Enchanted is a modern example of a flawed yet highly beloved Disney classic. The Amy Adams film features everything that makes a Disney movie iconic. This includes aspects like a talking chipmunk and elaborate but random musical numbers. But, 2007's Enchanted fails to truly feature the musical bombshell within its cast. Luckily, the highly anticipated sequel, Disenchanted, fixes this problem and gives Idina Menzel the spotlight she deserves.
Disenchanted takes place about ten years after Giselle and Robert find their happy-ever-after. At least, that's what they thought at the end of Enchanted. Instead, years later, Giselle, Robert, Morgan, and baby Sofia move from busy Manhattan to a quaint suburb. Here, Giselle starts to realize that her happy-ever-after isn't so joyous after all. Longing for some relief, Giselle makes a decision that accidentally changes everything in her world. Andalasia once again spills into the real world and brings a few familiar guests along the way.
Enchanted's Biggest Mistake Was Not Letting Idina Menzel Sing
Enchanted follows Giselle -- the epitome of a clichéd Disney princess -- as she searches for her true love. She finds herself lost in the heart of New York City, and reality isn't very kind to the princess-to-be. In the cruel city, she finds Robert, a lawyer who seems to be her opposite. The cynical man, played by Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey, helps Giselle navigate a new, non-animated life and find her true love's kiss. This actually causes a few problems for him and his girlfriend, Nancy. Menzel's Nancy wasn't a major character in Enchanted, but she definitely should've been featured more, considering her background.
Idina Menzel is known for plenty of iconic roles she's rocked throughout her career. What movie she's most known for is up for debate depending on which generation is asked. But, a few of her most notable roles include the first Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked, Maureen in Rent, and Queen Elsa in Disney's Frozen. All of these productions have one significant thing in common: they're all musicals. Menzel is definitely known for her powerhouse vocals on the Broadway stage and off. So, the fact that her voice wasn't featured at all in Enchanted is strange and pretty disappointing.
Idina Menzel Steals the Show in Disenchanted
The past 15 years must have paid off because Disenchanted does not make this same mistake. Idina Menzel finally gets her spotlight back, as she's featured in a couple of musical numbers in Enchanted's sequel. The first of these is a duet called "The Magic of Andalasia" that she sings with Prince Edward. Menzel is especially known for her power anthems, such as Frozen 2's "Into The Unknown." It's no surprise that such a song is featured in Disenchanted. This song, "Love Power," really shows off her vocal prowess. She also reprises a remixed version of the second song during the end credits.
After a long wait, fans of Disney's Enchanted finally get to (kind of) return to Andalasia. Disenchanted features the same satirical yet whimsical charm of its predecessor. Unlike Enchanted, though, the Disney+ sequel features more of its talented cast and especially Idina Menzel.
Hear Idina Menzel's iconic vocals in Disenchanted, now streaming on Disney+.