“CINDERELLA” (Film Review & Trailer)

CINDERELLA poster sized

 

Every child, especially young girls will feel the romance and the special family values within Cinderella. The live action mixed with CGI turns the original animated movie into a spectacular screen show with a perfect cast and pin point direction by Kenneth Branagh. And there’s enough comedy and adventure to treat the boys as well. What’s missing however, are the songs that made the original animated version back in the 1950’s memorable. There is very little opportunity for toe tapping and humming that we’ve come to expect from a Disney film.

The film’s introduction shows Ella as a child as she finds that her mother is gravely ill. On her death bed she tells Ella that she should always be kind and have courage. Ella’s father raises her into late teens (Lily James), but missing the love he once had from her mother decides to wed the newly widowed Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett). With her two daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera), Lady Tremaine moves into the huge house. After some time Ella’s father goes to sea and never returns, thus setting up Ella’s new stepmother as her guardian.

Ella (Lilly James) with Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera)

Ella (Lilly James) with Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera)

The movie goes on from there and most every child and mother knows the rest of the story. Director Kenneth Branagh spares no expense making the film a lavish movie that’s very entertaining. The ornate costumes, special computer graphics, and elegant sets are equal to The Great Gatsby. He moves his story along at a fast pace giving the youngest of children a chance to take in all the romance of the movie as well as the comedy provided by the mice (yes you will spot Gus Gus), the coachmen and Ella’s fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).

Ella dances at the ball with the Prince (Richard Madden)

Ella dances at the ball with the Prince (Richard Madden)

The cinematography emulates the 1950’s with a Technicolor feel using blazing reds and dazzling blues. Shots of the ball and especially Cinderella’s dress are magnificent. Speaking of the dress, it’s one of the most gorgeous I’ve seen in films. You would have to go as far back as Gone with the Wind to come close, but the gowns back then still wouldn’t out shine the stunning blue dress that Cinderella wears to the ball. Every young girl and woman in the audience will be green with envy. Dreams will have to be substituted for reality and mothers will only lessen the pain by buying their begging daughters the first Cinderella gowns that grace Disney Stores.

Ella (Lilly James) rides her horse

Ella (Lilly James) rides her horse

Young Lily James and Richard Madden as the Prince provide the amazing chemistry on the big screen for the romance. They are perfect together as the Prince and soon to be Princess at the ball. In a nicely choreographed waltz their movements are graceful as they glide across the floor in front of the huge crowd of eligible ladies. When they finally get to speak it’s almost too late to say more then what they see in each other’s eyes. It’s a graceful and wonder filled scene that makes the film worthwhile.

Taking on the job of the devilish stepmother Cate Blanchett bosses Ella around while tending to her two absent minded daughters. She’s cunning and crafty setting up Ella for a fall while dressing her daughters for a chance to win over the Prince. Much like the evil Maleficent in last year’s Disney live action movie, Lady Tremaine wants her way and will get it at any cost. Nice job Cate.

 

Elsa and Anna in Frozen Fever

Elsa and Anna in Frozen Fever

Cinderella has been rated PG by the MPAA for mild thematic events. Even the youngest child should have no problem with any of the content. Before the main film begins there is a short film called Frozen Fever that’s very comical. It involves the birthday of Anna on a day when she’s sneezing snowball men all over her kingdom.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Perfect for the whole family with the edge going to the young ladies. (A)

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Family, Children, Adventure, Drama, Some Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic events
Running Time: 1 hr. 52 min
Release Date: March 13, 2015
Distributed by:  Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Lindalee Rose chats with the stars of Disney’s CINDERELLA at the HOLLYWOOD World Premiere

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