Disney’s CINDERELLA is in theaters now! We just took the kids this afternoon and we LOVED it! Even my husband said it was really good.
The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.
What did we think?
It’s such a beautiful film, and obviously a pretty predictable story since we all know there’s a happily-ever-after ending. Yay! I do love that part. But, there are a few twists and turns, subtle so they don’t ruin the classic tale, that add a little more dimension to the story. You know Cinderella doesn’t have any parents and in the film we get to meet them before they pass on. Later in the film another supporting character also passes on and to me this all seemed like a lot of death but I can see where it serves to really highlight the good, kind person Cinderella is, overcoming what she’s lived through. So, slightly dark but not so much so that it makes if iffy for kids. My kids are 6 and 9 and both enjoyed it (my daughter more so than my son, if I’m being honest – he’s not a super princessy guy!).
The acting is fantastic. Lily James is just perfect for her role as Cinderella and the wicked stepmother is spot on! Cate Blanchett nailed it!
The new short film, FROZEN FEVER, plays in front of CINDERELLA and is totally adorable! Olaf is just as loveable as ever and without giving away the story of what happens as they celebrate Anna’s birthday, it got a lot of laughs out of the kids in the audience. And speaking of audience, our theater was PACKED so get there early when you go!
I have the trailer for you below plus 10 free printable activity sheets to keep the magic alive at home after you go see the movie!
Cinderella Official US Trailer #2
It’s every bit as good as the trailer and then some! I just love that Fairy Godmother. And wish she were mine. 😉
- Draw Your Own Glass Slipper Dot-to-Dot
- Spot the Difference – Stepsisters
- Spot the Difference – Cinderella
- Spot the Difference – Arriving at the Ball
- Spot the Difference – Cinderella and the Prince
- Cinderella Clock Craft
- Cinderella’s Glass Slipper Craft
- Cinderella Word Search
- Cinderella Line Maze
- Cinderella Memory Game Cards
You can find more on the CINDERELLA website and by following along on Facebook and Twitter.
CINDERELLA is in theaters now!
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10 free printable activity sheets from Disney’s #Cinderella! We saw it today. It’s FANTASTIC!! http://t.co/GhD28TJkoh pic.twitter.com/UCpPbrIUyf
— Lindsay (@SeeMomClick) March 16, 2015
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