Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray star in an updated version of the classic tale of Cinderella. Find out if this 2004 fairy tale movie is worth checking out on DVD.
Instead of a horse and carriage, there's a convertible; instead of a glass slipper, there's a cell phone. But, although some of the elements in A Cinderella Story aren't the same as the classic story book tale you remember, the basic servant girl meets her Prince Charming part is and that's what makes this flick worth watching.
Cinderella's Story
If you've ever heard the story of Cinderella, then you know what's going to happen in A Cinderella Story. This time though, the story has been updated and instead of taking place in a magical land, far, far away, it takes place in the San Fernando Valley in LA. Sam Montgomery (played by Hilary Duff) works at her stepmother's diner (when Sam's dad died, her stepmom inherited everything), and is known around school as Diner Girl. Things aren't so great for Sam, but then she meets the man of her dreams online. She's totally into this guy, but it's not long before she finds out that her dream man is actually the most popular guy in school, Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray), and she gives up all hope of finding true love.
A Cinderella Story - A Fairy Tale Come True
A Cinderella Story is a great fairy tale movie - but it's a little different from most fairy tales you're used to. Sam's evil step-sisters try way too hard to be popular, her stepmother gets Botox once a week and her fairy godmother is actually the manager at the diner. Sam is hardly ever without her best pal Carter (who is probably the funniest character in the movie) and Sam's a lot more confident than your average fairy tale princess. There are a ton of cool peeps throughout A Cinderella Story that will have you laughing - from the girl who does the daily PA announcements to the crazy teachers, there's no shortage of fun in this flick.
A Cinderella Story - The Clock Strikes Twelve
You might find yourself rolling your eyes a few times during some of the cheesier parts of A Cinderella Story, but for the most part this is a great movie. Sure, it's kind of predictable and sappy at parts, but isn't that what these movies are all about?
A Cinderella Story - DVD Features
This DVD is packed with goodies, including theatrical trailers, screen tests, deleted scenes and a Find Your Prince/Princess Challenge game. Also included are a featurette, titled Cinderella Couture: The Making of a Fashionably Modern Fairy Tale and commentary in a section called Hanging Out With Hilary and Friends. Fans of Ms. Duff can also check out the video she did with her sister Haylie for Our Lips Are Sealed.
A Cinderella Story - The Bottomline
You definitely have to walk into this movie expecting heart-break, romance and a happy ending. If that doesn't sound like your kind of flick, then A Cinderella Story probably isn't for you. But, if you are looking for a light-hearted movie with lots of a laughs and probably a few tears, then grab your pals, a package of tissue and get down to the theater to check out Hilary's latest big screen adventure.
A Cinderella Story Rating:
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