Cinderella (2015)

Sexton finds Branagh’s adaptation surprisingly touching and says it stands comparison with Disney’s animated classic. He especially praises the lavish staging and Lily James’s captivating, unaffected performance.

The review praises Branagh’s makeover as wonderful and Lily James as a particularly strong Ella. It also singles out Cate Blanchett’s exceptional, vividly villainous stepmother for praise.

Mottram finds Branagh’s loving, lavish adaptation charming, though its safe traditionalism may appeal more to traditionalists than revisionists. He particularly praises the sumptuous ballroom sequence and Cinderella’s striking blue gown.

Sragow gives Branagh’s adaptation a positive assessment. He praises the revival’s brio and sparkling cast.

Kermode finds Branagh’s adaptation charmingly old-fashioned, with plenty to like and a little to love. He particularly praises the breathtaking ball sequence, its choreography, sets and cinematography.

The review finds the film retrograde but spirited, funny and well presented. It particularly praises Cate Blanchett’s flamboyant, purposeful performance as the stepmother.

Sharkey finds the film enchanting and elegantly made, though she wishes it offered more emotional depth and enlightenment. She particularly praises Lily James’s sincere performance, which makes Cinderella’s goodness feel believable rather than cloying.

Debruge finds the film overly safe and somewhat dull, but ultimately a charming companion to Disney’s animated classic. He singles out the lavish costumes and production design, especially the ballroom spectacle, while noting that the human cast can seem plain beside them.

The page is identified as a review of the 2015 film, but its text is inaccessible. The browser challenge prevents identifying the critic’s verdict or what the review singles out.

The critic’s verdict is unavailable in the accessible page text. Specific praise or criticism is likewise hidden behind the paywall.

Vishnevetsky finds the film lavish but emotionally empty. He praises the costumes and production design for their color and texture, but says they lack a unifying vision.

Jenkins finds the film’s sincerity refreshing but its coldness and vanilla romance make it uncomfortable and underwhelming. He praises its fidelity to the classic animated fairy tale, while noting that the performances feel starched and theatrical.

Lane finds the film’s faithful, un-ironic approach to the fairy tale almost heroic, though its screenplay’s moralizing can feel tiresome. He especially praises its vivid colors, lavish production design, and Sandy Powell’s costumes.

Cabin finds the film a dull, overly familiar retelling that favors plot efficiency over visual artistry. He praises Cate Blanchett’s performance for giving the stepmother genuine complexity.

The critic finds the film a refreshing success because it returns to the fairy tale’s traditional sincerity. She especially praises its vivid, distinctive production design and saturated colors.

Crump finds Branagh’s faithful, classic-minded adaptation enchanting and successful. He especially praises Lily James’s warmth, which anchors the film and elevates the ensemble.

Brew finds Branagh’s adaptation charming, engaging, and strong as old-fashioned family entertainment. He especially praises Lily James’s performance and the film’s impressive costumes and sets.

Hammond calls the remake a winner and says fans of the story will find much to love. He praises its lush visuals and the performances, especially Cate Blanchett’s.

Dibdin finds the adaptation warm, witty and appealingly old-fashioned, with Lily James grounding the story. She particularly praises Cate Blanchett’s villainous stepmother, whose performance adds emotional truth to the role.

Goldberg calls the film nice and visually impressive, though not particularly magical. He praises its vibrant design and costumes, while faulting the passive portrayal of courage and kindness.

Wilkinson finds Branagh’s faithful, traditional retelling a success, especially for audiences who enjoy the familiar fairy-tale formula. She praises the costumes and visual design, while noting that the early scenes drag and the prince is underwritten.

The available headline presents the film as surprisingly sincere and sweet. The page content is blocked, so no specific element praised by the critic can be confirmed.

The review finds Branagh’s Cinderella impressive despite its lack of radical departure from the original. It praises the sumptuous visuals and especially the scene-stealing performances by Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham Carter.

The critic finds the film an enjoyable, visually sumptuous fairy tale, though it offers little fresh perspective on the familiar story. He especially praises Lily James’s proactive, forthright Cinderella and Cate Blanchett’s stylishly over-the-top stepmother.