Disney’s Cinderella Film Review ~ Now Playing in Theaters! #CinderellaEvent

I was invited on an expenses paid trip to LA by Disney to cover the #CinderellaEvent in exchange for my posts of the trip experiences. I attended the red carpet world premiere of Cinderella. All opinions are my own.

Disney’s CINDERELLA is NOW PLAYING in theaters!

From the moment I heard about this new Disney Cinderella movie I couldn’t wait to see it. I grew up loving the animated Disney Cinderella movie and I was excited to see it played out in live action with the Disney elements.

“The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (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.

Soon, she is forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. 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.

Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. 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.”-Disney

I loved every minute of this new live action Cinderella. Disney has once again made a magical movie. I think all the actors in the film did a great job. Lily James as Cinderella was wonderful. She was perfect for this role and she brings Cinderella to life beautifully. A few changes have been made since the animated Cinderella to modernize it. Specifically, Cinderella’s strengths and character are a bigger part of the story. And we were told by the cast of the film that they wanted to show a strong, smart woman who wasn’t just waiting around for a prince to rescue her. They succeeded and I loved the changes and the message of the movie.

“Have Courage and Be Kind”

Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother is amazing. She is so believable as this horrible woman, I loved seeing her play that part. Richard Madden as the prince is so very handsome and charming. I like that his character isn’t arrogant or pompous but instead humble and down to earth. That was refreshing.

You will see mice in the movie just like in the animation, but they don’t speak. Although Director Kenneth Branagh told us there is a secret script for the mice so if you listen really carefully you may hear some words inside those little squeaks.

One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Cinderella meets her Fairy Godmother. Helena Bonham Carter is so great as the Fairy Godmother. She brings such a fun quirkiness to her that is very fun to watch. I love how they have the animals transform into the horses, carriage driver and footmen. They did a great job there. Pretty much that whole scene through the ball and when they are returning home is very fun to watch.

The sets and locations are so beautiful. You really feel like you are in the world of Cinderella as you watch the movie. And the costumes are absolutely gorgeous! Truly stunning. Sandy Powell was the costume designer and she did an amazing job. The costumes take the movie to an even higher level of beauty.

I enjoyed this version of Cinderella very much and highly recommend seeing it in theaters.

Cinderella is rated PG for mild thematic elements. It is perfect for the whole family to see together, and I think everyone young and old will enjoy it.

Also, you will get a very fun surprise as the Frozen Fever short will play before the movie in theaters. Find out what I thought about Frozen Fever as well as my interview with the Directors here.

For even more behind the scenes of the Cinderella movie check out my interviews with Cate Blanchett (Wicked Stepmother), Lily James (Cinderella), and Director Kenneth Branagh.

“Have Courage and Be Kind”

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