Cinderella (2021) movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Cinderella

This jukebox musical remake of the classic Cinderella story is now available exclusively on Amazon.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 53 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Based on the movie poster, I was prepared to not like this new rendition of the legendary story because Cinderella looked way too cocky to be Cinderella, but as soon as the music started, I was intrigued. My favorite version of the Cinderella story is Cinderella (2015) (Theatrical) with Lily James. She was sooo lovely and perfect in it, giving the film heart, class, and true Disney magic. This iteration of the story, however, has become extremely controversial because of its in-your-face wokeness.

The synopsis is described by the studio as featuring an ambitious heroine who has big dreams. With the help of her fab Godmother, she perseveres to make them come true. This new take on the classic story was both written and directed by the boundary-pushing Kay Cannon. One of my guilty-pleasure franchises is Pitch Perfect, which she also wrote. This is Columbia Picture’s first exclusive Amazon Studios film.

THINGS I LIKED:

Camila Cabello has a beautiful voice and did an excellent job in the title role. I’ve read several reviews that trashed her but I thought she was a breath of fresh air and even had some comedic chops. I really enjoyed her modern take on this epic figure in Disney history. She made some controversial comments many years ago that some critics are bringing up, but I simply judged her performance in this piece.
The talented cast also includes Nicholas Galitzine, the fantastic Idina Menzel, Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver, Billy Porter, and James Corden.
James Corden helped to produce the film, yet only has a few scenes in the story. For some reason, there is a lot of hate flying his way, but I actually get a kick out of him.
Take a look at Nicholas Galitzine’s mouth, especially when he sings. Doesn’t it kind of remind you of Freddy Mercury’s mouth?
When is Minnie Driver going to start aging? She looks great!
Isn’t every movie better when Idina Menzel sings in it? Yes. The answer is yes.
Lots of humor, both spoken and visual. I laughed out loud many times.
The set designs are beautiful. The majority of the film was shot in the famous Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. Several scenes were also filmed in Waddesdon Manor and Lancashire in Blackpool. Several years ago, I got to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace where I learned I actually have ancestors who lived there! I slipped and fell on one of the gravel pathways at the entrance, cutting a huge gash in my knee. You could say that place is in my blood. I still have a big scar from my time there.
Really fun dance numbers.
Billy Porter is “fabulous”, although I know many people will really hate seeing the fairy godmother portrayed as he does.
The town crier, played by Doc Brown, offers a Hamilton-like vibe to the musical when he sings.
This is the first time we see comedians James Acaster and Romesh Ranganathan in a movie.
The costume that Cinderella wears at the beginning of the movie is the same one Lily James wore in her 2015 Cinderella film, except it’s a different color.
Beautiful costume design. The only time I was worried was when Cinderella wore her ball gown. It was beautiful but I worried that it might fall off her.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

A lot of viewers are complaining that they don’t like being lectured to during the entire movie and that it feels more like a political agenda than entertainment.
Cinderella throws her glass slipper at someone and it doesn’t break.
Whatever happened to a sense of duty and respect? The message feels like they’re telling our young girls to be self-centered and to ignore their responsibilities if they don’t like them.
A lot of the singing is auto-tuned. In some cases, it’s really obvious when the voices don’t match the audio.
Some of the song choices were spot on; others seemed a bit odd.
Who is the villain in this story? Even the “Evil” stepmother isn’t evil, just not that nice. The story really softens her personality and makes her just seem misunderstood.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This is the first time we see the fairy godmother as non-binary…and a butterfly.
A conversation about how a mouse/man pees through his “front tail.” Cringe.
No profanity, except using God’s name in vain.
“Progressive” messaging to young girls

THEMES:

Female empowerment, feminism
Believe in yourself
Chase your dreams
The “audacity to want more”
Love
Expectations, duty, responsibility

FUNNY LINES:

“If a rich man ever lost a woman it was to a man who could dance.” – (Pierce Brosnan)
“Okay, let’s not ruin this incredibly magical moment with reason.” – Fairy godmother (Billy Porter)
“Women’s shoes are as they are. Magic has its limits.” – Fairy godmother (Billy Porter)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Who cares what I think? Who cares what anyone thinks. What matters is what you think when you look in the mirror.” – Cinderella (Camila Cabello)
“Every girl is worth more when she smiles.” – Stepmother Vivian (Idina Menzel)
“Nothing in life ever stays the same, good or bad.” – Fairy godmother (Billy Porter)
“I choose me.” – Cinderella (Camila Cabello)
“I have to make a life for myself by myself because that is what I want.” – Cinderella (Camila Cabello)
“What is life if we’re not with the person we love?” – Hench (Fra Fee)
“It never occurred to me that I could choose the course of my own life.” – Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine)
“Saying you love and showing you are two very different things, Rowan.” – Queen Beatrice (Minnie Driver)