I just took my daughter to see Enchanted and have decided that this will be the very last “fairy tale” movie she will see. These fairy tale scenarios in book, film and various media forms are what have ruined me. As little girls we all listen to the tales of the fair maiden being rescued by her handsome prince, or the tales of beauty experiencing true love’s kiss. Our brains are instilled with this happily ever after farce and it sure is damn hard to pull away from that thinking and face reality. Come on, don’t we all really hope for that happily-ever-after-fairy-tale-in-love-feeling? And don’t we all really think it is something that is obtainable – at least in our younger years when we have yet to wade through life’s harsh experiences?
For a long time I certainly believed that this feeling could be realized. I now know that it is not possible for me, but as a growing young woman it sure was a nice thought. I, like many women, became so wrapped up in finding my “prince charming” that I forgot about the reality of love. Sure, I do believe that a few lucky people do experience this sort of feeling, all be it rare. The majority of us have to face reality. Admittedly, in several of my relationships I did feel that fairy tale feeling for quite some time, but I wonder if its just because I talked myself into it – it was something that I believed I wanted and needed to feel.
The one great line in the movie comes from Patrick Dempsey’s character who says something to the effect of “The fairy tale doesn’t last forever…reality takes over.” Cheers to the writers for at least putting that bit in to reaffirm us. As I watched the film I couldn’t help but be swept up in the overwhelming and intense feelings that the character’s were experiencing (honestly, how can you not swoon over Mr. Dempsey?). “Shit, it’s just a movie”, I had to keep telling myself!
Honestly, I wonder if it is already too late for my child. Has she seen too many fairy tale movies, and has her mind already been brainwashed to believe that she, too, can have such love? From now on you’ll find me in the unhappily-ever-after media section in hopes of trying to reverse any damage that may already be done.
Two Lazy Dogs 
I agree with you about the media crap brainwashing us, ugh! I think there has to be a middle ground, a realistic ground, you know! Like looking past attraction to reality or something and seeing what works in a relationship and then learning to trust. Great post!
Thanks for your comment! I’m all for a more middle ground, realistic plot. But, I guess the media realizes that realism (at least romantic realism) is not a hot seller.
Does Patrick Dempsey appear naked anywhere in this film?
Unfortunately, no. I was hoping for that gratuitous butt shot…frickin’ total waste of money!!!
Yeah I think that’s what happened to me….watched too much Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty…um and yeah my Prince still has not come.
Exactly! It stinks that we wait, and wait, and wait for that prince and most of them are just frogs…that’s not how the story is supposed to go!
[…] was reading Two Lazy Dogs blog the other day and she mentioned that she had gone to see a film called, I think, […]
We need to calm the H__ down…yes, it’s not real; no Dr. McD is not naked; let your child, son or daughter, have fantasies, make believe stuff, and things that will grow their developing brains, personalities and identities. They’re not going to ride off on a horse or live in a tree – but wouldn’t it be Ok for them to IMAGINE it all? Disney frames our IMAGININGS, ok? I think they do that well most of the time because when those writers were young, their moms and dads let them dream, wonder, imagine and, oh my gosh, be children! Moms, go watch your soaps and let the children be children, and adults recapture some of their childhood imaginings again.