Writer: Florey DM

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Watch this if you liked: Disney’s 1950 “Cinderella”, any Disney Princesses movie

The Good, the Bad and the Enchanted:

Even without the "Frozen" short film playing before the movie in cinemas, "Cinderella" is still one Disney movie that fans would be delighted to indulge in. People who grew up watching Disney movies, especially Disney Princesses movies, need not fear that the live action re-telling will ruin their beloved childhood film. In fact, the beautiful effects, witty dialogues (at times) and added twists do justice to it. Lily James plays Cinderella just fine, a good girl from beginning to end. Richard Madden charms not only Cinderella's heart, but also the audience with the Prince's insistence on marrying for love and not status. Cate Blanchett was the perfect choice to play the evil stepmother. Her smug smile, obnoxious laugh and haughty way of carrying herself makes her appear superior but she does her evil deeds so discreetly, she also appears a charming lady most of the time, effectively fooling everyone around her, and to some extent, the audience itself. Helen Bonham Carter might have only a short scene as the "hairy dogfather", but Cinderella's fairy godmother leaves quite an impression with her quirky lines and all-white appearance. Director Kenneth Branagh managed to inject some thrill and action into the fantasy film during the chase scene, when Cinderella has to rush home before the last stroke of midnight. The suspense of the shrinking pumpkin carriage and the help turning back into animals will reel the audience back in, in case the ball scene was too mellow. The storyline does not differ much from the 1950's version, but the movie also shows that being true to yourself is the most important value. No magic, no disguises. Cinderella asks her Prince Charming to accept her as she is, and her sincerity and no pretense are really what brought her her happily ever after in the end.

Trivia:

Emma Watson was initially offered the role as Cinderella. She declined but she will be seen later in Disney's live-action remake of 1991's "Beauty and the Beast".

Best Watched With:

People who grew up watching Disney Princesses movies.

Cinema Online, 10 March 2015