Discover the Magic of Disney’s Reimagined Cinderella

Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com/cinderella

It’s the classic we all know and love reimagined and reintroduced as a fairy tale that will resonate across generations. Disney’s Cinderella is opening in theaters this weekend and is sure to enchant and inspire. While I was swept up in the exquisite gowns and stunning scenery, a single quote was etched into my mind after screening Cinderella earlier this week.

“Have courage and be kind.

Where there is kindness there is a goodness,

and where there is goodness there is magic.”

Variations of this phrase echo throughout the movie reminding us that good can triumph over evil. Actress Lily James (who also plays Lady Rose in Downton Abbey) brought to life a sweet, but strong Cinderella. Possibly my favorite Cinderella to date. While staying fairly true to the traditional story line with a few creative twists, Disney elects this time to portray Cinderella less as a damsel in distress and more as an active player in her own fate. The conversation Cinderella has in the village with a former servant as well as the conversation with her stepmother in the attic show us the strength and conviction that her character possesses. As a mother (and a woman), I love this and how it models having strength in our sorrow and in our struggles.

Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com/cinderella

Lily James is accompanied by a talented cast including Cate Blanchett as the step mother, Lady Tremaine, Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, and Richard Madden as Prince Charming. The twist of Cinderella and Prince Charming initially meeting as supposed equals adds to the strength of both characters. Enjoy this sneak peek into their meeting.

The intricate details of the set design and the gorgeous setting provided the perfect backdrop for Cinderella. The movie was filmed throughout England in similar locations to Maleficent and Pirates of the Caribbean. Three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell is the woman behind the elaborate costumes for the film. Cinderella’s breathtaking ball gown was made from more than a dozen fine layers of fabric meant to appear as if she were floating. My favorite touch was the butterflies on the bodice as well as the shoes that paid homage to Cinderella’s relationship with her mother. Catch a peek at the gorgeous butterflies in the official trailer if you haven’t seen it yet.

My family adored the movie from my three year old on up to my husband. The antics of the mice, lizards, and goose had my five year old son giggling and my daughter was wide eyed at the ballroom scene. I’ve heard her humming “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and I’ve had to sneak that Cinderella dress into the wash while she is sleeping so she can wear it every day. The soundtrack for Cinderella is already available on Amazon.com and iTunes.

As an added bonus, theater goers are treated to Pixar’s brand new short film Frozen Fever. This crowd favorite had our entire auditorium laughing and wanting more. We are in luck because Disney just announced today that Frozen 2 is in the works! Here’s a quick glimpse of what you can expect from Frozen Fever.

From the enchanting backdrops to the endearing and timeless characters, you will not want to miss Cinderella and Frozen Fever this weekend. Whether it is girl’s night, time to snuggle up with a date, or the perfect excuse to take your family out, catch it in your local theaters and let me know what you think!

 For more information and Cinderella magic:

https://www.facebook.com/Cinderella
https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFrozen
http://www.twitter.com/CinderellaMovie (#Cinderella)
https://twitter.com/DisneyAnimation (#FrozenFrozen)
http://www.instagram.com/DisneyCinderella
http://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/cinderella
https://plus.google.com/+disneycinderella
http://disney.com/Cinderella

I received screening tickets for Cinderella for the purpose of this review.