Cinderella (2015)

Last night I watched Disney's Cinderella (the live action one that just came out, not the animated one from the early days of Disney).  I was impressed, delighted and amused by the film, but found it at times to be a little heavy with it's less than subtle moral (have courage and be kind). While a great moral, and the the simplicity with which it's stated is refreshing, it is referenced at least a dozen times in the film, often when only one attribute or the other would be sufficient.  If the character's about to do something they're afraid to do, they need only remind their self to have courage, and if they're struggling with whether to help someone, they only need remember to be kind.  That being said, from a parent's stand point, the oft repeated phrase could certainly be valuable as a motif to use around the home.  I know if every child I worked with felt the need to have courage and be kind, then my life and the lives of their peers would benefit tremendously, but I feel the film may try just a little too hard to preach.
The film also tries a little too hard for action and excitement, where the story of Cinderella really has only one real potential for adrenaline.  This is of course as Cinderella flees the ball.  However, we're faced with a fencing match, a run away horse, and a pumpkin that almost suffocates Elle and her fairy godmother.
Even though the film does try too hard at times, there are some real treats in this production.  Some great homages to the original, several incredibly emotional moments, and a great development of the prince's character (in case you didn't notice, he didn't have one in the last version).  I love that in a world that's trying to add darkness to the heroes and understandability to the villians in almost every movie that comes out, Cinderella remains truly good and untainted.  I love that magic and reality are carefully balanced, giving us the chance to believe once again that there might be a little magic in the world after all.  I love the fabulously crafted animal characters which, though obviously cgi/motion capture at times, are as good as most, and are quite lovable (though I could have seen way more of Lucifer, he was the best casting choice of the whole film, in my opinion).
Finally, the film is a great update to the classic story.  Hopefully a new generation will grow up knowing and loving that beautiful, humble, lovable girl that can't keep her shoes on her feet.  Hopefully those of us that already love the story now can learn a little more about our beloved characters and enjoy a bit of nostalgia at the same time.  I know I did.  I laughed, I cried, and I believed just a little bit more by the end in love and in magic.  Of course, that's what Disney does.
I don't personally know if I'll be purchasing Cinderella.  If I find it for a good price, I will, but it may not be worth the full price.  I'd still rather watch the original.  Maybe there'll be a Blu-Ray combo pack of the two.  I'd get that.  If they team up with Fox and include Ever After as well, I'd definitely get it.  Highly recommended to fans of the first film, and to children everywhere, Cinderella is a more than acceptable retelling of a story that deserves to be told again and again.