Movie Review: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this movie, as in some other
versions, establishes that Cinderella's father has died. She
lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters, and it's clear
that they have relegated her to the role of servant. They
frequently mock her and demand that she wait on them
hand-and-foot.
Families can talk about why it's significant that this version of Cinderella features a diverse cast that includes African-American, white, and Asian performers, as well as an interracial marriage. Also, does this version of the story feature a more empowered Cinderella? Or is it still the traditional tale where she must be rescued by her fairy godmother and the prince?
Common Sense Media Review
A modern retelling of the classic tale, this third version
of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (the previous two
starred
Julie
Andrews and
Lesley
Ann Warren, respectively) features a multiethnic cast
including
Brandy,
Bernadette Peters,
Whoopi
Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, and
Whitney
Houston.
The movie's strengths are its richly hued costumes, its vibrant sets, and several entertaining musical sequences. The finest acting comes from Peters, deliciously snooty as the wicked stepmother, and Goldberg, who brings a quirky charm to her role as the prince's mother (and kudos to her for tackling a brief singing sequence). Houston is also great as the wisecracking but warm fairy godmother. Brandy is certainly sweet-natured as Cinderella, but she is at her best doing what she does best: singing, particularly in numbers such as "In My Own Little Corner" and "A Lovely Night." Indeed, it's a treat watching these three generations of high-voltage songstresses -- Peters, Houston, and Brandy -- belt out the Rodgers & Hammerstein lyrics.
Other aspects don't fare quite as well. Some dance numbers seem too staged and stiff. Jason Alexander, best known for his role in Seinfeld , seems a bit out of place here, particularly in the lavish song-and-dance number, "The Prince Is Giving a Ball." However, he skillfully handles the drier humor of his role as the prince's assistant; his funniest moment is his practical one-liner after the prince (Montalban) finds Cinderella's glass slipper.
Overall, kids will be captivated, and adults will enjoy some aspects of this modern take on an old fairy tale. The scene where the fairy godmother transforms the pumpkin into a coach and Cinderella's rags into a gown is nicely done, for instance. And this version also includes the origin of Cinderella's name.
Families who enjoyed this movie might also like The Wiz or the earlier versions of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
