A few night’s ago I took my princess loving (almost) four year old to see Disney’s new live-action version of Cinderella. She has been on pins and needles ever since she saw the first trailer on her LeapPad a few weeks ago.
Of course, she may have been most excited about Frozen Fever, the short that was going to debut before the main feature.
It’s pretty cute with a fun little ditty you’ll find yourself humming. Little girls and Frozen fans everywhere will fall into fits of giggles as Elsa sneezes out baby snowmen throughout the seven minutes.
But back to Cinderella.
The story is the one we all know – a young girl (Ella played by Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.
She then meets a stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden). It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.
But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
It’s a beautiful movie, with fantastic costumes and scenery. I was completely pulled into the story and enjoyed seeing it play out on screen with talented actors and actresses. Lily James might be the perfect Cinderella. She has just the right amount of sweetness and subtle beauty while also harboring admirable strength.
And Cate Blanchett as the Stepmother? Let’s just say she is the main reason I wanted to see the movie. Cool and calculated, Blanchett begs you to hate her, yet you also want empathize with her in a small way.
Should young children see it? I honestly see no real issues for anyone over three. There’s nothing exceptionally dark about it, nor is there any inappropriate language, save a few “stupid” and “idiot” references. Of course, as most of you know, there are a few deaths in the movie (Cinderella’s mom AND dad plus one other), but the biggest issue with kids under five may be the pace of the film. There were several times my daughter got quite antsy, waiting for something big and exciting to happen.
She actually loved it, but I’ll let her tell you that.
Cinderella is rated PG and has a runtime of 105 minutes.
Will you see it?
Great Review! and personal commentary : )