One of the most acclaimed Shakespearean actors and directors of our time, Kenneth Branagh may seem like an unlikely candidate to put a new spin on the much-loved rags-to-riches tale, but he manages to do a bibbidi-bobbidi-brilliant job of it!
Packed with even more charm, heart and fairy dust than Disney's 1951 animated outing, this live-action flick gives viewers an insight into the mind of Cinders (James) and those around her.
Living by her late mother's (Atwell) creed to "have courage and be kind", Ella (her name changes to Cinderella later), still retains the pure heart and optimism of the girl we all know and love. But, as Branagh himself told TEN, she's "nobody's fool".
Now a more self-assured and independent lass, Ella makes it clear that she's not in the marriage race, and ignores the Prince's (Madden) advances during their first meeting. (But don't worry, they do live happily ever after.)
Instead of dilly-dallying around with why the wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine (Blanchett) and the not-so-ugly stepsisters - Drizella (McShera) and Anastasia (Grainger) - are so cruel, scriptwriter Chris Weitz subtly explains why the trio are so messed up.
Weitz also makes interesting decisions to call the Prince by his name, Kit, instead of 'Prince Charming', while the stepsisters are no longer referred to by their looks. Deep, eh?
Reworking an animated film into a lavish live-action version was never going to be an easy task - but Branagh proves that the risk was worth taking. From the sumptuous visuals to the stunning production design and costumes (thanks to triple Oscar-winners Dante Ferretti and Sandy Powell, respectively), the movie is a feast.
The ballroom scene is exquisite and is guaranteed to bring back some childhood nostalgia, but the 'transformation' set-piece involving Cinderella's Fairy Godmother (Bonham Carter), geese turning into coach drivers and - of course - the pumpkin-turned-carriage steals the show.
Lily James is perfect as Cinderella and it's hard not to root for her, while Richard Madden's journey from 'daddy's boy' to confident young man provides some rewarding scenes.
There's terrific support from Blanchett, who brings depth and understanding to her role (along with some impressive hats and a cat on a leash), while Bonham Carter brings bucketloads of pizzazz, and a dollop of quirkiness, to her role as the Fairy Godmother.
Go and see Cinderella - you really will have a ball!
Laura Delaney
