Movie Review: Cinderella II: Dreams Come True
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that although CINDERELLA II is family
fun for children of most ages, it tends to cater toward a
female audience. Much of the film focuses on etiquette training
for princesses and old fashioned match-making --for women
seeking husbands. Although the film contains enough slapstick
humor and Disney magic to entertain kids of both genders as
well as parents, the predominance of female themes may
disinterest some male viewers.
Families who view this DVS may want to talk about the stereotypical images confronting young girls in modern day society. Are there really only brides and maidens, and if so, how can this perception be changed? Such discussion could be an important first step in re-shaping the way women are seen in today's society, while making responsible women and men of our own little princesses and princes.
Common Sense Media Review
CINDERELLA II: DREAMS COME TRUE contains three delightful
episodes befalling everyone's favorite princess after she's
married and living happily ever after. Picking up after her
return from her honeymoon, this animated film is narrated by
Cinderella's fairy Godmother and faithful mice friends, who're
out to write a new Cinderella book with more of the fantastic
fairy tales that have charmed audiences ever since the
original.
As with any Disney release, the stories are filled with upstanding moral values encouraging individuality and strength of character in situations where it's not always easy. There are several gratuitous singing numbers, and plenty of laughs to keep the whole family entertained. But it's the mice, especially Jack, who ventures forth as a human at one point, who are the true stars here, and the ones kids will mimic for their memorable one-liners and unmistakable voices.
What the film lacks in terms of drama as compared to the original (the sense of urgency and purpose found in the singular plot of the latter isn't attempted here) it more than makes up for in terms of charm. The princess is every bit as pleasing (especially to her tiny friends) and humble as you would expect after her well-known rags to riches story, while her fairy Godmother is just as wonderfully benevolent and bumbling as audiences remember. Despite failing to break new ground in terms of its storyline, CINDERELLA II ultimately wins by breathing new life and substance into several classic characters of fairy tale past.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
