Disney’s new Cinderella will make any girl want to dress up
and go to a ball of their own. The new live action film brings the magic and
beauty from the animated film to new life. It is a much more grown up version
but still sticks to the classic storyline everyone knows and loves. It is not
just a retelling however, there are some subtle changes along the way that
makes the film seem fresh.
Lily James brings innocence to the role as well as simple
beauty. The Downton Abbey star steals the audience’s attention with her
selflessness and heart. She makes us feel the pain as well as the happiness she
is going through on screen.
For the Prince, Richard Madden, (Game of Thrones), it was
nice to see him dressed up and tidy. In this film, the role of the prince was
not like the other Disney prince’s. He seemed to be clever, heartfelt, and
determined – and he remembers what Cinderella looks like!
Seeing Sophie McShera, another alum of Downton Abbey, as one of the
awful stepsisters was quite a surprise and pulled off the role effortlessly. Such
a different side of her, especially those who know of her as Daisy!
The casting of Helena Bonham Carter as the fairy godmother
was an interesting choice and I feel she made the role a little ditsier that it
needed to be. I feel as if that role in particular was the most miscast in my
opinion. I do not like to typecast but Helena Bonham Carter comes across as more of a dark and
villain type role in the films I have seen her perform. I also felt the same
about the casting of Cate Blanchett for the stepmother – it seems that her role
could have been a little more sinister than what was written.
The look of the film was beautiful from the set design to the
costume design. Carefully detailed items brought richness to the on-screen look.
One of my favorite costumes was of course the dress Cinderella wears to the
ball. Maybe it is because my favorite color is blue but that dress will
definitely be remembered even after leaving the theater.
This film overall will make you feel good and bring you back
to that childhood love for Cinderella – plus I would not mind stealing her blue
dress. I thoroughly enjoyed the retelling and caught myself many times laughing
and smiling to myself during many scenes. The message of “Be Kind and Have Courage” is a wonderful message to all those who watch the movie. It may seem cliché,
but it is something that many seem to forget today.
There are those who might turn a nose at the film due to the
fact Cinderella is still passive like the original film – but this movie still
wonderful and quite, if I dare say it, Magical.
For the trailer, click here.
I would give this film a 8/10 filmholic rating.
