Review of Cinderella (2021) by Rozzie — 03 Sep 2021

My family loved this fun, fresh take on a classic. I saw the trailer and knew it wasn't a Disney or a Rogers and Hammerstein version so I went into the movie without preconceived notions as to what it would be.

It had a talented cast including Camila Cabello in her acting debut, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter so the vocals were amazing. There was just enough of the classic fairy tale whimsy to make it magical, but with modern values, humor, and music.

Great song choices across the decades for the whole family to enjoy, and amazing choreography, costumes, and sets. The characters have more depth, and I enjoyed getting to know more of their motivations especially those of Idina's Stepmother role.

I would have loved to have a little more character development, but was still very happy to see more than the cliche one dimensional characters of the classic fairy tale. I was proud that the story had a better message for children about following their dreams, and particularly for girls that they can have it all: both a career, following their passions, and also having the prospect of someone to love.

Finally, my daughter has a strong, empowered but kind and compassionate princess to look up to. This is now one of my favorite adaptations of the story and we will be watching it many more times in the future for the pure joy and fun of it.