Review of Cinderella (2013) by Jack F — 31 Mar 2017

Kenneth Branagh is well-known for adaptations of Shakespeare and other high mythologies. In this adaptation of a Disney classic, he is able to weave in classical elements and make the movie look really good along the way.

The story is more fleshed out that the original, which increases the runtime, but also the context. There is a big expansion of Cinderella's backstory, which explains how she came to live with her horrible stepfamily in the first place. The songs have been replaced with a great orchestral score by Patrick Doyle, and a really well-done ball scene.

The acting is quite positive. Lily James is a bit vapid at the beginning, but is better in the back two-thirds of the movie. Cate Blanchett is great as the wicked stepmother. Richard Madden is charming and thoughtfully characterized. Helena Bonham Carter is quirky and fun as the fiary godmother. An honorable mention goes to Nonso Anozie as the Captain; he looked like he was having a lot of fun.

The story, while slightly altered, is familiar. The enjoyment comes from nostalgia, beautiful shooting, and a whole bunch of light hearted sweetness.