MOVIE REVIEW: “CINDERELLA”

March 12, 2015
3 mins read

Release Date: March 13, 2015

Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes

Rated PG

Grade: A

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh

Starring:

Lily James as Cinderella

Richard Madden as Prince

Cate Blanchett as Stepmother

Stellan Skarsgard as Grand Duke

Nonso Anozie as Captain

Hayley Atwell as Ella’s Mother

Ben Chaplin as Ella’s Father

Sophie McShera as Drisella

Holliday Grainger as Anastasia

Eloise Webb as Young Ella

Derek Jacobi as King

& Helen Bonham Carter as Fairy Godmother

Young Ella has a fairy tale life with her mother and father. When her mother passes away, she continues to grow into a beautiful young lady who has more kindness in her little finger than most people possess in their whole body. One day, her father announces that he is to remarry in hopes of a second chance at happiness. Unfortunately, during a merchant trip he becomes ill and passes away too. As a result, her Stepmother fires all of the servants and makes Ella their only servant. To escape her stepmother and two stepsister’s unkind ways, Ella rides into the forest on her horse. There she meets a handsome young man who claims to be a royal apprentice. Later, the young man’s father (the king) realizes that his time is short so he presses the Prince to make a decision to wed. The Prince convinces his father that a Royal Ball which includes invitations to royalty and commoners would be in the best interest of their small kingdom. With a little help from her Fairy Godmother, Ella (now Cinderella due to the cruel remarks of her stepsisters) attends the Royal Ball and has the time of her life. When the clock strikes at midnight, Cinderella’s dream comes to an end but she knows that where there is kindness there is goodness and where there is goodness there is magic.

A prince is not free to follow his heart. He must marry for the good of the kingdom.

Hear ye, hear ye, come one come all to the Prince’s Ball. First of all, I must say that the seven minute Frozen Fever short shown prior to the film is worth the ticket price alone. That said, Disney’s Cinderella is an exquisitely beautiful rendition of the Brothers Grimm classic tale mixed with elements from Disney’s 1950 animated film. I was not alone in the audience of all ages who truly seemed to get lost in the Disney magic. Every component of the film was extremely well crafted. The casting was perfect and the chemistry between Lily James and every other character (especially the Prince) was palpable. The costumes (by 3 time Oscar winner Sandy Powell) and set design were impeccably detailed making me feel as though I were in the film and not just an observer. The vivid use of colors popped off of the screen and the digitization of Cinderella wearing the Swarovski crystal slippers was as breathtaking as the transformation of the pumpkin, mice, goose, and lizards. The music by composer Patrick Doyle added another layer to the enjoyment of the film in that it softened the sad parts and enhanced the romantic theme of the story. Just remember that after the 1 hour and 52 minute running time, the spell will be broken and all will return to what it was before but the dream will linger on. Waltz into the theater to capture this one. For you shall go to the ball! ~Movie Buffette

I want to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer…have courage and be kind.

I have not felt this good about a film in a long time. I truly enjoyed Disney’s updated version of Cinderella.   Director Kenneth Branagh captured the essence of Walt Disney’s magic. Everything was perfect, with a focus on the details. The screenplay is based on the story Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault. Other than a few twists, Branagh kept true to the storyline. The casting was well balanced with new talent like Lily James and Academy Award winning actress Cate Blanchett. James was perfect as Ella and Blanchett shined as the stepmother. I especially loved the vibrant imagery, cinematography, costumes and set design. The ball gown and wedding dress were magnificent. This is a film for the entire family and the romantic dreamers like myself who still believe in magic and Prince Charming.      ~A.S. McCleod

Find that girl they are talking about…..The forgetful one that loses her shoes.

 

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