I love this film more every time I watch it

7/10 I think what gives this remake merit is that it’s a clear attempt at improvement upon the original. In most ways, it doesn’t get there, but it’s obvious they tried to. They cut the Tom and Jerry segment in the opening of the original in favor of development between Ella and her father, as well as actually setting up the Fairy Godmother. My issue with this is that I really could’ve done without the narration. It pops up at random points and adds precisely nothing to the story. The score didn’t do much for me, which is crazy, considering how memorable the music in the original is. This one doesn’t create any memorable themes, or use any from the original, from what I could tell. The performances are, all told, pretty decent. Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine was a good call, as was Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. Lily James does a fine job as Ella. She didn’t particularly stand out to me.

The story that's been told 1,000 times. Although this retelling boasts the most impressive costumes and stage design with an excellent cast, there is not much else to set it apart. Everything is familiar, draining some of the magic from this classic story.