Writer: Chris Weitz (Screenplay)
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, Stellan Skarsgard, Sophie McShera
Plot: When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming step-sisters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Charming Telling of Classic
Story: Cinderella starts as we see Ella getting raised by her parents Mother (Atwell) and Father (Chaplin) who teach her to be honest and good before we see the tragic death of her mother. Years pass on and her father decides to real marry to her new Stepmother (Blanchett) but the now grown up Cinderella (James) has to get used to a new step sisters Drisella (McShera)) and Anastasia (Grainger). When Cinderella’s father dies on a trip she ends up getting placed in the role of housekeeper and all around slave for the family.
When Cinderella meets the handsome Prince (Madden) the two find themselves hiding their true identities as sparks fly between the two. The Prince is about the host a ball where he must pick a bride and he opens the doors to every woman in his kingdom.
Cinderella wants to attend the ball to meet the charming man she met in the woods but her dreams are dashed by her evil stepmother but her Fairy Godmother (Carter) is always looking over her to make the dream happen.
Cinderella is one of the most classic tales there is to tell and this outing keeps the fairy tale in the wonderful world we expect to see. We all know where the story is going and this does give us a couple of extra twits to the story with the Stepmother being more involved with where the story goes. If you just want to see a fantasy romance unfold this is all you need to see from the story.
Actor Review
Cate Blanchett: Stepmother is the lady Ella’s father marries, she has two daughters that are used to the high lifestyle. When her new husband dies she turns Cinderella into the slave of the house while the three continue to try and live their lives of luxury. Cate is good in this role where she looks like she enjoys the role.
Lily James: Cinderella grew up as Ella with her caring loving parents but when she is left with her new stepmother she ends up becoming the slave of the household. She only ever wants to see good, be good and be treated fairly, she never wants to look down on any a true pure sole. When she gets to go to the ball she could escape her life locked away by her stepmother. Lily is good in this role really looking the part.
Richard Madden: Prince is the charming stranger that Ella meets in the woods one day, they have instant attraction but keep their names a secret. When it becomes time for him to select a wife he opens the doors to any woman hoping to find her once more. Richard fits the character very well giving us a good performance.
Helena Bonham Carter: Fairy Godmother has been watching over Cinderella all her life but shows herself to make her dream of going to the ball a reality. Helena does well in her main scene and role of narrator.
Support Cast: Cinderella has great supporting cast that all give good performance throughout.
Director Review: Kenneth Branagh – Kenneth does a great job telling the story that every girl loves to hear.
Family: Cinderella is one for the whole family to enjoy.
Fantasy: Cinderella brings us into a fantasy idea where magic happens.
Romance: Cinderella brings us into a romantic story of true love.
Settings: Cinderella takes us into the fictional kingdom which all look beautifully created.
Special Effects: Cinderella uses great effects that all look great in a fictional story.
Suggestion: Cinderella is one to watch with the family. (Family Time)
Best Part: Preparing for the ball.
Worst Part: Slightly too long with the final act going on too long.
Funniest Scene: Goose driving.
Favourite Quote: ‘I can’t drive, I’m a goose’.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: Nominated for One Oscar.
Box Office: $201 Million
Budget: $95 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Tagline: Midnight is just the beginning.
Overall: Easy to watch fictional fairy tale that is being retold once more
Rating