REVIEW: Cinderella (2015)

CINDERELLA (2015)
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG
RATING: *****/*****

PREMISE: (Via IMDB) When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.

THE PRO'S: Pure, Disney magic at its finest. Amazing writing, casting, directing, acting, and visual effects. A near-perfect movie.

THE CON'S: Hard to find any. So I'll just say I wanted more of the Fairy Godmother.

THE REVIEW:

I will be the first to admit that when I first heard about this movie, I had NO desire to see it. On paper, the ideas they had didn't seem to be good, and the initial promotional campaigns for the film were, by all accounts weak. So it is to my great delight, and pleasure to tell you this ended up being my favorite Disney film in years (surpassing even my love of Frozen).

Though I'm sure most people will know, Cinderella tells the story of a fair young maiden known as Ella, who works as a servant for her rich, spoiled stepmother and her two step-sisters.  Fortune soon turns around after an unknowing encounter with one "Kit", who she is unaware is "Prince Charming" and an invitation to a gallant ball being thrown in the prince's honor. Could this finally be the ticket out of her horrific life? It all comes down to a little bit of magic, and a single, glass slipper.

I think what makes Cinderella excel beyond other recent Disney movies is  that it gets what makes Disney magic, well, magic. It doesn't rely on gimics or an extremely popular, catchy tune. What it relies on is a lot of heart, a wonderful cast, and a heartwarming message that still connects with people today. There are a lot of new story beats here that add to this fact, without giving much away, and work to even enhance the story and keep it on-level with Walt Disney's classic.

And when I say "the wonderful cast" I mean it. It's really hard to point out just one amazing performance here. Lily James is PERFECTION as Cinderella, they could never have cast someone more suited for her, she's fabulous. With the same going to Richard Marsden (who plays The Prince), Cate Blanchett (The Wicked Stepmother), Helena Bonham Carter (The Fairy Godmother), as well as Holiday Granger and Sophie Mcshera as Drizella and Anastasia respectively. They could not have had their roles down pat any more if the characters themselves had been plucked off the screen to act in the remake. There are a lot of new characters as well, all of whom absolutely stand-out and are well crafted, as well as acted brilliantly. My favorite, by far, being Captain! (In fact, my only complaint is that I wanted more time with the fun Fairy Godmother character)

Of course, I'll leave a shout-out here to the cutest characters in the movie: THE MICE! Jauq and Gus-Gus have as much a presence here (this time as "real" mice) as they did in the original. And they are adorable to watch. So much character is brought to her little mice friends, that you just can't help but love them. And good thing too, I know I loved Gus-Gus as much as I did as a child. 

The effects, scenery, and costuming in this movie are another high point of the film. From the transformation for the ball, to the world around Cinderella it's BEAUTIFUL to look at. I especially love how they did the palace ball sequences, which are just mesmerizing. I felt like I was taken to a whole other world while watching this movie, as it should be.

The story is well-handled as well. It doesn't exactly bring anything new to the table, but does expand the story we know and love from the Disney classic quite well. Every addition is done with great care as to not detract from the story or message, and overall all the classic scenes are there in some shape or form. As a result, I feel it will please both old fans of the original, and newer little fans who are just discovering this timeless story.

I can go on and on, but instead I'll just say.

IN CONCLUSION: 

If you love the original? See it. If you love  fairy tales? See it. If you still believe in Disney magic? DEFINITELY see it. Cinderella is a modern day masterpiece, no question about it. Definitely proof Disney has not forgotten its roots, and hopefully will continue to honor Walt in much the same way in their other upcoming remakes. (Beauty and the Beast is set for 2016!)

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

MY HIGHEST RECCOMENDATIONS