This adaptation of the old fairy tale was made by Disney and is heavily inspired by their 1950 animated version. The story of the orphaned girl (Lily James) who is mistreated by her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett), but gets a magical shot at wooing Prince Charming is girlishly romantic and fun for kids. Handsomely mounted, with top talents behind the costume and production design, and Blanchett is intimidating in a wonderfully bitchy Joan Crawford-esque star turn. But we know this story so well, and there’s no real reason for another straight retelling.

2015-U.S. 112 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. Screenplay: Chris Weitz. Music: Patrick Doyle. Production Design: Dante Ferretti. Costume Design: Sandy Powell. Cast: Lily James (Ella), Richard Madden (Kit), Cate Blanchett (Lady Tremaine), Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgård, Derek Jacobi… Hayley Atwell, Rob Brydon. 

Trivia: Emma Watson was allegedly offered the lead role. 

IMDb