Amy Adams received widespread acclaim for her breakout performance, with critics noting her ability to bring a cartoon-like sincerity to a live-action role.

It holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for being a smart homage to Disney's history while serving as a sharp parody of it.

The story begins in the animated kingdom of , where the optimistic and musical Giselle is about to marry her "true love," Prince Edward. However, Edward's stepmother, the villainous Queen Narissa , fears losing her throne and banishes Giselle through a magical well.