Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead



Top-notch melodrama!5
I was led, somehow, to this flick because of the names Philip Seymour Hoffman and Sidney Lumet, an irresistible pairing.

Masterful in many ways, this film, and Hoffman seems unable to do wrong from one project to the next. What a treasure this actor is!

Do not miss the documentary, the lesson from Lumet on the proper definition of melodrama, and a glimpse at a director in his eighties who is as stoked with creative energy as someone fifty years his junior.




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Monday, April 28, 2008

The Office - Season Three










After a shaky first season of finding its footing, and a second season of establishing itself as one of the funniest shows on TV, the third season of The Office finds the show in its strongest form yet, thanks in large part to the addition of some new characters and stronger plotlines centered on office romances. A corporate merger brings the Stamford staff to the Scranton office of Dunder-Mifflin a quarter of the way through the season giving a nice boost to the season's arc of story lines, especially the addition of Andy (Ed Helms, another Daily Show alum in a role that seems custom made for him) who serves as yet another foil to Dwight (Rainn Wilson) in his unending fight for Michael's approval. As the season begins, the focus is more on Michael (Steve Carell) and his unique "leadership" style in the Scranton office. "A good boss gruntles the disgruntled," and despite his best intentions, he proceeds to somehow screw it up, as in the opening episode, "Gay Witch Hunt," in which he accidentally outs a gay employee. In the second episode, "The Convention," Michael tries to get the party started at the Mid-Market Office Supply Convention ("fun jeans"), and ends up revealing his insecurity about Jim's (John Krasinski) decision to move to Stamford. It leads up to "The Coup," where Dwight meets with Michael's Boss Jan (Melora Hardin) in a misguided attempt to take control of the office. The merger of the two offices into the Scranton location provides the fuel needed to continue the Jim and Pam (Jenna Fischer) subplot as Jim returns with his new girlfriend, Karen (Rashida Jones) who also transferred, and with Pam no longer engaged to Roy, the tension among them increases significantly. Other major plot points this season include: Dwight shows his true feelings for Angela in an excellent climax to one of the funniest subplots on the show; Michael negotiates a raise after learning he barely makes more than his subordinates; new office suck-up Andy is forced into anger management classes; and finally, in what may be the most bizarre company retreat in history, a day at the beach ends with Pam revealing her true feelings for Jim in front of the entire office. The season wraps up in unpredictable fashion when Karen, Michael, and Jim all travel to headquarters to interview for the same position. The strength of this season just continues to solidify The Office's place as the preeminent satire of today's cubicle culture. --Daniel Vancini

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Sunday, April 27, 2008

Cloverfield














If you like cheesy horror movies that have no focus other than 'kill the monster' and 'don't answer the phone'...this is not the movie for you. On the other hand, if you like excellent ORIGINAL movies that keep you tense throughout and leave you wishing for hours more...this is your movie. I became so involved with the characters that I almost forgot it was supposed to be a scary movie. Then the monster comes and I responded with, "oh yeah, there's a monster in this movie". Ultimately, this is a movie about PEOPLE. About what people would do in an unthinkable situation. While for many people this movie won't be their 'bag of chips', I maintain that many people are sheep. This is an excellent showing of Drew Goddard's talent and what a good "horror" movie should be.

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Saturday, April 26, 2008

Jillian Michaels for Beginners - Frontside / Backside














The first step in fitness just got a little easier. Join Jillian Michaels as she takes you through beginner circuits of cardio and strength exercises that will help to melt away the pounds and build muscle. The 43-minute FRONTSIDE workout focuses on the muscles in your chest, shoulders, triceps, abdomen, and quadriceps. The 54-minute BACKSIDE workout targets your back, buns, hamstrings and biceps. Join former contestants from The Biggest Loser - Kimmi Dove, Shane Giles and Pete Thomas - as they workout along with you and provide limitless motivation with their inspirational interviews.

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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (Special Edition)




Steven Spielberg and George Lucas's 1981 resurrection of the Saturday-matinee adventure genre was deservedly popular, and kicked off a successful trilogy. Set in 1936, this first feature introduces Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and adventurer whose quests for rare antiquities frequently find him running from one menace or another. Raiders finds Dr. Jones in the middle of a Nazi plot to use the mysterious powers of the Ark of the Covenant to win the war. Karen Allen plays the love interest with an old-fashioned "man's woman" appeal (she can drink anybody under the table and is free with her fists). The constant, cliffhanger appeal of the movie is great fun--one is always wondering how Indy will get out of one scrape after another--and Ford's career got a big boost with his self-effacing but masculine portrayal of the hero. --Tom Keogh


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Friday, April 18, 2008

Battlestar Galactica - Season Three



From Universal Studios
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Product Description

The adventure of one of television's finest dramas continues with the complete third season of the Peabody Award-winning Battlestar Galactica. The Colonies' survivors have found their hopes of eluding their Cylon pursuers dashed by an invasion and occupation of their new home. As the fate of all human life hangs in the balance friends become enemies enemies become unexpected allies and decisions are made that will haunt some people for the rest of their lives. Relive all 20 episodes of the season that challenges everything you thought you knew about the Battlestar Galactica universe. Presented in Dolby 5.1 surround sound the 6-disc set features over 15 hours of extensive special features including the DVD exclusive version of the episode "Unfinished Business" containing 25 additional minutes of never-before-seen footage. You won't want to miss a minute of the series considered "one of the best dramas on TV" (Time Magazine).System Requirements:Running Time: 953 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 025195010726 Manufacturer No: 61101285

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #16 in DVD
* Brand: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAIN.
* Released on: 2008-03-18
* Rating: NR (Not Rated)
* Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
* Formats: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
* Original language: English
* Subtitled in: English, Spanish
* Number of discs: 6
* Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
* Running time: 953 minutes

Customer Reviews

Battlestar Galactica Is The Best!5
This is one of the best seasons, yet, for Battlestar Galactia. The few remaining Colonies continue the search of earth, with the continuing chase of the Cylons. Enemies are ruthless, allies can turn up in unexpected places. Deceit lurks constantly. The ending is surprising, but then maybe it really wasn't. Who can anyone trust? Season 3 is definitely worth watching!

BSG Season 35
I was very happy to see that I got my copy of BSG season 3. I had my BSG "geeks" over and we had a marathon of sorts watching this awesome show! One, who is on leave from tour of duty in the Navy, who only could watch downloads from his buddie's IPod, was probably one of the most excited that he's home, to watch his favorite show! Now he's all caught up, and happily involved watching the 4th season at our place.
The best episode by far is Exodus Part 2. When Pegasus comes to the rescue. GREAT episode!

THE MADNESS DOESN'T STOP!5
In perfect form with the rest of the series, this season blew my socks off. The last few episodes had me calling up my friends like a little girl to just talk about how crazy and awesome the show is.

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Friday, April 11, 2008

Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)



Directed by Tim Burton
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Johnny Depp and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd." Depp stars in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard from again." Joining Depp is Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney's amorous accomplice, who creates diabolical meat pies. The cast also includes Alan Rickman, who portrays the evil Judge Turpin, who sends Sweeney to prison and Timothy Spall as the Judge's wicked associate Beadle Bamford and Sacha Baron Cohen is a rival barber, the flamboyant Signor Adolfo Pirelli.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #10 in DVD
* Released on: 2008-04-01
* Rating: R (Restricted)
* Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
* Formats: AC-3, Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
* Original language: English
* Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
* Dubbed in: French, Spanish
* Number of discs: 2
* Running time: 116 minutes

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Thursday, April 10, 2008

No Country for Old Men



Directed by Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
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Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #8 in DVD
* Released on: 2008-03-11
* Rating: R (Restricted)
* Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
* Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
* Original language: English, Spanish, French
* Number of discs: 1
* Running time: 122 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Coen brothers make their finest thriller since Fargo with a restrained adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel. Not that there aren't moments of intense violence, but No Country for Old Men is their quietest, most existential film yet. In this modern-day Western, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) is a Vietnam vet who could use a break. One morning while hunting antelope, he spies several trucks surrounded by dead bodies (both human and canine). In examining the site, he finds a case filled with $2 million. Moss takes it with him, tells his wife (Kelly Macdonald) he's going away for awhile, and hits the road until he can determine his next move. On the way from El Paso to Mexico, he discovers he's being followed by ex-special ops agent Chigurh (an eerily calm Javier Bardem). Chigurh's weapon of choice is a cattle gun, and he uses it on everyone who gets in his way--or loses a coin toss (as far as he's concerned, bad luck is grounds for death). Just as Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a World War II vet, is on Moss's trail, Chigurh's former colleague, Wells (Woody Harrelson), is on his. For most of the movie, Moss remains one step ahead of his nemesis. Both men are clever and resourceful--except Moss has a conscious, Chigurh does not (he is, as McCarthy puts it, "a prophet of destruction"). At times, the film plays like an old horror movie, with Chigurh as its lumbering Frankenstein monster. Like the taciturn terminator, No Country for Old Men doesn't move quickly, but the tension never dissipates. This minimalist masterwork represents Joel and Ethan Coen and their entire cast, particularly Brolin and Jones, at the peak of their powers. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews

Terrible, Terrible1
This was the most horrible, depressing movie. The only reason I finished this movie was to try and figure out why the movie has the name that it does. I don't believe that it was so "deep" that I couldn't figure it out. I just think it was a movie about a lot of senseless, brutal killing. I just could not believe it got the academy award for best picture of the year. It in no way deserved it in my opinion. It did have some good acting, but for what? It was senseless. If you compare this movie to others throughout the years that have won the best picture awards, this was a pitiful, pitiful choice. It definitely is not for young people, and not for people who have a problem with depression.

No Movie for Young Kids4
Definitely not for young kids to watch - too much violence; especially due to all the crimes happening with young people these days. As far as the acting credits, absolutely incredible! Kudos to the two brothers that directed it. Javier was a hoot in that Sonny Bono wig - babe, he got you, babe or should I say, at least, all that crossed him. The ending??? Deserved their Oscars!

One of the Best Acting Performances I Have Ever Seen!!5
What can I say about Javier Bardem in this movie, but Wow! This already amazing movie is worth seeing just for this actor's transformation into the demented killer Anton Chigurh!! To top it off, this movie also features phenomenal performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin. The movie is expertly directed, has plenty of action, and contains enough suspense to keep the most discriminating movie goer on the edge of his/her seat. This is one movie that lives up to the hype, and deserved every award that it received. The only drawback is that Josh Brolin was not nominated for his convincing turn. Buy this and you will not be disappointed!!

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008




Alvin and the Chipmunks
From 20th Century Fox
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A L V I N ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Struggling songwriter Dave Seville (Jason Lee) opens his home to a talented trio of chipmunks named Alvin, Simon and Theodore, they become overnight music sensations. But when a greedy record producer (David Cross) tries to exploit the "boys", Dave must use a little human ingenuity and a lot of 'munk mischief to get his furry family back before it's too late!
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1 in DVD
* Released on: 2008-04-01
* Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
* Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
* Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
* Original language: English
* Subtitled in: English, Spanish
* Dubbed in: French, Spanish
* Number of discs: 1

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Families come in many different shapes and sizes, but few humans consider rodents members of the family. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is no exception, so when this flailing musician finds three young talking chipmunks gorging themselves in his kitchen cupboards, Dave is quick to question his sanity and then toss the offending chipmunks outside into the rain and restore order. When Dave hears the chipmunks singing outside his window, he realizes that that unusual trio might just be the world's next vocal sensation and he strikes a bargain with them--the chipmunks can stay with him if they sing his songs. While chipmunks Alvin (Justin Long), Theodore (Jesse McCartney), and Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) quickly begin to see Dave as a father figure, it's strictly a business arrangement for Dave and he maintains an appropriate emotional distance. Dave's frustration with the chipmunks mounts as they unwittingly wreak havoc on his personal life, but when Dave's old friend and record label mogul Ian (David Cross) begins to exploit the chipmunks for personal gain, Dave suddenly realizes what an important part of his life, and indeed his family, the three chipmunks have become. Hilarity reins in this live action/CGI comedy with many memorable scenes--think chipmunks showering in the dishwasher, riding in remote control planes, and bouncing off the walls under the influence of a serious caffeine buzz. Catchy Chipmunks' songs both new and old promise to lodge themselves in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll and even those none-too-enchanted with the premise of singing chipmunks can't help but be entertained by this comical film. (Ages 6 and older with parental guidance due to mild rude humor) --Tami Horiuchi





Customer Reviews

Taylorr's Review5
Why this is a good movie!

I personally like the Alvin and the chipmunk movie because of its sarcastic humor and its characters. Alvin is the hard headed leader of the group & can't really say anything without being a jerk about it. Theodore is the cute but stupid one and is the one who eats the most so he is a little clubbier than the two. Simon is the smarter of the two siblings and is the backup singer for the band. In the movie the chipmunks are tired of the forest life and end up in a Christmas tree till they meet Dave the song writer for a big record company that just fired him for a stupid song about death. The boss of the record company is Ian who thinks that he found the chipmunks and wants to take them on a world tour but takes it a little too far but you have to figure that out when you see the movie. Alvin and the chipmunks have been around for a long time and this new addition to the almost best cartoon ever has proven that Alvin can get this century.

"Alvin & the Chipmonks" Movie review by Michael Elliano4
If you can't have a good time watching this movie check your pulse! Most of us grew up with the Chipmonks and they were just fun. The movie and the extra's pay homage to that genre and do a good job. The characters were played well and the script fit. You've got to enjoy it. So why four stars. Well, no other reason than it was something...but nothing you could place a finger on. You be the judge when you watch it.

A pleasant adaptation of a childhood classic...4
I was very, very against seeing this movie. As a huge fan of `The Chipmunks' in my youth I was certain; positive even, that this movie was going to destroy them. I found though, after being forced by family to watch this movie, that instead of `destroying' them they actually brought them to a wider audience. In fact, `Alvin and the Chipmunks' was fun, fresh, spunky and pretty much everything I remember about those cute fuzzy little rodents in the first place. I was pleasantly surprised with how well thought out this movie actually was.

The story follows Dave Seville, a down and out songwriter who is just trying to catch a break. That break comes in a much unexpected place. Dave meets three cute little chipmunks who just so happen to be able to talk. Not only can they talk but they can sing. Striking a deal that if they sing his songs he'll let them live with him, Dave and the Chipmunks form a musical team. That team is threatened though when a greedy music executive Ian Hawke attempts to drive a wedge between Dave and the boys for his own selfish gain.

The very concept of `Alvin and the Chipmunks' has been modernized to appeal to today's youth but it never loses the charm and appeal that it's always had. That's what I respect so much about this adaptation. I was so certain they were going to ruin what remains such a wonderful childhood memory of mine, but I'm so happy to say that that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, thanks to `Alvin and the Chipmunks' I now have a nice way of passing along this wonderful and wholesome children's story onto my own children.

The acting is decent, although the CGI-Chipmunks do steal the whole show. Jason Lee has never really had a good track record with film; he's more suited for television (as `My Name is Earl' has proven) but he manages to deal well with this performance. David Cross plays the same character no matter what film he's in, and he does a decent job at it so who am I to knock it. Cameron Richardson doesn't have to do much but be pretty, and she is. Jane Lynch is fantastic in her very short cameo performance. She is always hilarious and she captures everything I love so much about her without really having much to do. Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney play Alvin, Simon and Theodore, although you never no it with all the voice distorting going on. I can't really say anything for their voice-over work because quite frankly it's not really them performing is it?

`Alvin and the Chipmunks' also manages to teach the viewer some important lessons about the reality of family. It proves that a family is so much more than a mother, father, sons and daughters but can really come in any shape or size. A family is a group of people (or animals in this case) who love and care for one another and who look out for one another and have each others best interests at heart.

I think it's obvious where I stand with this one. I was floored with my final reaction to the film. I'll most definitely see it again, most likely I'll own it, for it's such a fun and entertaining film that I'm sure my daughter will grow to love it, and it's something the whole family can enjoy wholeheartedly as apposed to merely tolerate begrudgingly.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Stargate - The Ark of Truth


Stargate - The Ark of Truth
From MGM (Video & DVD)
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Blasting off where the Sci-Fi Channelâ??s longest running show, Stargate SG-1, left off, this thrilling feature thrusts the Stargate team â?" Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), Vala (Claudia Black), Tealâ??c (Christopher Judge), Sam (Amanda Tapping) and Cam (Ben Browder) â?" into their biggest challenge yet. In search of an Ancient artifact they hope can defeat the oppressive Ori, the team not only learns that the Ori are set to launch a final assault on Earth, but a double-crossing I.O. operative is aboard the Odyssey! Also starring Beau Bridges, this pulse-pounder is loaded with enough suspense, humor and action to fill a galaxy!


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Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #8 in DVD
Released on: 2008-03-11
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Formats: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Original language: English
Subtitled in: English, Spanish
Dubbed in: French, Spanish
Number of discs: 1
Running time: 102 minutes

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Customer Reviews
very good movie you should buy it
The Ark of Truth is a very good DVD, the special effects are great the story is good and it ties up some lose ends, and leaves us knowing that there can be more. Stargate SG1 is an excellent series and I am sorry to see it come to an end on TV but at least we can now have a movie from time to time and from what we are told another soon

Great Show
This is the best series ever. Sorry that it came to an end. Movie is very good. Hope they produce more

Cool ending... can't wait till the next one.
We watched the whole series on DVD in 10 months and were really disappointed it had to ever end! And we were left hanging by the whole Ori saga. Nice to see a nearly clean ending... They left just enough unanswered that even if I wasn't a die-hard fan (I definitely am!) I'd watch the next movie.

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Monday, April 7, 2008

Enchanted (Widescreen Edition)


Enchanted (Widescreen Edition)
Directed by Kevin Lima
List Price: $29.99
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Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2 in DVD
* Released on: 2008-03-18
* Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
* Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
* Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
* Original language: English
* Subtitled in: French, Spanish
* Dubbed in: French, Spanish
* Number of discs: 1
* Running time: 107 minutes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Life is idyllic in the fairytale world where conflict is minimal and breaking into song solves every problem, but what happens when a princess from the fairy world gets magically transported into the real world? Enchanted begins in the animated fairytale world of Andalasia where Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) is destined to marry Prince Edward (James Marsden) and live happily ever after. Problem is, Edward's step-mother Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) doesn't want to give up the throne and will do anything to get Giselle out of Edward's life. Queen Narissa's solution is to push Giselle into a well that magically lands Giselle smack in the middle of the real world--the center of Time Square in New York City, to be exact. This launches the live-action portion of the film where Giselle immediately realizes that things are frighteningly different in this new world and that she is ill-prepared for the callous ways of the people who inhabit it. Giselle finds herself alone on a stormy night in the wrong end of town, but a chance encounter with Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and his princess-loving daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey) leads to a warm, safe place to spend the night and the beginnings of a complicated, yet compelling relationship. As Giselle begins to question the fairy-tale truths she's always inherently believed, Robert's outlook on life and love also begins to change significantly. Parallels to the classic Disney fairytales, Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty abound in the form of a King's and Queen's ball, small animals and rodents who clean house when called, the threat of poisoned apples, characters impulsively breaking into song, and the power of the kiss of true love and the absurd juxtaposition of fairytale idealism and stark reality is hilariously funny. Features music by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz of Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame fame, Wicked's Broadway Elpheba Idina Menzel as Nancy, and even a brief appearance by former Princess voice talent Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas). Enchanted is one of the best, most entertaining Disney films of the year. (Ages 6 and older with parental guidance due to some scary images and mild innuendo) --Tami Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Great movie for all ages5
My family loves this movie. It appeals to all ages, especially little girls who are into princesses. For adults, it offers a lot of humor and is overall very entertaining. A must have!

Delightful for Kids and Adults5
I really enjoy Disney movies and this one is my favorite since The Little Mermaid. It was fresh, sweet and funny. I recommended it to anyone who wants a movie for the whole family. The music has amusing lyrics and will have you humming. Amy Adams does a believable job of playing the wide-eyed, charming innocent. Patrick Dempsey is skeptical but kind. The rest of the cast makes the whole thing come together beautifully. Definitely "Two Thumbs Up".

A Charming Little Escape from the Everyday...4
The great thing about all those Disney fairytale cartoons is the assurance of certain facts of the universe: The princess will be saved. The dragon will be vanquished. And of course, there will be a true-love's kiss.

And of course, most of the time, all of this is accompanied by a few dwarves or cuddly animals, as well as a song or two.

What I loved about "Enchanted" was that it thoroughly satisfies all of the requirements above -- and it also just as deftly skewers them, for those who like their entertainments a little less syrupy. The fact that this is Disney skewering itself is pretty delightful and surprising, frankly, and "Enchanted" is a treat from start to finish. Whether you're in the mood for a Disney fairytale cartoon, or a movie making fun of a Disney fairytale cartoon, "Enchanted" will fit the bill for you. (Like "Galaxyquest," the movie is just as superb an homage as it is a wicked spoof.)

The movie is wonderfully written, with a smart, witty and knowing script, and the actors are all equally wonderful, each so well cast they appear to have stepped out of a cartoon (a good thing, since that's what they literally do here). With her innocent blue eyes and strawberry curls, Amy Adams is a heroine come to life, with a light, strong soprano singing voice and an absolutely divine sense of comic timing. Patrick Dempsey does the lawyerly/princely thing very nicely here, and with a touch of sadness that suits him very well. But the real surprise for me was James Marsden, who is absolutely hilarious as the hapless Prince in pursuit of his lady love -- from the pratfalls to his fabulous singing voice, he's absolutely ridiculously perfect.

On the slighty less successful front: While I loved Susan Sarandon as the Evil Witch, she's not in it terribly much (nor are her motives always all that clear, especially in the end, when her intervention seems completely unnecessary). There's a great moment when the queen stomps across a busy New York street, electricity flying angrily from her fingertips, and it's so funny and well-done that I wished for more of this. I wanted to see the Queen adjusting to the perils of NYC too -- dealing with a hapless doorman or a surly cabbie, for instance. And we see far too little of poor Idina Menzel, who does make a thankless role sweet and believable (I also can't believe they cast this fabulous singer and didn't let her make a peep).

But overall "Enchanted" is what it says it is, and then some. The songs by longtime pro Alan Mencken are every bit as good as you'd expect (and are by turns naughty, funny, and surprisingly lovely), and the humor is quick, sharp, and tart. Aside from the hilariousness of the "Happy Working Song," I personally am still giggling over an incident involving a chipmunk, a hanger, and a closet.

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