I didn’t expect to like the live-action version of “Cinderella” as much as I did. I love Disney and their classic animated movies but I’m not a huge fan of their live-action films (“Alice in Wonderland” and “Maleficent”, to name a few). In an era of movie redundancy and repetition, I suppose it’s pointless to question why we need a new, variant telling of “Cinderella”. So naturally I didn’t expect a work of genius. In fact, I approached it with caution, worried that director Kenneth Branagh’s (“Thor”) touch would create a kind of overkill. I’m happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised; this is a truly enjoyable movie for kids and adults alike. The title character is played by Lily James. She’s quite good, but the film has other assets, chief among them a lush fairy-tale world, an impressive visual treatment (showing in glorious 2D), and a superior performance by the amazing Cate Blanchett, who plays Cinderella’s evil stepmother. I was also delighted in Helena Bonham Carter’s performance as the fairy Godmother. Her character doesn’t appear much, but she makes the most of it as usual. The result is truly magical, and “Cinderella” easily draws us into a marvelous make-believe environment. Do I think it will take the place of more traditional treatments of the famous story? No. But taken on its own terms, this “Cinderella” made me smile from start to finish. That’s no easy feat.

Rating: 3/4