Babble

Disney comes through this holiday season with a movie that's surprisingly modern both in its use of animation and in its plot. Of course, there are plenty of old-school elements: Amy Adams plays Giselle, a fair maiden pining for her true love, Prince Edward (James Marsden). Their romance is foiled by Edwards' stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon), who throws Giselle down a well that empties out into Times Square.

The residents of Andalasia arrive one by one in New York ("a place where there are no happily ever afters"), retaining their magical powers as they explore the big city. With her clear singing voice, Giselle enchants urban fauna and street performers alike, culminating in a spectacular Central Park musical number that puts Hair to shame.

If traditional Princess stories aren't your bag, never fear. In this one, Giselle realizes that not depending on a Prince or an army of woodland creatures is what allows you to live happily ever after. Even in New York. — April Peveteaux

This modern-day fairy tale, starring Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Freddie Highmore, follows an abandoned boy (Highmore) as he takes on the street name August Rush and fights to find his way back to his parents, dazzling everyone along the way with his extraordinary musical talent.

With a swelling score and mounting tension, it's pretty great until Robin Williams shows up with red hair and Bono's tour wardrobe, playing a homeless hustler named "Wizard." Wizard pimps out runaways and their musical instruments while talking like a street tough. Not since Tom Hanks and The Da Vinci Code has an Oscar winner sported such a distractingly bad hair style.

Russell is luminous as a tragic cellist; Rhys Meyers is charismatic as the leader of a rock band. Had August Rush kept the focus on the three characters (classical musician, rock star and prodigy), the film could have been a moving tale about destiny. But Williams' kid pimp makes it impossible to maintain the suspension of disbelief necessary to enjoy this supernatural fable. — April Peveteaux