![]() ![]() That's mainly due to the lead characters and the standard complications in their lives that nearly prevent, but (of course) cannot stop the inevitable "ever after" finale. Thus, those looking for those elements may be disappointed, but fans of old-fashioned romantic dramas should find this film to their liking. Unlike the well-known Disney version, however, this one has forgone the fairy godmother, the pumpkin and the mice in favor of a more streamlined and "realistic" telling of the Brothers Grimm classic. ![]() Thus, the origin of the title for this updated version of the classic "Cinderella" story that certainly - and not surprisingly - doesn't stray from that formula that's proven successful throughout the ages. OUR TAKE: 6 out of 10 Anyone who's familiar with romantic fairy tales knows that the man and woman "live happily ever after" at the story's close. MEGAN DODDS plays Danielle's beautiful, but equally cruel stepsister who constantly belittles and is demeaning to Danielle.Not only does she treat Danielle poorly, but she also plots to make the prince fall for her daughter so that she can become part of the royal family. ANGELICA HUSTON plays Danielle's cruel stepmother who treats Danielle like a servant after her father dies.Although he does have some initial aristocratic "let them eat cake" mannerisms, Danielle has a positive impact on him and he changes for the better. DOUGRAY SCOTT plays the young prince who's unhappy due to his approaching prearranged marriage.Other than acting as someone other than herself, she doesn't have any other bad traits. DREW BARRYMORE plays the well-educated, confident and carrying young servant woman whose chance encounters with the prince may change her life.VHS release (PG): For brief language and mild thematic elements.Theatrical/DVD release (PG-13): For momentary strong language.WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? If they're fans of anyone in the cast or of the traditional "Cinderella" story upon which this is based, they just might. As Danielle frets about Henry learning her true identity - and must deal with a lascivious, middle-aged man, Pierre le Pieu (RICHARD O'BRIEN) - she gets help from Jacqueline as well as famed artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci (PATRICK GODFREY), who hope they can collectively stave off Rodmilla's plans while getting the two star-crossed lovers together. Once word of this gets out, however, Rodmilla plots to have the prince fall for Marguerite, thus ensuring her family's place among the royals. These and other chance meetings with her bode well for the prince who has five days to choose a new bride lest his father proceed with the prearranged marriage. Identifying herself only with her dead mother's name, Danielle wants nothing to do with the prince whom she believes is aristocratically arrogant and callous, but his charm slowly works its spell over her. Later, when she visits the court dressed like a courtier to free one of the farm's workers, she encounters Henry again and his interest in her grows stronger. A well-thrown apple knocks the prince from his ride, but upon seeing who she hit, Danielle immediately bows down in embarrassed respect, although some sparks immediately fly between the two. ![]() Wanting to see the world, he flees from the castle, borrows a horse, and just happens to ride by Danielle who doesn't recognize him and believes him to be a horse thief. They happen to live in the "backyard" of the King and Queen of France (TIMOTHY WEST & JUDY PARFITT), whose son, Prince Henry (DOUGRAY SCOTT), is unhappy that he's found himself stuck in an upcoming prearranged marriage. Years later, Danielle (DREW BARRYMORE) is a well-educated and confidant young woman who now works as a servant for Rodmilla and her two daughters, Marguerite (MEGAN DODDS) - who's just as mean as her mother - and Jacqueline (MELANIE LYNSKEY) - who has a soft spot for Danielle. Her happy life is shattered, however, when her father, Auguste (Jeroen Krabbe), dies of a heart attack and she's left in the hands of her cruel new stepmother, Baroness Rodmilla (ANGELICA HUSTON). PLOT: Danielle (ANNA MAGUIRE) is a young girl growing up on a 16th century French farm. QUICK TAKE: Romantic drama: A young servant woman must deal with her cruel stepmother and stepsister who have set their sights on the young prince who's fallen in love with her. (1998) (Drew Barrymore, Dougray Scott) (PG/PG-13) ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |