Well this is awkward. Long time no see guys! I haven't written anything since about January and I'm so sorry about that! Here's a quick little life update with what's been going on which will hopefully explain this unintentional hiatus. Part-time jobs took up pretty much all of our time and energy throughout the summer and then when February rolled in, Justine was off on holiday around Europe and then an exchange in Spain while I spent an amazing holiday in the USA. Yes, this girl finally got to visit a Disney Park and it was amazing. And right as we got back it was time for university once again. This year I've started law school and I can rightfully say that it is hectic. So, in saying that, updates won't be coming as often. But I will try to write when I can.
Last week I found out that I won tickets to go see Cinderella and I finally got to see it today. So here I am, putting my thoughts down once again while Justine is off at a Ricky Martin concert. I'll see if I can convince her to write a little something about it. No promises. Today, with two of my Once Upon a Time watching sisters, a bottle of Mountain Dew, a bucket of popcorn and a bag of chocolate buttons, it was time to experience yet another Disney live-action remake. Fun fact, I was also sitting next to a teacher from my old high school. I can't say this is the first time this has happened.
Watch the trailer for Cinderella (2015)
This live-action adaptation of Cinderella is simply
beautiful, vibrant and refreshing. It’s a massive step up from Maleficent
(2014) who took creative liberties and almost made it an unrecognisable story.
I did initially enjoy Maleficent, but I took it in and realised that some
choices were questionable. Cinderella (2015) takes the classic tale and adds welcomed
embellishments here and there, rather than turning it on its head.
Lily James is an enchanting Ella. She is a vision of poise
and grace as she floats along in her gigantic dress. She is innocent and
charming and a brilliant leading lady. I’m convinced she’s an actual princess
and no one can tell me otherwise. Richard Madden as Prince Char-KIT, I mean
Kit, is noble yet can also flip the switch to a lovesick man very quickly. Cate
Blanchett is delightfully terrifying. Her mannerisms are perfect but she still
manages to bring in some comedy into this steely lady. I absolutely loved the
scene where she confronts Ella in the attic. Her menacing eyes and all the
darkness surrounding her is all that I take from it.
Cinderella and the Prince meet in the woods
The director, Kenneth Branagh, does take some creative
liberties from the original tale by making some additions here and there. My
favourite would have to be Ella and the Prince’s first meeting in the woods.
Ella and Kit bump into each other when Ella’s horse runs off madly. The two
have a short, yet charming introduction that leaves the Prince smitten. Other
additions with the Prince included palace life and scenes that displayed the
relationship between him and the King. C’mon, who doesn’t need a bit more
Richard Madden’s brilliantly blue eyes? We also get a bit more of Ella’s life
pre-stepmother and are introduced to her positive thinking mother. Like most
Disney films, Ella’s parents don’t stay for very long. But this does introduce
the theme for the film, “Have courage and be kind.” These words are Ella’s
mantra and what encourages her to keep being generous to her undeserving
step-family.
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| The Prince and Cinderella dance at the ball. |
The film is a visual delight from the wonderful locations to
the intricate costumes. The palace was breath-taking and the rolling hills of
the countryside were picturesque. I will say that seeing the steps of the
palace had me singing that Into the Woods song in my head. Cue Anna Kendrick! The
costume department has truly outdone themselves. From the step-sisters in gaudy
prints, to their bedazzled ball gowns, to Cinderella’s iconic and butterfly laced
gown. Even as a servant girl, she still stood out from all the bright and haute
couture inspired dresses her step-sisters wore. As the mysterious girl at the
ball, even amongst all the various ball gowns, hers attracted the most
attention. And lest we forget, those glass slippers! They did keep mentioning
that they were surprisingly comfortable, but I’m still not convinced.
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| Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine |
If I had to be nit-picky, I would say that the CGI was a bit
disappointing. The CGI was a bit lacklustre, especially in the transformation
scene. It just didn’t seem as real as it could be… well as real as a pumpkin
turning into a carriage could be. But I will say that I did enjoy HOW the
animals transformed into horses, footmen and coachmen. From tails disappearing,
to ears shrinking, and having the humans still have animal-like features.“I can’t drive, I’m a goose!”
Listen to Strong by Sonna Rele
Although it is not a musical, we still get a bit of singing.
Ella’s mother sings Lavenders Blue Dilly Dilly to her as a lullaby and I did
notice that an orchestral version was played as she entered the ball. A very
nice, yet very clever touch. The score shone at the ball as everyone danced and
really set the royal party atmosphere. I might be crazy, but I bet the entire
score would sound lovely as musicbox versions. I also did find myself inserting songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella where they would be approprite. The prince is giving a baaaaaaall! We do get an end credit pop song
by Sonna Rele called Strong. It may not be the most memorable end credit song
that’s ever been made, but it is good. It encapsulates the theme of kindness in
its lyrics. “Hold fast to kindness, your light shines forever and ever.” I like
it, but it’s not my favourite. But I think the most pleasant surprise is Lily
James singing “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” during the credits! Girl can
sing and still be a princess about it!
Live-action remake nay-sayers can bite their tongue when it
comes to Cinderella. It’s everything a remake should be. It pays respect to its
predecessors yet takes risks that are well within its fairytale realm. I hope
Disney takes note of this and implements it into their future remakes. Don’t
let me down Beauty and the Beast! You too Mulan!
KEEP
8/10
Listen to Lily James singing "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" like the princess she is!
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