There’s really only one way to conclude our month long look at movies both romantic and comedic, and that’s with an examination on the studio that first sold us the idea of happily ever after: Walt Disney.

At least 15 of the Disney animated films are straitup romance stories (with a smattering of adventure and/ or comedy thrown in on the side) but every single one, from 1938’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, at the very least have a love story as the subplot. Of course, few people would argue against Beauty and the Beast as the ultimate Disney romance (actually I can think of one better but more on that later).

In 1991, Disney adapted the classic French fairytale into a musical extravaganza that wowed audiences and critics. It was a cartoon, but so much more. The love story between Belle and the Beast transcended animation and appealed to audiences of all ages. This is especially interesting since this was before animated films were voiced by a who’s-who of the Hollywood A-list. Back then, voice acting was done by actual voice actors. It wasn’t until Robin Williams took the lead in Aladdin that big-name celebrities began using animated films as a way to work without wardrobe, hair or make-up. In fact, the closest thing to a name performer is Angela Lansbury in a supporting role as an enchanted tea pot. Of course, she does get to sing the title song, so there’s something to be said for the name recognition.

Speaking of the songs, Beauty and the Beast boasts one of the best musical soundtracks ever recorded. Seriously. It’s so good; they turned it into a Broadway show. Again, this is before every cartoon and film had to have a Broadway musical adaptation. In fact, when you think about it, Beauty and the Beast set a lot of firsts and more than anything before it, paved the way for animation to be accepted as more than children’s entertainment (at least in America. Japan has had serious animated films for years. Hmm, I think I have an idea for another series.)

There’s only one film in the Disney cannon that I believe surpasses Beauty and the Beast and that is only because it is both a tribute and satire of all the animated, fairytale love stories. Yes, Enchanted is the epitome of all things Disney and romantic.

Amy Adams plays the traditional Disney princess (sweet, spunky, engaged to prince charming) Giselle who is transported to the real world by her evil step-mother (and name one of these types of movies that doesn’t have one of those) where she winds up the Beauty falling in love with the modern day equivalent of the mythical Beast: a New Yorker.

As I previously mentioned, Enchanted shows great reverence to its source material (the majority of supporting roles are played by classic Disney voice actors) while at the same time, taking some light hearted jabs at what has come before. For instance, during the big musical number centerpiece, Patrick Dempsey (as the aforementioned New Yorker/Beast) is the only one not swept away in the magic of the moment. He’s the only one who doesn’t automatically know all the words (a point he mentions once or twice) and walks head down, hands in pockets, embarrassed by everyone singing and dancing around him. Trust me; it’s funnier than I’m explaining.

There’s obviously a lot of love for classic Disney in this movie. More than that though, there is a lot of love period. This is a movie that suggests the fantasy of “Happily Ever After” is possible in real life: that two people who are meant to be together will find each other regardless of where they are. These are beautiful thoughts and you’d have to be made of stone not to appreciate them.

Few companies can sell romance the way Disney does, which is why it makes the perfect end cap to this series. As I’ve said from the beginning, romantic movies offer a fantasy where everything always works out in the end. Good overcomes evil, problems and concerns are swept away and two people need nothing more than to be in love for everything to turn out just fine in the end. In this day and age of fear, frustration and anger, isn’t it nice to know you can get caught up in something like that, even if it’s only temporary. Of course, that’s been my argument from the very beginning. A good movie not only entertains, it allows you to let go of whatever your concerns are and just enjoy a story. So the next time you’re worried about bills, responsibilities, or relationship fears, just sit back with someone you care about, turn off the cynical, rational parts of your brains, and let yourself get swept away in the magic of cinematic love and laughter. All your problems will still be there when you get back, but you’ll at least have a brief respite and who knows, maybe a more positive outlook.

And that concludes our month-long look at romantic films. I hope you enjoyed it. Next week, we’ll take a look at the upcoming Academy Awards and discuss the Best Picture contenders, specifically what I think will win and what I think should win. The best part is the Oscars air two days after the column will be published so you’ll all have a week to mock me when my predictions turn out wrong. You can do so at postcritic@hotmail.com.