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When Amy Adams was hired to play the latest in a long line of Disney movie princesses in Enchanted—opening Wednesday—she didn't have to do much research. After all, the 2007 Oscar nominee (for Junebug) says she's been studying for her role her entire life.

Amy Adams grew up watching all of the Disney movies

"I would love to say that I sat in front of the television and watched all the Disney movies to prepare for this role," Adams said at a recent publicity event for Enchanted in Los Angeles. "But the truth is, I spent my entire childhood watching these films. They were already a part of who I am."

She actually tried out to be a princess at one of Disney's theme parks when she was 19, "but I didn't get cast," says Adams.

Now 33, Adams' performance in Enchanted is a perfect translation of the franchise's many cartoon princesses; she's even getting some early Oscar buzz. And she didn't have to rent a single movie to prepare, because she already owned them all.

That universal intrinsic knowledge of Disney lore is exactly what inspired Enchanted, "a love letter to all things Disney," says co-star Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy).

In the movie's opening minutes, a cartoon beauty named Giselle (Adams) daydreams of a prince who will come and give her "true love's kiss." Surrounding her are her forest friends—bluebirds, a baby deer, a gray rabbit, a warthog, etc. The sweet, idealistic two-dimensional beginning is a condensed Disney classic of yesteryear—the brave and charming Prince Edward (James Marsden) meets Giselle, saves her from danger, and promptly whisks her away to be "married in the morning!"

Adams and Patrick Dempsey

Unlike the famous classic Disney films of the past, that's just the beginning. Edward's stepmother (Susan Sarandon) sees Giselle as a threat and magically whisks her to a place "where there are no happy endings." Yes, New York City. There, Giselle wanders the streets before being taken in by Robert (Dempsey) and his young, awed daughter.

By bringing archetypal Disney characters into the live action world, Enchanted is able to examine the classic Disney idealism, cheerfulness and magical view of love at first sight—and gently smack it upside the head with a dose of dirty New York real-life. Take for instance the "Whistle While You Work" parody starring dirty pigeons, rats and cockroaches helping Giselle clean. This is not a place where cute woodland animals help you do your chores. Or people break out in song. And love doesn't come easily and magically.

"What I think about most when I see this movie is that cynicism is an easy emotion," said screenwriter Bill Kelly. "It's easy to be cynical. To carry innocence and joy takes effort and determination. It takes work to create that magic in your real life, but it's worth it."

Kelly's high concept idea arrived on Disney's doorstep about five years ago. "It was one of those great ideas that when you hear about it, you can't believe it hasn't been done seven times," said executive producer Christopher Chase.

Director Lima with Adams on the set

Director Kevin Lima was a perfect fit for the cartoon/live action combination. He'd already directed a major Disney animated feature (Tarzan) and a live-action one (102 Dalmatians). But his qualifications ran deeper. A longtime Disney animator (on titles such as The Little Mermaid, Oliver & Company and The Brave Little Toaster), Lima knew the company's history and understood the art side.

But most of all, he brought passion. As several cast members noted, Lima practically became obsessed with using the movie to pay homage to all things Disney. It started simply with plot points like poisoned apples and recognizable forest animals. "Then, coming up with references became like a disease," Lima says. Soon, Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid, was given a small role. A law firm was changed to be named for the songwriters of Snow White.

"It was a running joke on the set because Kevin kept changing all the names in the film and continually added cast members," said producer Barry Josephson.

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