Cinderella (2015)

i want this dress, thank you, mail it to me

'Be brave and kind' and let's repeat this slogan throughout the movie to underline the kindness and braveness of the character instead of fully fleshing that out. We all know Cinderella. I know her too well and am a ridiculous fan of the original Disney film from 1950. Not to the extent where I do not see it's flaws, as I throughout the years have become more drawn to several other adaptations. There's Three nuts for Cinderella that's shown every Christmas with a silly dub or the one with Brandy (and a really hot Prince and Whitney Houston, hello) besides the film Ever After that stole my heart away.

Technically, if I had to pick a true winner it would be none of them, but a book actually.

Unfortunately we are not here to talk about books (though it is Ella Enchanted, the loveliest of lovelies). We are here to actually talk about this newest version, which salutes its origin very nicely. Needless to say it does gleam brightly, but there are certain things that could have been done better.

There are several kinks that should be straightened and it's frustrating, because there's a lot of potential within the film, except it's very visual and lacking that really pure emotional depth. You'd think - spoiler alert - that three characters, parental figures even, kicking the bucket would perhaps help, but it's just not handled well. It's shiny, but it doesn't have that true gem. Repeated phrases and certain character actions that make no sense.

You have Cate Blanchett. Cate Blanchett. She is playing the cruel stepmother, yet it falls flat, because her cruelty doesn't really get a chance to shine. Ella played by Lily James is lovely, but hasn't gotten much material to work on in terms of character. They do not seem to know how to display the kindness and bravery properly without there being some odd manifesto. The film isn't terrible, but it doesn't excel in the way I'd hope. It's the build-up that just sort of fizzes out when it heads towards the end, and the sense of urgency and desperation just feels like a minor shrug.

5/10