Cinderella-Kids Movie Review

“Be kind and have courage,” were Ella’s (Cinderella, played by Lily James) mother’s dying last words. Ella honors her mother’s request and is a very kind and courageous loving young lady. After her mother’s death, Ella and her father remain very close and enjoy their lives together, however Ella’s life dramatically changes when her father decides to re-marry. Sadly he becomes very ill, and unexpectedly dies shortly after the wedding. Ella is left with an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. They force her to sleep in the attic, do every menial chore possible, and make her a servant in her own home. However, with Ella’s positive attitude and kind demeanor she overcomes her hardship and never gives up hope. Finally her life takes a positive turn the day she meets the charming prince (Richard Madden). She falls madly in love, and with the help of her fairy godmother, attends the King’s ball. Ella is dressed in a beautiful gown, dances the night away, and arrives home by midnight. Days later, when the prince is on a mission to find his true love, he succeeds… the glass slipper fits. Inspired by Walt Disney’s 1950 animated fairy tale Cinderella, this is a wonderful film with great messages…a perfect movie for the whole family.

Rating: 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: September 15, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will it Appeal to Most Kids? Yes

Talking Points:

There are several wonderful messages woven throughout the film. As I previously mentioned Ella lived by her mother’s dying words to be kind and courageous. Great parent/child conversation.
The film also stresses the importance “to be seen as we are.” The prince ultimately falls in love with Cinderella, a common country girl, not a noble beautiful princess, whom he was supposed to marry.
There’s a message of forgiveness as well. When Ella is continually being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, she ultimately forgives them.
“Have courage and be kind,” a phrase repeatedly said throughout the film, is a phrase that Ella lives by.
Parents need to be aware that the subject matter of death, and loved ones dying, are a part of the film. The scene where Ella’s mom dies is very sad, which may be hard for young kids.

Sexual Content: Mild

Cinderella and the prince kiss.

Violent/Disturbing Content:Mild

As the stepsisters argue, one sister threatens to scratch out the other sister’s eyeballs.
Lady Tremaine, the stepmother, is very cruel and evil to Ella. She never physically abuses Ella, though she treats her as a lowly servant, not as daughter.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild