Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Book-to-Film: Cinderella Through the Years

Cinderella is about as classic as a fairy tales get, so it wasn't really surprising to me when another Cinderella film adaptation was announced.  It got me thinking, though, of all the Cinderella adaptations out there, which ones are the best?

Of course, that's a completely unanswerable question, since "best" is extremely subjective.  Here are a few I've seen, and how they rank:

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
This one has nostalgic value for me, and I've always liked the extra songs that aren't in the Disney version.  Though it's cheesy, I think I'l always have a soft spot for it.

Disney's Cinderella (1950)
I think I'll always think of this dress when I think of Cinderella's famous ballgown.  While I prefer other versions over this one (the king's temper bothered me, even as a child) I have to admit, this version will probably always be the most influential Cinderella film out there.

The Prince and Me
A cute, if rather uninspired modern adaptation.  I'm not sorry I saw it, but it's not one of my favorites.

Cinderella - The Whitney Houston Version
Cind 1997.jpg
I've never been a huge fan of Brandy's voice, but Ms. Houston more than makes up for it.

What a Girl Wants
Amanda Bynes was never very high on my list, but I thought this adaptation was cute enough.

A Cinderella Story
A young man and a young woman standing in front of a white background. The man wears a grey shirt with black sleeves, blue jeans and black sneakers with white shoelaces. The woman, being carried on his back, wears a white tiara, white ballgown and pink-and-white sneakers with white shoelaces. On their image, the text "A Cinderella Story " is written in blue print, with the phrase "Once upon a time... can happen anytime" is written in black print to their right.
Jennifer Coolidge is a fantastic wicked stepmother, but unfortunately I didn't find much else to like in this adaptation.

Ever After
Everafterposter.jpg
This one is hands down my favorite.  I love everything about it, from the costumes, the acting, the script, and especially the gypsies.  And the spectacular wickedness that is Angelica Huston.

Disney's Cinderella (2015)
Cinderella 2015 official poster.jpg
I will definitely be seeing this (it comes out in just a few days) and will let you know how it ranks.  I already give it points for its cast, though I'm really disappointed in Cinderella's ballgown.  We'll see how it goes.

What are your thoughts?  Do you agree with me?  What's your favorite Cinderella film?

6 comments:

  1. Holy crap! I knew there were a lot of adaptations but I didn't really realize how many. Sheesh! The new one looks interesting but maybe a bit cheesy? You'll have to let us know how it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa @ Bookmark DragonMarch 11, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      My thoughts exactly! I'm curious, but a little apprehensive. We'll have to see how this new one compares.

      Delete
  • That is a lot of adaptations! I'm really excited for the new one. The cast is awesome! I like the Whitney Houston version. It is a guilty pleasure for me. My daughter loves it too. Although I'm still not sure how a black lady and a white guy had an Asian son.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bookmark DragonMarch 13, 2015 at 9:21 AM

      Haha! Yeah, that was an original twist, for sure. I love Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother in that one, though I grew up on the older Rogers and Hammerstein version.

      Delete
  • Saw the new one. It is cheesy and cute and fun and I actually really enjoyed it, even though I typically despise cheesy. HATED the ball gown though. SO. MUCH. TULLE. Blech.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bookmark DragonMarch 14, 2015 at 7:54 PM

      I hear you your ball gown hate. Even the preview's split second showing of the ball gown was enough for me to wrinkle my nose. Glad to hear it was cute though. I keep hearing good things!

      Delete

Hi! Thanks for your comment! I am currently being hit by a large amount of spam, so I've upped my comment moderating settings for the time being. I will revert back to more comment friendly settings once the spammers go back to the gutters from whence they came.