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| Lily James is Cinderella |
Wes's Grade: B
Disney's lavish, satisfying new "Cinderella" mixes traditional with a few new twists
Disney's lavishly entertaining new version of "Cinderella" should please purists familiar with the story while giving it a lovely, fresh Disney coating. The lovely film is a bit slick for its own good and features a few unnecessary new twists to the story though it remains largely faithful to the original fairy tale, and thankfully, it's not ruined by 3D, special effects or some silly songs (thank you, Disney). Cinderella, played by "Downton Abbey's" lovely Lily James and referred as "Ella" through most of the film (providing a chance to remind us of the origins of Cinderella's name, her ashen, dirty face after working so hard), is a plain girl orphaned by her parents death and left to live with her evil stepmother Lady Tremaine (ravishing Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett) and her horrible stepsisters (Holliday Grainger and Sophie McShera). Her life changes when she meets Prince Charming, referred to as "Kit" here (played by "Game of Thrones" Richard Madden) and is helped along by her Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), who helps prepare for the big ball. Directed by Kenneth Branagh ("Thor") and written by Aline Brosh McKenna and Chris Weitz, "Cinderella" is a lush, yet traditional version of the beloved story and overall satisfying, given it could've really pandered to the whole revenge angle that some versions tend to go toward. It's patterned after Disney 1950 animated version mixed with a little of Perrault's original fairy tale "Cendrillon" with a few twists to the story, some of which work well - the whole "Ella" thing - and others that don't (calling Prince Charming "Kit" is totally unnecessary and fails to connect). The A-list cast and stellar production values don't disappoint with some clean, crisp photography; in the film's most memorable turn, Blanchett could've easily walked off with the show and almost does, she seems to enjoy every minute being bad but can still keep her performance from going completely over-the-top, and she looks great in those stunning Sandy Powell (the multiple Oscar-winning costume designer) costumes. Bonham Carter is solid as The Fairy Godmother, but another unnecessary twist is having her initially as an old woman "watching" over them - pointless when you can make magically and instantly change your look - but Bonham Carter is still an effusive treat. As Ella and Kit, James and Madden are both good, if not bland, and completely upstaged by the wicked stepmother and the fun godmother, but they mostly make for a good couple. "Cinderella" has a handful of slow moments early on, but this is largely a magical, enjoyable effort from Disney that most in the family, especially young girls, will get a treat out of. Definitely worth a look and this also features the fun new "Frozen" short "Frozen Fever."
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