In terms of its wider impact, this is obviously an
adaptation of one of the most iconic stories of all time. Along with Snow
White, it defines the way in which many perceive animated Disney films. After a
slump during the Second World War and several financial issues before that,
this was the mega hit that saved Disney Animation and started the Second Golden
Age more commonly known as the Silver Age. But does it live up to its
monumental reputation?
In terms of atmosphere, you could not find a Disney film
with a more classical feel than Cinderella. A lot of the songs sound very
orchestral, with a lot of violins and tunes that sound slow and pretty in a
classic way. A prime example of this is the iconic ‘A Dream is A Wish Your
Heart Makes’- it’s a nice ballad that makes use of several instruments and
sounds almost dream-like. My personal favourite, however, is the exception to
this atmospheric rule, Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo, which has a really fun tune that
makes it very enjoyable to listen to.
This then matches up very well with the also pretty, if not
slightly bland at times, animation. There are a lot of pastel colours, such as several
light pink and blue tones, and overall it is very nice to look at. Cinderella
herself is the same in a way- pretty, if not a little dull. Like most Disney
Princesses of her era, she doesn’t have too much of a personality, but to be
fair she is a better role model than many would give her credit for, always
staying kind and optimistic no matter what she has to endure. The Mice also
make for fairly entertaining side characters, although in terms of story there
is way too much focus given to their hijinks with the cat.
But by far one of the best characters Cinderella are the
three villains, Lady Tremaine and the Ugly Stepsisters. The Ugly Stepsisters are
really funny with great designs to match and Lady Tremaine is the best villain
in the Canon so far. Something about the great Eleanor Audley’s chilling
performance combined with her often cruel looking character design makes her a
force to be reckoned with.
Overall, Cinderella is a very pleasant and enjoyable film to
watch, with some pretty animation, good songs and really great villains.
Rating
Good guys: Cinderella
is a bit bland, but the mice and the Fairy Godmother are entertaining enough to
bring the character score up to a 6/10 Bad
Guys: All three of the villains are fantastic, so they get a score of 8/10
Animation:
Pretty to look at, if not a little bland at times, the animation gets a 7/10
Music: All very pleasant to listen to, with some classics in amongst
the score, the music gets an 8/10 Plot:
Obviously, it is an iconic story, but there is also a lot of filler with
the mice, which can get tedious, so the plot gets 7/10 Overall score: 36/50
Next review: Alice in
Wonderland
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