bigverybadtom
This is not the Cinderella story a la the Disney animated movie. The characters are all real human beings and there is no fairy godmother nor a carriage and horses made from a pumpkin and mice nor is the glass slipper used by the prince to find his true love.Indeed, this movie takes place in mid-16th century France, and the prince is expected by his parents to marry a Spanish princess for political purposes, and the movie does bring up the concept of social classes and obligations. Cinderella herself is strong and rebellious, but society and family restrict her as much as everybody else. Even the wicked stepmother is a product of her era-and she is subtle rather than shrill and over-the-top in her villainy.The movie is not entirely realistic-Leonardo Da Vince is present as a court painter, and criminals were sent to the Americas, probably not done in that era. Still, this is a more realistic Cinderella than the standard fairy tale version, and well-acted all around.
Python Hyena
Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998): Dir: Andy Tennant / Cast: Drew Barrymore, Dougrey Scott, Angelica Huston, Richard O'Brien, Melanie Lynskey: Winning charm brought to life with enchanting set pieces, beautiful photography and a title suggesting fairy tale love. Drew Barrymore plays a slave girl who impresses the Prince yet he doesn't understand her. One of the film's finer points is that it can make you laugh so naturally. When surrounded by bandits Barrymore is given opportunity to walk away with anything she can carry, so she stoops down and hoists the bewildered Prince over her shoulder. It is moments such as this that are rewarding but unfortunately the screenplay has not enough such moments. Directed by Andy Tennant who made Fools Rush In, and given an ending that will surprise no one. Barrymore is fantastic playing this slave girl as a bold underdog. Dougrey Scott plays a great foil to her lifestyle, as the Prince who is constantly overwhelmed with her persona. Supporting characters are the pitiful one-dimensional with Angelica Huston as the wicked step-mother as well as Richard O'Brien who makes a wasted appearance. Well made in terms of production but its familiarity may hinder its overall appeal. Modernization works in the end where Barrymore doesn't necessarily encounter stagecoaches but the slipper stays in tact. Score: 7 / 10
Ack423
Being a history lover, normally historical inaccuracies would totally bother me. But the movie is so heartwarming and funny that I could care less. Drew Barrymore is absolutely the perfect person to play the lead character and she is definitely a good role model for a modern generation of fairytale lovers! Instead of waiting for Prince Charming (in this case Prince Henry), played by the talented Dougray Scott, she goes off the palace to find him herself! Along with charming friends, and help from a wise Da Vinci, she can overcome the treacherous obstacles set up by her evil stepmother (played by the talented Anjelica Houston), her vain stepsister, a noble who is out to have her for himself, and the difficulties that difference and class can bring. It is more than just a "chick-flick", it is classic story that everyone can enjoy and a movie that everyone must see :)
SnoopyStyle
The well known familiar fairy tale is bought into Renaissance Italy. Her evil stepmother Rodmilla (Anjelica Huston) has reduced Danielle (Drew Barrymore) to little more than a maid after the death of her father. Marguerite (Megan Dodds) is the horrible stepsister, and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey) is nice one. Prince Henry (Dougray Scott) can't stand his home, and runs into Danielle one day as well as Leonardo da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey) rescuing his Mona Lisa painting. Leonardo would be the fairy godmother.Drew Barrymore is doing a weird British accent in a costume drama taking place in 16th century Italy. There are castles and horses but little grandeur. Although it's a nice idea, it doesn't have any tension or magic. It's not gritty enough to be real nor beautiful enough to be fanciful. The story itself is good triumphing over evil just like the fairy tale.
AD
