How can you not love a film when you see it in a theater packed with little girls in pretty princess dresses, holding hands with their mothers wearing tiaras? I can almost assure you that will be the case when you go see it too, and that you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did. Cinderella is one big helping of sweetness and delight–the only thing that will gain weight from this pretty little confection is your heart.

Now it’s not only the little ones who will cotton to this eye candy. Adults will get a kick out of recognizing Daisy from Downton Abbey (Sophie McShera) and Lucretia from The Borgias (Holliday Granger) playing the “ugly” stepsisters. And of course Lady Rose of Downton Abbey (Lily James) is lovely in the title role, always attempting to “have courage and be kind.” And you knew that Cate Blanchett, even if she didn’t have some of the most glorious costumes you’ve ever seen on film, would be splendid as Cinderella’s wicked stepmother. Add Helena Bonham Carter as a feisty Fairy Godmother, and you have a dream cast. The men are quite overshadowed, although newcomer Richard Madden is indeed a charming prince.

The real male star of the film is director Kenneth Branagh, who used the perfect touch, making the film wondrously poignant, rather than sickly sweet, Nor did he bore us with the retelling of the same old story. There’s a tendency to go dark with classic fairytales these days, but he filled the film with laughter, light, pretty gowns, glowing glass slippers and adorable CGI mice, who mutter and squeak but don’t talk–just a small example of Branagh’s ability to hit the right notes. Oh sure, there are some minor annoyances with eyebrows and overbites and princely pants that are a tad too tight, but I’d have to be a real wicked step monster to let that detract from the fun and sparkle of such a delightful film.

Rated PG

1 Hour 45 Minutes

Find tickets at a theater near you at Fandango.com

Cinderella movie review