Enchanted

Enchanted is currently streaming in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus and fuboTV, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 5,750 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Watch it for Amy Adams — stay for everyone else around them. Start it on Disney Plus whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Enchanted is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Enchanted from the crowd. The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world? Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey lead a cast with the timing to make it work. Enchanted came out in 2007. What keeps Enchanted from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Enchanted respects your intelligence. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Amy Adams sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.