This production of
Cinderella with director Kenneth Branagh is most enchanting,
but the fairy tale has been tweaked by writer Chris Weitz, modernizing it to be
in tune with current values. For
instance, Cinderella is kind without being mealy mouthed. She took to heart her mother’s
exhortation to “have courage and be kind.” Later, she insists that her suitor must “like me as I am.” When the prince is searching for the
mysterious woman at the ball, he is certain that he wants to marry her “if she
is willing.” And the king—after
some convincing by his son, urges him to marry for love as opposed to making a
contract in the kingdom’s interest.
Lily James plays the part of Cinderella with
just the right amount of sauciness and sincerity, and makes an interesting
contrast with Blanchett, the conniving step-mother, whose two daughters,
Drizella (Sophie McShera) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) add buffoonery and
gaucheness to further the entertainment.
Prince Charming (Madden) is shown to have values and to be coming into
his own as a responsible adult.
The fairy godmother (Carter) adds magic and sparkle, and the special
effects used to transform a pumpkin, mice, a goose and lizards into a royal
transport are particularly well done.
This is a great movie for children; it has
flash that will dazzle them, intrigue that will engage them, and wholesome
messages that may seem to pass by, but hopefully will be stored in their brains
somehow.
I thoroughly enjoyed a cast made up of a number
of well-known TV personalities:
James and McShera (Downton Abbey), Madden (Game of Thrones), and Hayley
Atwell (The Pillars of the Earth).
Of course, Blanchett, Carter, Stellan Skarsgard, and Derek Jacobi are
loved and revered in the movie world.
Wonderfully updated version of a
beloved fairy tale.
Grade: A By Donna R. Copeland
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