DVD reviews: Enchanted / The Darjeeling Limited

Published on Friday 4 April 2008 16:28

ENCHANTED (PG) £17.99

Director: Kevin Lima

Running time: 103 minutes

****

A fairytale that skirts around cynicism with masses of tongue-in-cheek delight, Enchanted is a dreams-come-true tale for the discerning modern audience. By taking Amy Adams's Giselle out of the animated world of Andalasia and plonking her slap bang in the middle of Times Square, New York, Disney instantly turn the whole tradition of the naive little princess on its head.

While trying to get back to the la-la land of Andalasia through a cardboard cut-out castle, Giselle is rescued by Patrick Dempsey's single father and his daughter Rachel Covey.

What ensues is a warm if predictable take on the jar between morals in fairytale land and those in the real world.

Adams steals the show with her wide-eyed wonderment at everything around her, and the epic sing-a-long through Central Park to 'That's How You Know When You're In Love' is enough to make you wonder whether we've got ourselves a new Julie Andrews.

THE DARJEELING LIMITED (15) 19.99

Director: Wes Anderson

Running time: 88 minutes

****

Fans of Wes Anderson's intelligent and wry observational comedies such as The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic will find much to like here, as Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody find themselves on a life-defining journey across India to see their mother.

The visual intricacy and splendour of Anderson's direction is meticulous, but never overshadows the central performances as the three estranged brothers regroup after their father's funeral to make peace with their mother (Angelica Huston).

Certain touches, such as the Louis Vitton luggage and the wardrobe provided by Prada, can make the styling of the film feel slightly over-egged, but the quirky comedy which ripples between the three brothers as they tussle for recognition from one another is executed beautifully.

It's a sentimental journey, for sure, but definitely one worth making.