Disney Cinderella Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is the new Cinderella live action film ok for children? Disney Cinderella Movie Review | Safe for Kids? #CinderellaEvent Post sponsored by Disney. All opinions are my own

Disney Cinderella Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

It’s the movie your little princess has been waiting for.

After 65 years since the release of the original animated film, Disney’s Cinderella is sweeping the hearts of the young and old, now in a live-action film. Starting today, the new 2015 Disney Cinderella movie enters the theaters in grand style. And the buzz about this Disney Princess story has everyone wondering…does the movie even compare to that of our childhood memories?

Today, we’re talking about the story, the costumes, and most importantly, is Disney Cinderella safe for my kids? My Disney Cinderella Movie Review will hopefully leave you and your family believing in the power of 4 little words “Once Upon A Time.”

The Story

Those looking for a completely different Cinderella story than what you grew up with, you’ll be sorely disappointed. You know how the story begins as well as how it ends. But to quote the amazing Director Kenneth Branagh “It’s not about what happens next. It’s about HOW you do what happens next.”

Parents who are worried about Kenneth Branagh directing the film, don’t be. While the CGI action-packed Thor film may stick out in everyone’s minds, it’s in his Shakespeare background that you will find his sincerity, his child-like wonder and dare I say his femininity? There’s something completely magical about the simplicity of the story, captivated on screen in real life. The ballroom scene is breathtaking.

The Visuals

And that’s not to say the film did not get a few upgrades. I mean, the costuming by Sandy Powell alone is enough to captivate the audience. The costumes bring life into the film with a tangible visual to attach to the characters’ personalities. It brings you and your kids in awestruck wonder to see Cinderella transform into her dress and put on those slippers for the first time. The grandeur and the pomp and circumstance of the whole movie is up to fairy tale scale as well.

The Message

The 1950’s characters got a major facelift as well, and I’m happy to say for the better. The prince has a much larger role in this movie, with a little background history, personality and definitely a more wooing courtship of Cinderella, and not just for her beauty but as equals. And hey, Richard Madden isn’t bad to look at either. I’d swoon 🙂 Cate Blanchett‘s role as Lady Tremaine (aka Stepmother) will have you “love hating” her through the film. Her work is just flawless.

No longer a passive Cinderella, your little princesses of today will find Lily James encouraging, strong and able to do just fine without a prince of her own. But the overwhelming power of courage and kindness is what is really sets this movie apart from the original. There’s power in being an amazing and good person. And it’s a power that easily translates the fairy tale into everyday life.

That PG Rating

Is Cinderella safe for kids? The realm of the PG rating is a large scale, which has every parent wondering….’Is the new Disney Cinderella safe for my kids to see?’ Is live action Cinderella ok for children? According to the film, the PG rating is for “mild thematic elements.” But does that mean that the new Cinderella remake is kid friendly?

Language. None. Thank you, Disney.

Violence. As far as violence goes…I would say minimal to none. Don’t get me wrong, the Stepmother is creepy at times. Threatening tones are definitely in play and that iconic evil villain laugh…possible nightmares.

Adult Content. There’s also the overshadowing of illness and death with multiple scenes of Cinderella and the Prince crying. That may lead to conversations you may or may not want to have with your children at this time.

What Cinderella Age Rating Is Recommended for Kids?

At a run time of 1 hour and 54 minutes, this live action remake is perfect for kids who believe in fairy tales. As far as the story itself, there’s no guns, no explosions, no suspense, no innuendo. The magic used is playful and fun. And Branagh does an amazing job of preserving the original story.

So if you wouldn’t want your children watch the animated version, then this would not be the time to take them. Would I take my 6 year old? Absolutely. Would I take my 2 year old? If she would sit through it, I definitely would. And why? Because every child should believe in fairy tales, happy endings and the dream of something bigger than themselves.

The Overall

This movie gives children hope in the midst of despair. Cinderella teaches values that go beyond the movie, and can shape a lifetime. Ok, so maybe the Once Upon a Time has been replaced with “Have courage, and be kind,” a message I certainly do not mind my children instilling into their everyday language. And perhaps, it’s within this fairy tale world and the subtle teachings from the characters that our children can believe in the goodness of people again.

Frozen Fever Short!

Don’t forget the other bonus of getting to see the new live-action Cinderella movie. The all-new Frozen Fever short! Princesses Anna and Elsa are back with all of your favorite Frozen characters as they celebrate Anna’s birthday! This is a wonderful little short that’s definitely comparable to the fun of the Tangled short! A brand new song and Elsa in a completely happy and FUN light, the new interaction between the sisters is refreshing! Elsa’s cold soon wreaks havoc on the birthday party, but as always with Disney, there’s a happy ending.

Be warned, your kids will be asking for those adorable huggable mini-snowgies as well as the newest Anna and Elsa wardrobes for Halloween. And with the making of Frozen 2 on the horizon, Frozen Fever is a wonderful bridge into the possibilities for the new movie (I’m hoping for a wedding!).

The power of courage and kindness is the final thought that you are left to ponder, whether you’re 5 or 95 (Thanks, Kenneth Branagh). It helped me to reexamine the person that I am and the future I hope for for myself and my kids. A fairy tale brought to life, Disney’s Cinderella will have you believing in once upon a times and happy endings again. And it’s just as magical on the screen now as it was the first time I saw the animated film.

• Website: https://disney.com/Cinderella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cinderella
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/CinderellaMovie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DisneyCinderella
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/cinderella

It’s been an amazing journey to get to this moment. To have my own Cinderella experience in line with this movie, I’m so thankful. Have you been following along my #CinderellaEvent journey? Check out my own Cinderella Moments at the JCPenney Glam Ball and My First Red Carpet Experience. Stay tuned for more amazing of my Disney Cinderella interviews with Richard Madden (The Prince) and Costume Designer Sandy Powell next week.

• Check out my exclusive Cate Blanchett interview (Lady Tremaine) as we discuss what makes a Wicked Stepmother.
• Check out my exclusive Lily James interview (Cinderella) as we find out what makes a Disney Princess come to life.
• Check out my exclusive Frozen Fever interview as we get a behind the scenes peek with Directors Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee.
• Check out my exclusive Director Kenneth Branagh interview as we go deeper into the story and making of Cinderella.

Whatever the reason you’re heading into the theaters this weekend, I know that Disney’s Cinderella will be a fairy tale come true for the entire family. Bring those swishy dresses, tiaras and few warm hugs and see Cinderella, in theaters now.

Are you seeing Cinderella?

Disclosure ~ I received an all-inclusive Disney media trip in exchange for this posting. All opinions are my own. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more reviews, giveaways and more.