Cinderella – This Magical Ride is Now Available On DVD/Blu-Ray/Digital
Availabe now on DVD/Digital/Digital comes Disney’s live-action Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James, Cate Blanchette and Richard Madden. The story takes off when Cinderella’s father unexpectedly passes away and young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortune begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger in the woods. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mia A. Comments, “I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars for all of its incredible sets, details and costumes. I recommend it for ages 3 to 19 because this film would appeal to all ages.” Keefer B. adds, “Breathtaking. This new and improved version of the beloved fairy tale reminds audiences that there is still magic in the world..” See their full reviews below.
Cinderella
By Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Disney’s Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh is fantastic! Now available on DVD/Blu-ray/Digital, this movie is about a girl named Ella (Lily James) who ends up living with her stepmother (Cate Blanchet) and stepsisters (Sophia McShera and Holliday Grainger). Ella is treated like a servant until one night when the prince holds a ball that changes her life.
Ella is a kind and courageous girl who cares about everyone and everything. One of her mother’s sayings was, “have courage and be kind.” This is a good message to use in life. I think Ella as a character is a good role model. She stands up for what she believes in and is always very kind. This film is very detailed and precious. The costumes in Cinderella are amazing and breath-taking.
All the costumes were very stylish and fit the time period. Every sparkle, seam and ruffle on every costume were perfectly in place. Ella’s ball gown is spectacular and has very vibrant colors. In general, all the colors in the sets and costumes light up the film.
All the actors played their parts perfectly. They are so into their characters that they seem real. The actors fit together as a cast like family which helps make the whole film more believable. My favorite character is the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter). She is so funny and has a bubbly personality. She really looks and acts like a Fairy Godmother. All the special effects seem real. In one scene, a pumpkin turns into a carriage and it looks like magic.
The DVD of this movie includes some cool bonus features. One of the bonus features is Frozen Fever, a Frozen short (based on the feature film Frozen). In this film, it’s Anna’s birthday and Elsa helps out. Another feature is Ella’s furry friends. This feature is about working with all the animals in the movie. Also there’s a bonus feature about the ballroom scene which made me realize how much work they put into these scenes.
I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars for all of its incredible sets, details and costumes. I recommend it for ages 3 to 19 because this film would appeal to all ages but, there is a lizard guy who is weird and a little creepy that younger kids might not enjoy so much. Cinderella truly is spectacular and now it’s available on DVD/Blue-Ray/Digital.
Cinderella
Reviewed by Keefer C. B., KIDS FIRST! Critics, age 14
Breathtaking. This new and improved version of the beloved fairy tale reminds audiences that there is still magic in the world. Ella (Lilly James) lives with her wicked step-mother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters. She wants to go to the ball so she can reunite with “Kit” aka Prince Charming (Richard Madden). She does this with a little help from her fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).
There have been many versions of this story and I believe most of us know it by heart. With that said, the film brings innovative contributions to the story. We learn more about Ella as a person and the struggles she goes through. More is explained about the motivation of the step mother. Even the Prince is given a story arc of his own. Because of this. the characters and their relationships are stronger. The filmmakers took this fairy tale we all know and added new aspects to the story that audiences can experience and enjoy.
The special effects and costumes are the highlight of the film. These are visuals that only the magic of Disney can conjure. You are transported into th fairy tale. The best scene that shows off these phenomenal effects is the scene with Ella and her Fairy Godmother preparing her for the ball. It’s simply gorgeous from the mice turning into horses to the pumpkin transformation into the carriage. Fun Fact: In the original Cinderella movie, the transition of Cinderella into her dress was Walt Disney’s favorite piece of animation sequence ever to be put to paper. If he was alive today to see the transformation in this film, he would be speechless. Costumes like Ella’s dress and glass slipper are enchanting. I adore the little touches like the butterflies clinging onto the dress.
My favorite character is Lady Tremaine, Ella’s wicked step mother. With a character so cruel, you need an actress who can pull it off. Enters Blanchett and her sinful performance. A good villain is a character you hate and yet love. She is one of those villains. With her evil smile and her corrupt laugh, you can tell she is having fun with the role. Also, like the other characters, she has a well developed story arc. You have more of an understanding why this character is mean to Ella, even if you don’t agree with her.
Moral of the story is “have courage and be kind.” These are the words that Ella’s mother shares on her death bed and Ella lives by. Throughout this movie, Ella experiences a lot of anguish such as loosing loved ones and having her step mother treat her like a servant. However Ella never forgets those words. She does cry and mourn, like any human being, but she never becomes bitter.
I give this 5 out of 5 pumpkins and recommend this to 4 through 18-year-olds. It’s perfect for the whole family to adore. This film is proof that Disney has not lost its touch bringing magic to the big screen. In theaters now.
