Starring - Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter
Runtime - 105 minutes
Disney are world famous for their animated feature films which have enthralled audiences for generations. But could they capture the magic of one of their own beloved classics in a live action remake?
In this film version, the heroine of the tale is Ella, a beautiful and kind girl who has an idyllic childhood until her mother passes away. After a few years her father remarries, this time to a widow (Cate Blanchett) who moves into Ella's family home with her two appalling daughters, Anastasia and Drisella. Tragedy strikes again when Ella's father dies during one of his business trips, leaving the young lady at the mercy of these three horrid women.
The rest of the story is the same as before; a royal ball is held so that the prince (Richard Madden) can choose a bride. While her stepmother and step sisters attend the shindig, Ella is left at home. But, with the help of her fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), a pumpkin, some mice and a pair of glass slippers, she does go to the ball.
Kenneth Branagh has plenty of experience with stunning visuals, directing effects-laden pictures such as Thor. His latest movie is full of dazzling colours that literally sparkle on screen. This could have been sweeter than a sugar cube covered in icing, but Branagh manages to keep the whole thing in perfect balance.
The actors could have all been lifted from the original animation. Lily James looks naturally beautiful and portrays an innocence that makes Ella so likeable.
Ella's stepmother is played by Cate Blanchett, and again, she is perfect in the role. Blanchett is all red lips, husky voice and dirty laugh. She is evil, but the film does a great job at adding an extra dimension to her character, almost creating sympathy for her.
Prince Charming (Madden) is just that; good looking with an engaging personality; the type of boy you would be more than happy to take home to your family. Being a prince is an added bonus.
Helena Bonham Carter was an interesting choice as the Fairy Godmother, one that I was a little unsure of. However, her brand of kooky is refreshing and the character is a lot of fun to watch.
The old cynic in me wanted to dislike this film and I went into the cinema with average expectations. However, the movie grabbed me by the heart and kept me captivated from start to finish. Even though I knew the story, I was entertained for the entire time and at several points could feel a lump in my throat (damn you Disney). After the film, I reverted back to being a little girl, fully prepared to believe in magic. The cynic in me had disappeared, at least for a short while.
I would thoroughly recommend this film to both young and old, and urge you to remember: "Have courage, and be kind!"
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