If you’re a regular reader of my reviews, you’ll probably have gathered by now that Cinderella – or anything Disney – isn’t really my bag.
However, there’s no doubting that the remake of one of Disney’s most popular stories is the big film of the week.
So, in the interest of fairness, I went to see Cinderella with my wife Nikki, herself a massive fan of the original (and most other movies of this particular genre). We agreed that we’d both say a number out of ten at the end of the film, with the middle ground serving as this review’s final score.
The fact that she would give Kenneth Branagh’s take on the story 9/10 should be enough to convince those of you that are partial to a bit of classic Disney to give this a chance.
I’ll not waste too much time going over the story, as this take on Cinderella essentially follows the animated version.
Lily James (Downton Abbey) takes centre stage in the lead role as ‘Ella’, a character that sees a much more rose-tinted version of the world than the rest of us.
Her outlook of being kind and courageous is tested to the limit after the death of her parents, though, with evil stepmother (Cate Blanchett – The Lord of The Rings trilogy) and wicket stepsisters Drisella (Sophie McShera – Downton Abbey) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger – Jane Eyre) treating her like dirt.
Blanchett is expertly cast as iconic Disney villain Lady Tremaine, a character you’ll likely despise despite Branagh’s best efforts to humanise her.
Equally, the two step-sisters do an admirable job of both annoying the audience and embarrassing themselves.
Obviously the chemistry between Ella and Kit/Prince Charming (Richard Madden – Game of Thrones) is key to the story too – and once again, I’d say that was pretty much bang on here.
As a big GOT fan, it was great to see Madden deliver in a big screen role.
There’s the more old school notion of love at first sight that he and James have to sell to the audience here, and for the most part I thought they did very sound job.
The Prince’s character is fleshed out a little by a few scenes with his father, the King, who is played by Derek Jacobi (Gladiator). Much like Ella, he comes across as a decent chap with sound morals, so you’re easily sold on their whirlwind romance.
Overall, Cinderella is a pretty good-looking film, with the scene involving Ella’s fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter – Fight Club) the stand-out.
Even as somebody that turns their nose up a most Disney stuff, seeing Ella’s farmyard animal “friends” turn into humans was pretty amusing.
I’d be lying if I said I enjoyed Cinderella myself, as it simply isn’t for me. But don’t let that put you off.
The 2015 version remains very much vintage Disney, with children and any of you that either loved, or missed, the original sure to enjoy it just as much this time around.
Voice Verdict: 7.5/10
+Strong cast
+Vintage Disney
+Kids will love it
+Great visuals
– If you’re not into Disney, it’s pretty dull
