ALLIE REYNOLDS
General Manager of Mast TV
AUTHORâS NOTE: Before you read this review, please know that Iâm a giant Disney freak. I was raised on Disney movies and annual trips to Disneyland. After I graduate in May, Iâm moving to California to participate in the Disney College Program at the Disneyland Resort.
Disneyâs live-action version of âCinderellaâ is the perfect remake of the 1950âs flick. Itâs filled with magic and wonder and surprisingly, a strong female character.
In the 2015 version of âCinderella,â Lily Jamesâ performance of Cinderella has something the 1950âs portrayal lacked: personality.
Jamesâ Ella is kind, independent and a dreamer. Yes, her stepfamily continues to verbally and emotionally abuse her into doing chores around the house, but Cinderella remains positive about the situation, remembering the words her mother told her before she died, âhave courage and be kind.â
And Cinderella does just that.
She shows kindness and courage throughout the movie, staying true to her motherâs words. Even when her stepfamily rips her motherâs dress to shreds, she doesnât lash out at them. She remains courageous and kind.
At the end of the movie, she continues the movieâs theme by forgiving her abusive stepmother.
I think people could learn something from Jamesâ Cinderella. By showing people even the tiniest ounce of kindness, it can change anyoneâs day. It may not be the easiest thing to do, but it could dramatically affect someone in a positive way.
Another reason I loved this version of Cinderella was her relationship with Richard Maddenâs Prince.
Unlike the 1950âs Prince Charming, Maddenâs Prince Kit had a personality and speaking lines. The duo meet in the forest before the ball. You can actually tell they have chemistry.
Ella didnât need a prince to save her. Thatâs not why she chose to marry Prince Kit. She chose to marry him because they complemented each other well and encouraged each other to follow their dreams and be true to themselves.
This is an important message that Disney is starting to show more in its newer-released films, as it should.
I highly recommend seeing Disneyâs live-action version of âCinderella.â Youâll leave the theater feeling joy and happiness and begin to believe again that good things happen to people who deserve them.
And remember: have courage and be kind.
