Feature | Lights, Camera, Action! – Cinderella (Movie Review)

Cinderella (UK Rating: U)

If ticket sales from both the States and around the world are anything to go by, it will go down a storm in the UK. Familiarity clearly breeds good Box Office results, and it also means that an outline of the story is hardly necessary. Just think ugly sisters, fairy godmother, handsome prince and glass slipper.

It's actually a faithful re-working of the animated original. Director Kenneth Branagh said at the film's press conference that he wanted to make a film that would appeal to everybody - especially those who asked if Gus Gus was going to be in it. Fans of all ages won't be disappointed as the talents of the Disney CGI team are on show in all their glory, giving two particularly spellbinding transformation scenes - the one after midnight is a jaw dropper - a gloriously lush ballroom sequence, and a set of very convincing CGI animals. Needless to say, they include Gus Gus the fat mouse, and the vicious cat, Lucifer, both of whom were in the original cartoon version. There's also an entertaining new arrival: a goose with a great knack for "scene bombing," the cinematic equivalent of photo bombing.

Branagh has created his Cinderella with panache and affection for the original, making it the perfect Easter treat - sweet but not over sugary. However, like Big Hero 6, the film doesn't arrive alone, bringing with it a short that will be greeted with squeals of delight. Frozen Fever sees the return of Elsa, Anna, and the gang in something of a gap-filler until the arrival of Frozen 2, whenever that may be. This time Elsa is determined to give Anna the best birthday ever, even though she's suffering from a cold. To use her own words, "a cold never bothered me anyway." Get it?

It's pleasant enough, makes a good support feature, and the animation is first-rate. Its legions of devotees will no doubt adore it but, as shorts go, it's not a patch on Feast.

8/10

Great - Silver Award

Branagh desperately needed a hit after the risible Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and going back to fantasy land has done the trick, transforming the Disney classic for the new era. Cinderella is lush, unashamedly romantic, and overflows with style, and will appeal to both fans of the animated original and newcomers, alike. It's as full of delights as an Easter box of chocolates - except this time people do know what they are going to get!