The World According to Lady Bren: Movie Review: Cinderella

Disney has discovered a brilliant new way to re-market all of their beloved classics animated movies ~ turn them into Live Action movies.

Lately it seems that Disney can do no wrong; though truly with very little exception have they ever? Their latest strategy of recreating old beloved animated films into live-action movies is most certainly a stroke a genius. Cinderella is the newest release in this genre.
We saw the movie Thursday evening; I appreciate that Carmike theatres show early premieres starting at 7pm, midnight showings are getting a bit rough for this royal. I was concerned that there wouldn't be any little girls at the showing as Carmike is hosting a princess party Saturday, BUT I was gladly proven wrong ~ Thank You Fleming Daisy Troop! As I've said in the past I believe the only true way to watch an animated or super-hero movie is to have a theatre full of kids.

Disney has followed the tradition set by Pixar and now shows shorts before their main feature. There has almost been as much hype about Frozen Fever as there was about Cinderella. Frozen Fever features all of your favorites from the original, also voiced by the original cast. I am not going to spoil the short ~ just be warned that Frozen Fever is aptly named as the public's adoration with this franchise is about to reach Fever level again. Especially since the studio announced today that Frozen 2 is in the works.

Onto Cinderella! One of Disney's unique skills is their casting. I've never seen a movie and wondered what if they had cast so and so. Lily James (Cinderella) and Richard Madden (Prince Charming) were perfectly chosen for their iconic roles. Lily truly captured the true essence of Cinderella's innocence, charm and beauty. I loved the chemistry between the Prince and Cinderella; it felt like a true fairy tale romance, and Richard's blue eyes didn't hurt either! Cate Blanchett (Lady Tremaine)
and Helena Bonham Carter (Fairy Godmother) were also perfectly cast for their respective roles. Cate, who actively pursued this role, brought a beautiful eleganct layer to Lady Tremaine. You could tell she was enjoying the role as the villainous stepmother. Helena, who looks great as a blonde, brought her wonderful comic relief to the film, I'll admit I cheered when she said Bippity-Boppity Boo. Kenneth Barangh as director was an inspired choice. In his interview with Vanity Fair he said “I was very aware coming into the picture that Disney has this amazing responsibility and influence." His approach to details and connection with the audience he is known for can be felt throughout this retelling. While the ballroom scene was gorgeous, my favorite scene was the transformation of the pumpkin and animals into Cinderella's coach.
One thing that I absolutely loved throughout the film was the respectful nod to the Cinderella we all know. Even small notes as keeping the names of Gus-Gus the mouse and Lucifer the cat. I felt there was a thread to all the different tellings of the Cinderella tale, including what used to be my favorite movie version, Ever After, in how Ella and the Prince meet.

Instead of little girls leaving this movie believing they need to find a prince for happiness the true message was to:

Always have Courage and be Kind.