CINDERELLA

Cinderella is the latest Disney classic to get a live-action version released on the big screen. While I don't think it's entirely necessary, I do think it's a welcome arrival after the abysmal Maleficent last year.

Rather than attempting to revamp the story in the way Maleficent did, Cinderella sticks to the well know tale that is well known and treasured by many over the world. It's lavish and certainly looks like a film with a budget of $95 million.

Normally at this stage in my review I would go into a description of the plot but seeing as this is Cinderella, I don't really think that is needed. It's a story that everyone knows.

Cinderella may not be a groundbreaking cinematic achievement but it is a well made adaptation from director Kenneth Branagh. There are few directors out there who you could say are more suited to this film than Branagh. Along with cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, Branagh brings Cinderella to life with plenty of style.

Branagh also has an impressive cast to work with. Lily James, of Downton Abbey fame, impresses in the lead role of Cinderella while Richard Madden, best known for playing Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, brings plenty of charm as Prince Kit.

Branagh's film feels very Shakespearean and the supporting cast including Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine and Derek Jacobi as The King in particular bring their seasoned experience to the table. I even found myself liking Helena Bonham Carter as The Fairy Godmother, which is one part of the film I thought was going to be irritating.

As I said before, Cinderella is nothing groundbreaking but I can't fault it as a family film. Kids will love it and there is enough to keep adults interested. Some kids may even be dragging their parents along to see it just so they can see Frozen Fever, an animated short that revisits the characters of Frozen.

Verdict: 3/5