Cinderella

«Cinderella» is a modern film that updates a timeless fairy tale, adapted many times for the screen, captivating the hearts of audiences around the world. In the 2021 version, Cinderella is a young entrepreneur who wants to make a name for herself. She unwittingly falls in love with Prince Robert due to some unique circumstances that may bring her closer to her goal.

Cinderella (Camila Cabello) is a young woman with big dreams. She wants to be a professional dressmaker at a time when women going into business are frowned upon. To make matters worse, she works in a dusty basement and has to deal with an evil stepmother (Idina Menzel) who actively sabotages her work and two naughty stepsisters. When Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) hosts a royal ball to find his true love, Cinderella wants to attend to win the hearts of the visitors with her stunning new dress, which she created especially for the occasion, and to promote her business. But after a terrible mishap with her dress, she gets more than she bargains for when Fab G (Billy Porter) transforms her and her three mouse companions into magical versions of themselves so they can still attend the ball. Now Cinderella finds herself in a precarious position. When she meets the charming and handsome Prince Robert, who instantly falls in love with her, will she have to give up her dreams to pursue him?

Written and directed by Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect, Blockers), the unique singing and dancing style that captured the hearts of teen audiences is reflected throughout Cinderella. Imagine that "Pitch Perfect" was taken back in time, with medieval costumes, and you have a result that works for the most part. The above-average performance is boosted by a plot that consistently works to build sympathy for the Cinderella archetype; So despite this, the film manages to put on a good show.

It's interesting to see Idina Menzel, who voiced the hit Frozen, in an uncharacteristically hostile role as the evil stepmother. She's a dream-crushing villain who proves that deep down, she can use her ice powers for evil, too. Camila Cabello and Nicholas Galitzine have as much romantic chemistry as is allowed in a PG movie, and it fits the storyline. The spectacle really elevates this film from average to pretty good. The lively beats hint at high production values at almost every turn and steadily command attention. The magic and humor keep it from getting boring, and the endearing supporting characters manage to distract from the tepid storyline.

Cinderella is a classic because the story is good. This crazy, colorful and lively adaptation has more modern elements, very kid-friendly humor and messages sprinkled throughout. More mature audiences will likely struggle with the generally trite and contrived plot and character arc, but intended younger audiences will likely resonate with the youthful angst that permeates the film. The performances are authentic, including live music and dance numbers, and yet they move comfortably for that tame ride that defines most films in this genre.