter made me laugh out loud. "That's How You Know" has an infectious joyousness to it that puts me into a good mood every time I hear it. The Carrie Underwood song "Ever After" is a good song, and the song "So Close" was an unexpectedly beautiful ballad sung by newcomer John McLaughlin. James Marsden has an amazing voice which is heard in a duet with Amy Adams, and in the song "That's Amore". The rest of the CD is instrumental background music, which I happen to enjoy, but I've noticed some reviewers are complaining about it. The thing is, that's the whole point of a soundtrack album - there's always going to be some of that included. In any case, I heartily recommend the CD - and, if you haven't seen the movie yet - what are you waiting for?! Go!

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Enchanting !

Disney has reached a new maturity. For more than eighty years, the studio has enchanted us with its tales of fantasy and fun. No other source can compare to Disney's quality and consistency to cast a spell and steal our hearts. The world of Disney is a beloved place where we have always found happily-ever-afters. But what if the formula were reversed? What if a beautiful princess, an evil witch and a handsome prince came to visit us? Now we know!

Needless to say, a princess does visit us, and Disney's latest feature, Enchanted, takes us along for her amazing ride. This is not another cookie-cutter princess movie. Enchanted's six reel sojourn is an endlessly clever homage to all of Disneyana. Masterful satire both honors and pokes fun at all that preceded it. You'll delight and savor every minute!

This Disney princess can not only survive a trip to Manhattan, she can thrive there! Just ask Giselle, played effortlessly by Amy Adams. She first appears as a 'toon direct from Disney central casting. Evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) sends her off into peril pushing her into a wishing well that ends in Times Square. Suddenly, Giselle is no longer a 2-D character; she's an innocent 3-D royal lady, fully-costumed, in the middle of Manhattan. Giselle's adventures in The Big Apple are a perfect stage for Amy Adams' comic brilliance. How she kept a straight face throughout these scenes I'll never know, but she should receive an Oscar for her portrayal.

As anyone who has visited a Disney theme park would know, they are experts at glorious enthusiastic parades filled with jubilant characters. This joy has been artfully captured in a masterpiece musical gem, "That's How You Know," staged in New York's Central Park. Hundreds of actors, in brilliant costume, never miss a beat of their complex choreography from location to location. Watch Princess Giselle as she leads her entourage like a Pied Piper. What a magnificent moment in movies!

I won't add spoilers here, but there is a very happy ending! Giselle's devoted (and nutty) Prince Edward (James Marsden) shows off his comedic flair. Wait until you see where he finds his magic mirror! Gray's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey shines as the straight-man romantic divorce lawyer who doubles as Giselle's knight in shining armor. Watch how he becomes enchanted himself! Susan Sarandon plays a most-wicked queen and a delicious ugly evil witch. Both of her characters should win awards for makeup and effects. You will be running from shiny red apples long after you see her dastardly offering to Princess Giselle.

Speaking of critters, another wonderful musical number, "Happy Working Song," may just change your mind about pigeons, rats and cockroaches. They can sing and dance and clean the nastiest bachelor pad you've ever seen. The cutting-edge computer graphics and special effects are first rate. Enchanted's finale, "Ever, Ever After," provides the backdrop for a perfect ending crooned by hot newcomer Carrie Underwood. The score was written primarily by legendary songsmiths Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. I guarantee you'll be humming long after the final credits end.

Enchanted is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves a Disney flick. Watch it four or five times (and make sure you bring your kids!) Each viewing will reveal more and more nuance and tribute for your delight and discovery! (See if you can pick out the performances of Disney regulars Julie Andrews, Jodi Benson and Paige O'Hara!) It would make a perfect romantic first-date movie, too! My advice: Go now while you can still see it on the big screen. You are certain to fall under its spell! Then, buy the soundtrack and whistle while you work. Great fun!

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Polished, well-crafted, fun.

This is a classic, brilliant soundtrack. The songs are faithful to the story and, indeed, even advance the cause of the narrative. Every song is well-crafted, well-produced, and enjoyable. If you like solid, well-done scores, you'll like this.

The Music from the Movie.

The ENCHANTED soundtrack is typical of a Disney soundtracks in a couple of ways. First, the songs are by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz who have worked together several times before for Disney projects. Secondly, the cd is mostly instrumentals and only has six vocal songs. My favorite songs on the album are:

"Happy Working Song"--a parody of the typical song between Disney princesses and animals as they work together to complete a task.

"That's How You Know"--another parody, but one that's done so well it actually works as a straight, non-humorous song.

"Ever, Ever After"--the pop ballad of the album. Carrie Underwood sings it and I won't say anything bad about her.

"Enchanted Suite"--an instrumental number that enhances the overall mood of the film and gives listeners who haven't seen the movie and idea about what it's about.

The soundtrack doesn't stand very well on its own as works of music separate from the film, but people who have seen the film will enjoy it.

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