One Line Review: Cinderella 2021 adds a new twist to the classic story, but it is tedious for long stretches of time and is largely forgettable overall.
Youtube Trailer
Starring: Camila Cabello, Nicholas Galitzine
Director: Kay Cannon
Release Date: 3 September 2021
Introduction
Cannon directs and writes the film, which stars Camila Cabello, Nicholas Galitzine, Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, and Billy Porter, among other cast members. Cinderella 2021 is a musical film directed and written by Kay Cannon.
Plot analysis
How did we get back to this place? Another Cinderella story (no, not the one starring Selena Gomez), but this time it’s a musical instead of a film! For some reason, a hundred other retellings of the classic fairytale weren’t quite enough, were they? In any case, there isn’t much to say about the plot in this section because we all know what the plot is.
In any case, Ella is a fashion designer in Cinderella 2021, and everyone around her is speaking in the jargon of the twenty-first century. We’ll throw in some old-fashioned sexism, some songs, and we’ll have ourselves a modern-day take on the classic tale. Especially amusing is the juxtaposition of old customs, clothing, and traditions with the way the characters speak, which is both sharp and humorous.
Unlike its predecessors, Cinderella 2021 is intended to be a funnier and more humorous version of itself, and as a result, there isn’t a single serious moment in the film. I’d argue that musicals aren’t serious, but then I think of Hamilton and I change my mind. Anyway, I realized pretty early on that this is a movie that you watch for entertainment purposes only, and that you will not be drawn into the story.
Tedious, slow, and boring
In spite of all the excitement, color, and music, Cinderella 2021 can be a bit tedious at times despite the lavish production values. A few songs are fine, but Madonna’s Material Girl, on the other hand, is a masterpiece in its own right. The gender-swapped Godmother, on the other hand, is quite amusing and extra. Throughout the film, there are some humorous self-awarenesses that I found to be amusing. Aside from that, the tone of Cinderella 2021 is a little ambiguous in its delivery. In the blink of an eye, Ella is being abused and the next moment, there’s loud singing and she’s jumping around.
Cinderella 2021, on the other hand, addresses gender issues and patriarchy quite effectively and does so with a sense of humor. However, instead of jumping at the opportunity to become the princess, Ella chooses herself. I appreciated that she refused to give in β love shouldn’t come at the expense of one’s independence, and thank goodness they demonstrated that. The evil stepmother’s side of the story is also conveyed through Vivian’s broken dreams, which makes you feel her pain as well.
To sum it up: Dance is the only thing to look for
The dance scene in Cinderella 2021 was, in my opinion, the highlight of the film. In all seriousness, anything with Ed Sheeran’s Perfect playing in the background is fantastic, but the moment when Robert acknowledges his sister and Ella at the same time before breaking out in dance is particularly memorable.
Idina Menzel’s performance as Vivian is outstanding. Despite the fact that she is vulnerable and emotional, she is also deliciously evil (but not cartoonishly evil, you understand?). Obviously, Cabello and Nicholas Galitzine are the stars of the show, as they look absolutely stunning together and have excellent chemistry. Minnie Driver, on the other hand, was my absolute favorite; her character is amusing and thoroughly entertaining throughout the film. It’s hilarious how much I felt her disdain and rage.
Conclusion
The rats who have been transformed into humans are the show’s high point, as they clap their hands in wonderment at what the frick is going on. No, but seriously, Cinderella 2021 exposes what is wrong with society and women’s position in the world β specifically, how women have been silenced for centuries β and offers solutions. My favorite part of the story is the happy ending, no matter how rushed it may have seemed or how easily everything was resolved. It is, after all, a fairytale, so you never know. The new version, on the other hand, fails to make much of an impression on the audience and is largely forgettable.
