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Betty Jo Tucker

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Books
· Cinema Stanzas Two: Poet Laureate of the Movies

· Cinema Stanzas: Rhyming About Movies

· The Reel Deal: Writing about Movies

· Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick

· Confessions of a Movie Addict


Short Stories
· Call 911!

· A Very Short Story

· The Ruby Slippers Caper


Articles
· My Ten Favorite Movies of 2024

· Paris Christmas Waltz Review and Film Poem

· The Fabulous Four

· Twisters Review and Film Poem

· A Family Affair Review and Film Poem

· Jim Henson: Idea Man Review and Film Poem

· The Fall Guy Review and Film Poem

· Tony Shalhoub and Monk

· The Beekeeper Review and Film Poem

· The Beekeeper Review and Film Poem


Poetry
· Maria Film Poem

· Wicked, A Short Film Poem

· Inside the Mind of a Dog Film Poem

· Ode to Simone Biles

· Faye Dunaway Film Poem

· Remembering Gene Wilder

· On Being 93

· My Sister's Birthday Poem (85 Years)

· The Holdovers Film Poem

· Oscar Best Pictures of 2023

         More poetry...
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· The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Then and Now

· Debbie Reynolds in the Spotlight

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Cinderella 2021
by Betty Jo Tucker
Last edited: Monday, September 6, 2021
Posted: Monday, September 6, 2021



     

You would think the world didn’t need another “Cinderella” movie. After all, Disney released three animated films about this popular Grimm Brothers fairy tale as well as a live-action Cinderella. And 20th Century Fox gave us “Ever After,” my favorite starring Drew Barrymore as Ella and Angelica Huston as the wicked stepmother. I even got to meet Huston at a film festival -- and bungled it by imitating (right in front of the star!) her reluctant curtsy to Cinderella in that entertaining version.


But I digress. Now Amazon Studios presents an entirely new live-action Cinderella starring popular singer Camila Cabella. It’s a musical comedy, which suits the energetic Cabella in her first acting role. Although most of the standard fairy tale people and creatures are still here, Cinderella is a strong young lady who has her own plans and vows to overcome all obstacles in the way. And, oh yes, instead of a fairy godmother, she has a “Fabulous Godmutha” played fabulously by Billy Porter. Plus, there’s scene after scene of great singing and dancing to move the story along. .         

Another Cinderella? Yes!

But I love it, I must confess.

A musical with lots of fun.

Any complaints? No, I have none.

 

Our leading lady needs no Prince.

Basement life doesn’t make her wince.

She makes dresses and wants to sell.

A business woman time will tell.

 

But, oh that handsome Prince is nice!

He loves her never mind the price.

What can they do to work things out?

They have to, fans, so we can shout.    

 

Magic and music through it all.

And don’t worry, there’s quite a Ball.

Colorful costumes fill the screen

    Plus robust dancing is so keen.     .

 

Stand-out performances you’ll see.

It’s Cinderella herstory.

Those stand-out performances include: Nicholas Galitzine as the Prince, Idina Menzel as the stepmother, plus the aforementioned Cabella and Porter. Galitzine and Cabella project excellent chemistry together, especially in the “Perfect” dance number at the Royal Ball. Galitzine wows us with his singing, especially in the “Somebody to Love” number. Cabella warbles and dances like a trouper while making us believe in Cinderella’s persistence and confidence. Menzel tones down the “wicked” stepmom a bit without losing all of that character’s malice. And Porter?  You’ll just have to see this fun movie to find out how show stopping he is.

Written and directed with a sense of humor by Kay Cannon, Cinderella 2021 ends up being a surprising treat for the whole family.               

(Released by Amazon Prime and rated “PG” by MPAA.)

 

Web Site: ReelTalk Movie Reviews


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Reviewed by Ronald Hull
Reviewed on September 7, 2021
I'm with you when it comes to bringing back old stories with new I have made and often for a while afterwards or today clothes. I stopped watching Cinderella stories after a while even though I've heard good things about some of them, especially the animated ones and the actors who voice the parts.

But for the same reason that you do, I might like this one. I love great singing, but I'm not to excited about flamboyant dance numbers. It seems like that every video singers do these days require the dance numbers that overpower the songs' lyrics and the singers' voice.

Ever since I saw Billy Porter in Pose I've been hooked on him. He reminds me very much of Tommie McNeil, who I hired to help me on a trip of seven days in 2011. With Tommie around, there was never a dull moment. After meeting me, I helped him get started on his well-received novel of Galveston back stories… Two Left Shoes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R9ZO1I6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Ron


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