For centuries, Cinderella has faced and overcome many things: firstly her evil stepmother and irregular sleeping patterns, and secondly, numerous editions and interpretations in books and television. This includes films by Walt Disney and Julie Andrews, and even Jerry Lewis and Anne Hathaway, as well as all the works by theater giants Rodgers and Hammerstein. She will undoubtedly endure this altered portrayal too, which in itself is a mashup of overused efforts and over-the-top portrayals of wanting to grab you and scream—or rather sing—“BE ENTERTAINED.” And, at times, we are. But this feels more like a collection of TikTok videos than a full-fledged movie, which made my sights twirl like pinwheels.
I must say, my 5-year old cousin will most likely adore it, so there is that. And the fact that Cinderella is a beloved fairytale certainly helps. From the neglected but kind-spirited girl who undergoes the ultimate transformation and lives happily ever after, this story has remained constant through various cultures throughout epochs of time. Despite the attempted innocence of girl power, pop music, and superficial engagement towards the audience, there are parts within the film where the story shines.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the Cinderella story and every generation brings its own flavor. Earlier versions of the story focused on obeying someone, like in “Ella Enchanted,” while the more recent ones, such as the Brandy/Whitney Houston version, put emphasis on diversity. In this accompanied version, Cinderella (singer Camila Cabello) has aspirations of becoming a fashion designer and supporting herself to the point where she can move out from her stepmother’s basement. This version also seeks to portray the stepmother (Idina Menzel) with a bit more sympathy and reduces the “mean girl” attitude of the two step-sisters.
Kay Cannon (writer and director of ‘Pitch Perfect’) made oversights in the screenplay, resulting in the movie being unbalanced. While it is still possible to make the main character more funny and independent as well as give him or her more goals to aim for, the other characters do not have to be toned down, something that was clearly missed. In fact, one attribute is randomly given to every single character making for a challenge even the talented cast cannot cope with: the dictatorial king Pierce Brosnan, the frustrated Minnie Driver queen, the public policy studying princess Tallulah Greive, and the flamboyant fairy god-person Billy Porter as Fab G. All the Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) has to add, aside from good looks, is a passion for Cinderella and a beautiful voice.
The man is a subject of a running joke and that is what makes him The King’s Idiot Son. There is a hint of truth in that. Ah, idiot might be taking it too far, but he is arguable a real slacker who knows what he doesn’t want but not what he does want. He definitely isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
Because of how activity filled it is, audiences may not pick up on everything, and what they can pick up on is extremely colorful. There are also large, vivid dance numbers, which explains why there is a prediction made about the five year old. I wholeheartedly agree with the five year old in all of us. The film opens with an energetic initial number that displays the villagers enthusiastically dancing to .. ‘Rhythm Nation’.
On a different note, there is no doubt it is cheerful and full of spirit as it has many familiar tunes including “What a Man,” “Shining Star,” and “Seven Nation Army” which most of the Gen Z’s grandparents and parents loved. I say ‘unfortunate’ because I have to mention Queen’s “Somebody to Love” which is a painful reminder that it was better used in “Ella Enchanted”.
The musical numbers are a lot better than the dialogue, which is cutesy and bland. “Still get spanked on the tush-tush!” is yet another line of dialogue I cannot believe made it into the final draft of the screenplay more than once. Even Porter’s snap magic can’t save lines like this from the never ending discomfort of glass slippers.
Just like every other musical character, Cinderella has her own ‘I Want song’. That is why we see her in her basement cottage with a ‘You Gotta Be’ by Des’ree playing in the background while saving a caterpillar caught in a spider web. What does she want? To be stronger and wiser for love to do the rest. She is loved by everyone including the mice, whom James Corden gives his voice to. It is a good reminder to all that one reason why the producer should not be in the film is that producers are inherently poor judges of whether their presence improves the film.
The disjointedness and absurdness are regrettable distractions from some of the real enjoyable aspects of this movie. Some of which include Cabello’s delightful performance as Cinderella and the innovative and vibrant choreography. The truth is, this Cinderella tale needed Fab G to give it a makeover.
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