Most generations know the story of Cinderella. Whether it’s through the classic animated movie or any of the countless adaptations, the flow of events usually remains the same. Over the years, some people have labeled the lead character as damaging to young girls because the film sets up unrealistic expectations. That being said, Director Kenneth Branagh decided to take a shot with his interpretation of the classic fairy tale and he succeeded.

Once her mother [Hayley Atwell] passes away, Ella [Lily James] finds herself in a predicament. Ella’s father [Ben Chaplin] eventually remarries and then passes away while on a business trip.

This leaves her stuck with her wicked stepmother Tremaine [Cate Blanchett] and two step sisters [Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger] who only treat her as dirt and a slave, giving her the demeaning name of Cinder-ella. While on a horse ride in the country, she runs into the Prince [Richard Madden] with whom she has a genuine moment. From there, you know the rest of the tale, including her transformation for the ball and beyond.

Philip Bergeron / Graphic Design Editor

Did this story need to be retold yet again? Not really. But, for what we got, it was a valiant effort. Aside from a few twists and turns in the story, it pretty much plays out like you think it would. The only difference is that there is more context to the relationships between the characters.

Ella feels the impact that her father’s death leaves on her and it doesn’t help when her only remaining family treats her like she’s nothing. You feel for her because Lily James is enchanting. From “Downton Abbey” to this, she embodies a sense of hope, wonder and innocence that makes her a marvel even before she dons the famous dress.

While she can be cartoony at times, Blanchett gives an interesting take on the stepmother character. You see early on that Ella’s father gives more attention to his daughter than Tremaine. Because of this, you see a sense of resentment brewing early on. Where is her happy ending? This is the question Tremaine asks herself when she looks at her stepdaughter.

All I have to say about the stepdaughters is that they are completely over-the-top and look like they stepped out of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”  The actresses are fine in other roles, but could have benefitted from some better direction here.

Besides Lily James, the other actor that I thought did a great job was Richard Madden. Instead of the vain Prince Charming that we’re used to seeing, he first introduces himself to Ella as an apprentice. He makes it clear that he wants someone to love him for who he is, not what his title is. The best part about all of this is that he’s very charismatic and you buy the romance. The prince in the animated film barely has a line and has next-to-no personality, something that was changed for the better in the reimagining.

Since this is a Kenneth Branagh film, expect it to look immaculate and Shakespearian. Watching “Cinderella” on an IMAX screen only enhanced the detail that he put into the production design. It’s almost worth the ticket price just to see the sets and the costumes.

Yes, “Cinderella” has its missteps but, for the most part, I found this to be a charming retelling of the classic fairy tale.

Rating: B

Matt Bilodeau can be contacted at mbilodeau@kscequinox.com