A vehicle for Hilary Duff, “A Cinderella Story” is a modern updating of the classic fairy tale. Set at a high school in the San Fernando Valley, a “dorky” girl, Hilary Duff, comes to terms with her “wicked” stepmother, Jennifer Coolidge, and evil stepsisters, played by Madeline Zima and Andrea Avery. Duff meets her “prince” and well….there’s a Halloween Dance….well…I think you get it.
This movie does exactly what you expect it to do. No surprises or inventiveness. Fans will enjoy, but to the “layperson” t…e lack of cinematic flair might be off-putting. There’s a sweetness and cuteness to the proceedings, but if you’re looking for an original take on an old classic, you won’t find it here.
Audio
Nothing fancy here. A straight up Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track with not much surround. Dialogue and music are clean and strong. Some minor ambience and “action” sequences justify your purchase of rear speakers.
Video
A fairly clean 1.85:1 transfer, with minor grain. Colors are sharp and defined. While not an overly broad palette, the picture looks as good as it’s gonna get.
Special Features
”Hanging with Hilary and Friends” is a mild commentary track. Occasionally interesting, but only occasionally. Production stories are met with much giggling.
There’s also a brief “making of” featurette, the “Our Lips Are Sealed” music video from Hilary and Haylie Duff (makes one long for the original Go-Go’s classic), an interactive game, screen tests, a couple minutes worth of additional scenes, a PSA and the theatrical trailer.
Final Thoughts
While not my cup of tea, “A Cinderella Story” should please Duff fans. Lord knows there are plenty of them out there. A sweet film, but nothing ground breaking.
Special Features List
- Commentary by the cast
- Additional scenes
- Hilary and Haylie Duff music video
- Making-of featurette
- Challenge game