Rating: 
Summary: Cheesefest!
Review: If they live in France, why do they speak with British accents?
Rating: 
Summary: Charming tale of the real-life Cinderella
Review: When I first saw this on HBO a couple of years ago, it surprised and delighted me with its frothy, funny, and equally dramatic elements, helped by the strong performances by Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott playing Danielle, her wicked stepmother and Prince Henry.The plot is that a young independent girl, Danielle, loses her father due to a heart attack. After her father's death, she is treated by her stepmother like a servant for many years, till she is about seventeen to eighteen. Only one of her stepsisters is kind and gentle to her, while the jealous and vain one and the stepmother work together to win the heart of independent Prince Henry, who wants no part in being married off to a Spanish princess. But Danielle wins the prince's heart, leading to a confection of comedy, drama, and romance afterward, into a happy and satisfying ending. The plot was original, the acting was vibrant and colorful, and the spectacular scenery (which is filmed beautifully in France) helps it a great deal. It's a wondrous movie that's funny, touching, and heartwarming all at the same time. But really saddened me was the failure for the Academy to give it not even one Oscar nod (such as the best actress and best supporting actress nominations for Barrymore and Huston). Buy it now, you won't be disappointed. Rated PG for mild language and dramatic and thematic elements.
Rating:
Summary: EVER AFTER: a film that will touch your heart.
Review: EVER AFTER is a visually beautiful film that encompasses the legendary fairy tale of Cinderalla with a twist. First of all, Cinderalla is really named Danielle who loves and cherish the novel Utopia, a book given to her by her late father. Instead of having little rodents as friends, Danielle's friends are the house servants who subsituted as motherly influnces during her youth. Instead of a fairy godmother, Danielle is guided by Leonardo de Vinci. Her charming prince has a habit of running away and disobeying his royal parents. I believe the actors and actresses are perfectly cast. Anjelica Huston is the most perfect step-mom: cold, rigid, and centered only on the benefits her daughters could bring to her. Drew Barrymore's performance touches one's heart because she seems so earnest in her role. She loves life and happiness, a reason why her Prince finds her so appealing. This 'new-age' rendition of Cinderalla is breath-taking. Buy it today, you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: An Empowering Costume Drama
Review: Those responsible for the casting and historical setting of this version of "Cinderella" must own the same book on The Renaissance that I own from the National Geographic Society. I say this because on one particular page on the Court of the real King Francis I, there is featured a painting called "Three Female Musicians", in which three dark-haired, dark-eyed ladies play instruments. The casting of Melanie Lynskey as Jacqueline de Ghent, the Good Stepsister, could well have been inspired by this painting. The same page also features an engraving of a tennis match such as the one featured in this film, which French nobles would have played in the 16th Century.
As the heroine of the tale, a still-baby-faced Drew Barrymore delivers a fine, charismatic performance as the scullery maid who will not be broken by the authority of her cruel stepmother(Observe,the French don't have a word for "stepmother", so there is a certain irony to the fact that this story takes place in France).
Anjelica Huston matches acting genes with Drew Barrymore as the conniving, overindulged stepmother of noble blood who uses her servants as pawns and refuses to cut her losses in order to adapt to economic adversity. It should be obvious to a viewer that she could have made the three young girls in her care work together to maintain the manor rather than pit them against each other.
As the Older Evil Stepsister, Marguerite, Megan Dodds was an interesting choice for the part because her pinched-faced cruelty is obvious to the audience, but not so readily obvious to the handsome Prince Henry, played by a befuddled but good-intentioned Dougray Scott, nor to the King and Queen, played by the appropriately strong and regal Timothy West and Judy Parfitt. Dodds'perfomance reminds me of the old adage, "An indulgent mother makes a sluttish daughter."
Melanie Lynskey's performance as the good Stepsister along with the performances of the actors who play the three servants, is one of the redeeming qualities of the otherwise miserable household. The presence of da Vinci in the story adds a divine benevolence to this tale, and as a child, I did read a version of "Cinderella" in which a male figure had the role of the Fairy Godmother.
I have wondered why the accents of the principals were English rather than French. But ultimately, we watch an assertive young woman with a keen intellectual ability form a necessary and loving alliance with a Prince which appropriately takes place over time, proving her mettle against both his tormenters and her own, going out of her way to rescue those she loves, inspiring a childhood friend to do the same on her behalf, encouraging the understanding of societal outcasts, improving the quality of life for her small circle of friends, and justly putting her tormentors in their rightful places.
This is a beautiful movie--a da Vinci painting come to life. However flawed it may be, it should inspire any viewer to great things!
Rating:
Summary: A "Real Life" Cinderella
Review: I saw this movie in the theatres and loved it. I liked Drew Barrymore before, but I adore her now. (and after "Never Been Kissed") She truly performs with her heart. I liked flick because it didn't have all of the hocus pocus stuff. "Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo." This would be a story that could have happened. There is still parts that are quite humerous, not all serious lovee-dovee stuff. I just really enjoy watching this movie over and over again!
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting and Beautiful
Review: 'Ever After' is one of the best adaptations I've ever seen! The traditional Cinderella story was modified a bit, all the while adding entertaining side stories, wit, humor, and beauty. Drew Barrymore shines in her finest performance ever! The scenery and sets are so elegant and mystical, they make you really feel like you are there. The story is so delicate and beautiful, it's really a masterpiece. I was also very impressed with Anjelica Houston and Dougary Scott, three cheers for them! 'Ever After' is a charming adaptation of the classsic Cinderella story, a must see.
Rating:
Summary: Ever After
Review: Ever After really outshines any other Cinderella story I have read or watched. The story and charechters are great, and the deatils add to make it a reality of its own
Rating:
Summary: In a word... AMAZING
Review: When I rented this movie I wasn't a huge Drew fan. Now I own this wonderful film and has become my all time favorite. I just wish the would put Dougray Scott in more films. This is a real KEEPER.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies I've ever seen.
Review: Ever After is truly one of the greatest movies of all time. I love the way Drew Barrymore's character thinks for herself and speaks her mind. This Cinderella story shows that the girl is quite often the hero, not the guy. This is a movie for all ages that includes romance, comedy, and a little bit of drama. You'll be laughing one moment, and in tears the next.
Rating:
Summary: Drew Barrymore kicks butt
Review: I loved this movie and I have seen it many times. It is a wonderful new version of the Cinderella story because it is not the typical damsel in distress story. The main character, Daniel, takes care of herself and sticks up for herself, she is head strong and spirited and a role model for women of today. It is an excellent illustration that women are not as dependent on men anymore and we can save ourselves, we dont need any men or princes to rescue us. It still has an element of fantasy and fairy tale and lots of romance, it is intelligent and funny. Overall it is an excellent movie, which I plan to watch many more times. Besides, the prince is gorgeous!!!!
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