Cinderella is back on the big screen in a new live-action Disney adaptation of the classic fairytale.
Directed by uber-thesp Kenneth Branagh, the film is beautifully shot with some top-notch casting choices including Cate Blanchett as the neurotic and nasty step-mother and Helena Bonham Carter as the glamorous fairy godmother. Cinders herself is played by Lily James – Lady Rose to Downton Abbey fans – and is suitably sweet with a wardrobe to woo an army of young Frozen fanatics.
The two ugly sisters – ugly on the inside rather than the outside, despite an array of gloriously garish frocks – are good value with their bickering, backstabbing and self-importance. Game of Thrones’ Richard Madding is perfectly charming as the Prince, but isn’t bestowed with any of the best of lines.
After a trend for dark revamps on classic tales this is a much more traditional affair, but there are some great uses of special effects, in particular when the fairy godmother works her magic, transforming mice to horses, a pumpkin into a glitzy gold coach and the lizards into rather reptilian-like footmen.
There’s something very old-fashioned about this flick – in a good way. It’s easy on the eye, heart-warming and as enjoyable for grown-ups as it is for children. Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fairytale, after all?