There is a lot to like about the 'Faerie Tale Theatre' series. Many of their adaptations of various well-known and well-loved fairy tales are charming, clever and sometimes funny, a few even emotionally moving. 'Faerie Tale Theatre' puts its own magical spin (whether playing for laughs or straight) on the best of the episodes while still capturing the essence of the stories, while also giving further enjoyments in seeing talented performers in early roles or in roles that are departures from their usual roles.
Based on Charles Perrault's magical story, rather than the much darker but still great Brothers Grimm version, "Cinderella" is quintessential 'Faerie Tale Theatre' and one of the best of the series in a show full of great episodes and few if any misfires (though a few minor disappointments). It is let down a little only by the sometimes charming but a little bland and wooden Matthew Broderick and the admittedly very funny but slightly misplaced comedic scene with Steve Martin that added little. Other than that, it is a show highlight and one of the better adaptations of this timeless story, which is admittedly one of my favourites.
However, "Cinderella" is one of 'Faerie Tale Theatre's' better-looking episodes. 'Cinderella' as a story should enchant, and it does absolutely here. The production values are sumptuous, with a dazzling ballroom sequence which bursts with colour and a transformation scene that epitomises pure magic, for non-big dollar budget this is pretty nigh impressive in terms of visuals. Photography is never drab or garish. The music score is touchingly romantic and whimsical.
Love the writing in "Cinderella" too. This is a fairy-tale that lends itself very well to either being played straight or with humour, both approaches are present here and both are effective individually and well balanced together. The humour is wonderfully wry, with hilarious moments from the step-sisters and the fairy godmother, without resorting to out of place innuendos or smut. The romantic moments charm and touch, really believed in the chemistry between Jennifer Beals and Broderick, and one really relates to Cinderella and wants her to succeed and overcome adversity.
Storytelling is close in spirit to what one is familiar with while still with enough new for it to have its own identity. Nothing dull here and never does it feel padded or over-stuffed.
Jennifer Beals is affecting in the title role and radiates in charm. Other than her, the standouts are Jean Stapleton as the funniest Fairy Godmother there ever has been and Eve Arden's deliciously wicked step-mother. Edie McClurg and Jane Alden have a lot of fun as the step-sisters.
Overall, great fun and very charming, a must watch for fans of the show and the original story. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Based on Charles Perrault's magical story, rather than the much darker but still great Brothers Grimm version, "Cinderella" is quintessential 'Faerie Tale Theatre' and one of the best of the series in a show full of great episodes and few if any misfires (though a few minor disappointments). It is let down a little only by the sometimes charming but a little bland and wooden Matthew Broderick and the admittedly very funny but slightly misplaced comedic scene with Steve Martin that added little. Other than that, it is a show highlight and one of the better adaptations of this timeless story, which is admittedly one of my favourites.
However, "Cinderella" is one of 'Faerie Tale Theatre's' better-looking episodes. 'Cinderella' as a story should enchant, and it does absolutely here. The production values are sumptuous, with a dazzling ballroom sequence which bursts with colour and a transformation scene that epitomises pure magic, for non-big dollar budget this is pretty nigh impressive in terms of visuals. Photography is never drab or garish. The music score is touchingly romantic and whimsical.
Love the writing in "Cinderella" too. This is a fairy-tale that lends itself very well to either being played straight or with humour, both approaches are present here and both are effective individually and well balanced together. The humour is wonderfully wry, with hilarious moments from the step-sisters and the fairy godmother, without resorting to out of place innuendos or smut. The romantic moments charm and touch, really believed in the chemistry between Jennifer Beals and Broderick, and one really relates to Cinderella and wants her to succeed and overcome adversity.
Storytelling is close in spirit to what one is familiar with while still with enough new for it to have its own identity. Nothing dull here and never does it feel padded or over-stuffed.
Jennifer Beals is affecting in the title role and radiates in charm. Other than her, the standouts are Jean Stapleton as the funniest Fairy Godmother there ever has been and Eve Arden's deliciously wicked step-mother. Edie McClurg and Jane Alden have a lot of fun as the step-sisters.
Overall, great fun and very charming, a must watch for fans of the show and the original story. 9/10 Bethany Cox