Helena Bonham Carter – Page 3 – We Are Movie Geeks

Focus Features To Release SUFFRAGETTE Fall 2015 – Stars Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter

Focus Features has acquired North American distribution rights from Pathé to the drama SUFFRAGETTE, directed by BAFTA Award winner Sarah Gavron from a script written by Emmy Award winner Abi Morgan, for a Fall 2015 domestic release.

The cast of the U.K. film includes Academy Award nominees Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, BAFTA Award winner Ben Whishaw, British Independent Film Award winner Anne-Marie Duff, Golden Globe Award nominee Brendan Gleeson, and three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep.

SUFFRAGETTE is a moving drama that will empower all who are striving for equal rights in our own day and age. The stirring story, inspired by the early-20th-century campaign by the suffragettes for the right of women to vote, centers on Maud (played by Carey Mulligan), a working wife and mother who comes to realize that she must fight for her dignity both at home and in her workplace. Realizing that she is not alone, she becomes an activist alongside other brave women from all walks of life. The early efforts at resistance were passive but as the women faced increasingly aggressive police action, the suffragettes become galvanized – risking their very lives to ensure that women’s rights would be recognized and respected.

Focus has also acquired the distribution rights for Latin America, India, South Korea, and most of Eastern Europe including Russia; Universal Pictures International will release the film in those territories. Focus CEO Peter Schlessel made the announcement today.

Ruby Films’ Alison Owen, an Academy Award nominee as producer of Elizabeth, and Faye Ward are the producers of SUFFRAGETTE, which is directed by Sarah Gavron (Brick Lane) from a screenplay by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady). The film’s executive producers are Cameron McCracken, Tessa Ross, Rose Garnett, Nik Bower, James Schamus, and Teresa Moneo.

SUFFRAGETTE is a Ruby Films production for Focus Features, Pathé, Film4, and the BFI in association with Ingenious Media and with the participation of Canal+ and Cine-Cinema.

Meryl Streep, who plays Emmeline Pankhurst in SUFFRAGETTE, commented: “Every daughter should know this history, every son write it on his own heart.”

Peter Schlessel, CEO of Focus Features, said, “Suffragette is a story that will resonate with men and women across the generations; it is about parents and children, courage and dedication, and making hard choices. Sarah, Abi, Alison and Faye are women who represent an amazing convergence of filmmaking talent. We’re proud to partner with Pathé to bring this powerful drama to audiences worldwide.”

The deal was negotiated by Focus Features’ Beth Lemberger, Executive Vice President, Business Affairs, and Lia Buman, President of Acquisitions, with Cameron McCracken, Managing Director, Pathé Productions, and Muriel Sauzay, Head of Sales, Pathé International.

Disney’s CINDERELLA – The Review

Disney’s live-action CINDERELLA will take audiences on an enchanting journey through one of the most beloved fairy tales in history.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re familiar with the classic story of CINDERELLA. A beautiful young girl is forced into a life of servitude by her step-mother and evil step-sisters after the tragic passing of her father. One day, she manages to run into the prince (not knowing his identity). Smitten, she is delighted to attend the royal ball in the hopes of seeing him again, but her step-mother and step-sisters will not allow it, and take to trashing the only dress she has suitable to wear.

This is where a little magic happens. A distraught Cinderella is then greeted by her fairy godmother who is there to make her dreams of going to the ball come true. With a little magic, a pumpkin, and some mice, Cinderella is ready for the ball… but there is always a catch with magic. She has until the stroke of midnight to enjoy the ball and make a getaway before the magic fades, and all will return back as it was… or will it?

I really enjoyed this film. The first thing that struck me is that they cast attractive, yet believable leads. Lily James (Cinderella) and Richard Madden (the prince) are two pretty people, but they aren’t so pretty that they look fake. It’s easy for Hollywood to cast actors with impossible beauty standards for films such as this. Instead, the actors were attractive, but obtainable. (Hopefully that makes as much sense as it does in my head). The two actors suit the characters that they are playing, and give believable, down to earth performances. Lily James is simply charming as Cinderella. She has a warmth that permeates the screen and reaches the hearts of viewers.

Cate Blanchett is the real stand-out to me, though. She plays the wicked step-mother role with ease. If you’re familiar with the Disney animated version of this tale, the step-mother is not nearly as attractive as Blanchett, but trust me… Blanchett is just, if not more, evil. Her cold, red-mouthed smirk is all too perfect for the role.

We’re so use to seeing Helena Bonham Carter in odd, unattractive roles that it’s refreshing to see her as a goody-goody. I was tickled to see her dressed in ruffles and shimmer. Although I prefer to see her in weird, dark roles, it was pleasant to see her take on something different.

I’m really glad that they addressed disguising Cinderella at the ball from her step-mother and step-sisters. The Clark Kent glasses trick doesn’t really work on audiences today, and I’m glad that the filmmakers decided to take a moment to explain why she would not be recognizable to her “family”.

Director Kenneth Branagh did an incredible job with this film. Stunning costumes, sets, and CGI make for an enchanting journey onscreen. Every character had a specific set of colors that they were identified with that allowed them to stand out in their own right. Rather than going with the traditional castle, they built an entire kingdom, which was a bold but rewarding choice. The film is basically an exact adaptation of the animated version, minus the music. As much as I enjoy the songs from both the animated version and the musical, I feel like it would have made this film annoyingly sweet. Instead, composer Patrick Doyle provides us with a pleasant score to move the film along, and allows us to concentrate on the magic. My only complaint, out of the entire film, is that I would have liked a little more interaction with the animals surrounding Cinderella. They are such a big part of the original animated film, that I would have liked a little more time with them.

CINDERELLA is a win for Disney. It’s magical, fun, and over all enchanting. Go see it before it bippity-boppity sells out!

OVERALL RATING : 4.75 out of 5 stars

CINDERELLA is in theaters this Friday

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of CINDERELLA In St. Louis

The story of CINDERELLA follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Soon, she is forced to become their servant, disrespected, covered in ashes and spitefully renamed Cinderella. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her, and she continues to remain positive, determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

When Ella meets a dashing stranger in the woods, unaware that he is really the Prince (Richard Madden) and not merely Kit, an apprentice at the palace, she believes she has finally found a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the King (Derek Jacobi) summons all maidens in the kingdom to attend a royal ball at the palace, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit. Alas, her Stepmother forbids her to attend and callously destroys her dress.

Meanwhile, the calculating Grand Duke (Stellan Skarsgård) devises a plan to thwart the Prince’s hopes of reuniting with Ella and enlists the support of the devious Stepmother. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand. Soon, a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin, a few mice and a magic wand, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

The film stars Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård, Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, CINDERELLA opens in theaters nationwide on March 13.

The animated short, FROZEN FEVER, will be shown in front of CINDERELLA and includes the new song written by Oscar and Grammy-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win passes (Good for 2) to the advance screening of CINDERELLA on Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00PM in the ST. LOUIS AREA. We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following:

Name the voice cast of the 1950 animated musical fantasy film.

Fairy Godmother
Prince Charming
Prince Charming’s singing voice
Lucifer the cat

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary.

The film is rated PG

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CINDERELLA Attends The Ball in Hollywood Red Carpet Photos

The stars of Disney’s CINDERELLA stopped traffic at the World Premiere of Kenneth Branagh’s breathtaking live-action feature at the legendary El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd, dazzling theater-goers and fans alike as they continued their tour around the world.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, CINDERELLA brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

CINDERELLA opens in theaters March 13.

Composer Patrick Doyle, producers David Barron and Allison Shearmur, director Kenneth Branagh, actors Cate Blanchett, Holliday Grainger, Lily James, Sophie McShera and Richard Madden, costume designer Sandy Powell and screenwriter Chris Weitz.

Lily James wore ELIE SAAB Haute Couture for the premiere.

From FROZEN – Peter Del Vecho, Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck.

Josh Gad (FROZEN's "Olaf") and Ava Gad — Josh Gad (FROZEN’s “Olaf”) and Ava Gad

CINDERELLA stars Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Stellan Skarsgård,
Holliday Grainger, Sophie McShera, Derek Jacobi and Helena Bonham Carter.

The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

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Disney Debuts a Second Trailer for CINDERELLA

Watch the brand new trailer for Disney’s CINDERELLA.

Directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”) and starring two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Elizabeth”), Lily James (“Downton Abbey”), Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Academy Award nominee Helena Bonham Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”), “Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”) with Tim Lewis (“Edge of Tomorrow”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

CINDERELLA will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 13, 2015.

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Watch The New CINDERELLA Featurette And Trailer

“Cinderella is not a pushover. She sticks up for herself,” says director Kenneth Branagh in the new behind the scenes look at CINDERELLA.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

Listen as the cast and filmmakers discuss the making of the new film.

Disney has been interested in bringing the enduring story of “Cinderella” to the big screen for some time, to re-introduce the epic love story to audiences of today and build on the characters so well loved around the world. The original “Cinderella” was a monumental moment in Disney’s cinematic history. With a production budget of nearly $3 million, the film was a huge financial risk for the studio at the time, but it opened to critical acclaim and grossed more than $34 million, firmly solidifying the studio as a major force in the industry. Today, the film is included on the American Film Institute’s list of the “10 Greatest Animated Films of all Time” and is one of the studio’s most cherished titles.

Adds Branagh, “In the script, we tried to make absolutely clear that we were presenting a girl whose life would not be dependent on or defined by a man arriving. Her life would not be dependent on or defined by glamorous or expensive things arriving. Also, this girl would not be defined by having some easily available magical or supernatural force, like a fairy godmother, as an omnipotent, omniscient agent who would take care of everything. The Fairy Godmother helps of course, but as in life, things are mostly up to the individual. Cinderella rises to the challenge. It all goes back to this idea of Cinderella’s basic humanity informing the whole piece. It has the fun. But it also has the heart.”

See the live-action version of the classic fairy tale when it opens in theatres March 13, 2015.

The Magical New CINDERELLA Trailer, Poster, And Images Sparkle

On Wednesday, Walt Disney Studios debuted the beautiful new trailer for CINDERLLA. A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, CINDERELLA brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The trailer introduces audiences to Lily James (“Downton Abbey”) in the iconic role of Cinderella, a beautiful young woman with a gentle spirit who, despite the cruelty and abuse she is subjected to from her stepmother and her daughters, continues to remain positive and steadfast, as well as the first images of Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) as the wicked stepmother, Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) as the dashing, intelligent and thoughtful Prince, and the one-of-a-kind glass slipper.

The slipper was designed by three-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator”) and produced by Swarovski, and is a magnificent work of art.

The new poster, featuring Lily James as Cinderella, was photographed by Annie Leibovitz exclusively for the film’s campaign. Additional photos by Annie Leibovitz featuring the cast from the film can be seen in the costume feature of Vogue magazine’s December issue, on stands now.

The story of CINDERELLA follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.”

She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress.

But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham Carter) steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Directed by Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”) and starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Elizabeth”), Lily James (“Downton Abbey”), Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Academy Award nominee Helena Bonham Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”), “Cinderella” is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part I”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”) with Tim Lewis (“Goldeneye”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

CINDERELLA opens in theaters March 13, 2015.

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Huge Cast Lines Up For Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS begins principal photography this week, featuring an award-winning production team and all-star ensemble cast, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

James Bobin (“The Muppets,” “Muppets Most Wanted”) will direct.

The Disney movie revisits Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories with an all-new new tale that travels back to Underland—and back in Time.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS is produced by Joe Roth (“Maleficent,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Jennifer Todd (“Alice In Wonderland,” “Memento”), Suzanne Todd (“Alice In Wonderland,” “Memento”) and Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Frankenweenie”). John G. Scotti (“Muppets Most Wanted,” “The Muppets”) is the executive producer; Linda Woolverton (“Maleficent,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “Beauty and the Beast”) penned the screenplay.

Shooting on location and at Shepperton Studios in England, the film is slated for release on May 27, 2016.

The all-star ensemble cast includes:

Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Alice In Wonderland,” “Mortdecai,” “Black Mass”) returns to the big screen as the Mad Hatter—Hatter Tarrant Hightopp.
Anne Hathaway (“Les Misérables,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “Rachel’s Getting Married”) portrays the White Queen—Mirana.
Mia Wasikowska (“Tracks,” “Jane Eyre” and “Alice In Wonderland”) once again appears as Alice Kingsleigh, who’s on a quest to help the Mad Hatter.
Helena Bonham Carter (“Cinderella,” “Les Misérables,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns as the Red Queen—Iracebeth.
Rhys Ifans (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I,” “Nanny McPhee Returns,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”) fills the shoes of Zanik Hightopp, the Mad Hatter’s father.
Matt Lucas (“The Labrynth,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns to the revelry in a dual role as Tweedledee and Tweedledum.
Ed Speleers (TV’s “Downton Abbey,” “Eragon”) portrays James Harcourt in the film.
Sacha Baron Cohen (“Hugo,” “Les Misérables”) was called on to bring Time to the big screen.

The voice cast includes:

Stephen Fry (“24: Live Another Day,” “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” “Alice In Wonderland”) is back as the voice of the Cheshire Cat.
Toby Jones (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Infamous,” “The Girl”) provides the voice of Wilkins.
Alan Rickman (“Harry Potter” film series, “Alice In Wonderland,” director/actor/co-writer “A Little Chaos”) returns as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar.
Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” Parts 1 & 2, “Alice In Wonderland,” “The Queen,” “Frost Nixon”) once again serves as the voice of the White Rabbit.
Timothy Spall (“Mr. Turner,” “The Kings Speech,” “Harry Potter,” “Alice In Wonderland”) returns to voice Bayard.
BAFTA-winning actor, writer and comedian Paul Whitehouse (BBC’s “Harry and Paul’s Story of the 2s” and “The Fast Show”; “Alice In Wonderland,” “Corpse Bride”) is back as the March Hare.
Barbara Windsor (“Carry On,” “EastEnders,” “Alice In Wonderland”) provides the voice of Dormouse again.

The film welcomes back several key members of the “Alice In Wonderland” team, including award-winning composer Danny Elfman (“Fifty Shades of Grey,” “Big Eyes,” Silver Linings Playbook”), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Chicago”), who won Oscar, BAFTA and Satellite awards, among others, for her work on “Alice In Wonderland,” and five-time Oscar-winning VFX supervisor Ken Ralston (“Forrest Gump,” “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”), who won a Satellite Award for best visual effects for “Alice In Wonderland.”

Bobin’s award-winning production team also includes Oscar-winning production designer Dan Hennah (“King Kong,” “The Hobbit” trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, Oscar for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”), and Stuart Dryburgh (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” Oscar nomination for “The Piano”) as director of photography. The film welcomes Oscar-winning make-up and hair designer Peter King (“Lord of the Rings: Return of the King,” Oscar nominee for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”), and Oscar winner Neil Corbould (“Gravity,” “Gladiator”) is special effects supervisor. Andrew Weisblum (“Noah,” Oscar nominee “Black Swan”) is editor.

CINDERELLA First Poster And Trailer

Disney has released the first teaser trailer and poster for director Kenneth Branagh’s CINDERELLA.

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, the movie brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

CINDERELLA will be released on March 13, 2015

The story of CINDERELLA follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother.

Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family.

And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress.

But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and – armed with a pumpkin and a few mice – changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Directed by Academy Award®-nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Thor,” “Hamlet”) and starring Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Elizabeth”), Lily James (“Downton Abbey”), Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones”) and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham-Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”), CINDERELLA is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) and David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”).

The screenplay is by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

http://www.disney.com/Cinderella

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Kenneth Branagh’s CINDERELLA Begins Production – First Look Photo Of Lily James

Walt Disney Pictures has announced that principal photography has begun at Pinewood Studios in London, on CINDERELLA, Disney’s first-ever live action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale. The timeless story of CINDERELLA dates back to 1697 when first created by Charles Perrault, although it truly came to life for millions all over the world in 1950 with Walt Disney’s celebrated animated feature.

Directed by Academy Award-nominee Kenneth Branagh (“Jack Ryan,” “Thor”), the film stars Lily James (“Downton Abbey,” “Wrath of the Titans”) in the title role, Richard Madden (“Game of Thrones,” “Birdsong”) as the Prince, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett (“The Aviator”) as the infamous stepmother Lady Tremaine, and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter (“The King’s Speech,” “Alice in Wonderland”) as the Fairy Godmother.

Director Kenneth Branagh says: “It is impossible to think of Cinderella without thinking of Disney and the timeless images we’ve all grown up watching. And those classic moments are irresistible to a filmmaker. With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace. Her Prince is being played by Richard Madden, a young actor with incredible power and charisma. He is funny, smart and sexy and a great match for Cinderella.”

The story of CINDERELLA follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her.

And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming “Kit.” Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Holliday Grainger (“Great Expectations,” “Anna Karenina”) and Sophie McShera (“Downton Abbey,” “Waterloo Road”) play Ella’s stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella, respectively. Stellan Skarsgård (“The Avengers,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and Nonso Anozie (“Game of Thrones,” “The Grey”) play the Arch Grand Duke and the Prince’s loyal friend, the Captain. Tony® Award-winner Derek Jacobi portrays the King.

CINDERELLA is produced by Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: First Class,” “Elysium”), Allison Shearmur (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”), David Barron (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” “Jack Ryan”), from a screenplay by Chris Weitz (“About a Boy,” “The Golden Compass”).

The filmmaking team includes three-time Academy Award-winning production designer Dante Ferretti (“The Aviator,” “Hugo,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (“The Aviator,” “The Young Victoria,” “Shakespeare in Love”), director of photography Haris Zambarloukos (“Sleuth,” “Thor”) and Academy Award-winning editor Martin Walsh (“Chicago,” “Clash of the Titans”).

Production will take place at Pinewood Studios and locations throughout England.

CINDERELLA will be in theaters March 13, 2015.

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OVERALL RATING : 4.75 out of 5 stars

CINDERELLA is in theaters this Friday

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