Older vs. Newer Review: Cinderella

Hello!
Today, February 26th, is National Fairy Tale Day! And, it is still February, so Cordy's Lovely Blog Party is still in full swing!

If you have read this blog for awhile, you know how I am with doing things "in the spirit of" an event, so I have found the perfect thing to celebrate both! (Hint: look at the button or the title of this post)

Also, when I started this blog, one of the big ideas that I had that I was going to do a lot was my Older vs. Newer reviews. My current streak is one a year, so let's remedy that.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.


Cinderella (1951):

Based on: The story by the brothers Grimm, and Cinderella - by Charles Perrault.
(Do I really have to put the plot? I think pretty much everyone knows it.)
After a girl's father dies, she has to be a servant to her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. The king announces that there will be a royal ball, and at that ball his son, the prince, will choose a bride. Even though everyone is invited, the girl's stepmother, Lady Tremaine, won't let her go. The girl, Cinderella, receives help from a place that she never would have looked for it.

Genre(s): Fantasy, Family, Romance, Animated.
Length: approx. 74 minutes.
Costumes: 7. My sisters and I joke about how we always thought that Cinderella's head band were earmuffs.

Script: 8, there is not a lot of talking, but what is there it is all good.
Crew:
Directed by: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, & Wilfred Jackson.
Written by: Ken Anderson, Perce Pearce, Homer Brightman, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, & Ted Sears.
Starring the voices of:
Ilene Woods as Cinderella.

Eleanor Audley as Lady Tremaine.

Verna Felton as Fairy Godmother.

Lucille Bliss as Anastasia Tremaine.
Rhoda Williams as Drizella Tremaine.
Jimmy McDonald as Jaq and Gus.
Luis van Rooten as The King and the Grand Duke.

William Phipps as Prince Charming.
Mike Douglas as Prince Charming (singing).
June Foray as Lucifer (just cat noises).

Pinto Colvig as Bruno (just dog noises).

Betty Lou Gerson as the Narrator.
Animation: 9, this is just so classic! I love it! They say that it is in this movie was Walt Disney's favorite piece of animation. If you have seen it, you know which part I'm talking about.

Don't tell me that you didn't love this.

Music: 9! The song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" is one of my favorite Disney songs.
Music by: Oliver Wallace & Paul J. Smith.
Quotes: 8, "Well, there's one thing. They can't order me to stop dreaming."
Storyline: 9, there is some smoking, but I think that's it!
Good For: All Disney fans!

Overall Score: 8.5!
Bonus thoughts: Considering what it is, if I saw it for the first time now I don't think I would really like it, but it is so nostalgic for me, I love it!


VS.


Cinderella (2015):

Based on: The story by the brothers Grimm, Cinderella - by Charles Perrault, and the 1950 version.
"Once upon a time, there was a girl named Ella."
This girl named Ella lives in a happy world. After tragedy, her father marries again and she has a cruel stepmother and stepsisters. More tragedy strikes, but Ella fights on, looking for good. One day, she meets a young man who is unlike any other, and only wishes to see him again. She hopes to do that at the royal ball, but her stepmother won't allow her to go. Ella learns to always believe, but will it be enough?
'"I believe in everything."
"Then I believe in everything, too."'

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Family.
Length: approx. 105 minutes.
Costumes: 10! Costumes don't often get a full rating here, but these are outstanding!
Costumes by: Sandy Powell.
My favorite: Everyone ever!!

Script: 10, there is some name calling, but it is shown as bad.
"Names have power, like magic spells."
Crew:
Directed by: Kenneth Brannagh.
Written by: Chris Weitz.
"Kindness is free, love is free."
Starring:
Lily James as Cinderella. "Mystery princess? What a charming notion."

Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. "My story would appear to be ended."
Richard Madden as Prince Kit.
Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother.
Nonso Anozie as the Captain.
Stellan Skarsgård as the Grand Duke.
Holliday Grainger as Anastasia.
"Such dear, affectionate girls."
Sophie McShera as Drisella.
Derek Jacobi as the King.
Ben Chaplin as Ella's father.
Hayley Atwell as Ella's mother.

Eloise Webb as a young Ella.
Jana Perez as Princess Celina of Zaragosa.
Alex Macqueen as the Royal Crier.
Rob Brydon as Master Phineus.
Cinematography: 10! It is so beautiful! I'm not a fan of CGI, but it is all amazing here.

Cinematography by: Haris Zambarloukos.
Music: 10!! Oh. My. Word. This music is so amazing! I love the theme of "Lavender's Blue".
Music by: Patrick Doyle.

Quotes: 10!

'"Why are you crying?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Nothing...nothing...what is a bowl of milk? Nothing, but kindness makes it everything."'

Storyline: 10!!
Good For: All Disney fans, all fairytale lovers.

'"Oh, I do love a happy ending, don't you?"

"They are quite my favorite kind."'

Overall Score: 10!
Bonus thoughts: This movie is so beautiful. Very few movies have such a huge effect on my life.
"Have courage and be kind."


Character comparison:

Cinderella:

1950: Do you know what is amazing? I never really liked her, but the 2015 has made me appreciate her more!
2015: Lily James does such a perfect job, no one else could have been better.


Prince Charming/Kit:

1950: We never hear a name, and this guy really has no personality.

2015: Ahhh!!! Richard Madden does such a great job! The best character ever. No buts about it.

Lady Tremaine:

1950: So evil, and that works in the 1950 version.

2015: Cate Blanchett doesn't usually play the villain, but she is amazing at it. I love the back story!

Anastasia and Drizella:

1950: Is is weird that I always liked Anastasia better? I don't know. Both are pretty cruel.

2015: Holliday Granger and Sophie McShea are two of my favorites. They were perfect for these roles.

Fairy Godmother:

1950: The classic! Whenever someone says "Fairy Godmother" this is who you picture!

2015: I am so used to seeing Helena Bonham Carter as the villain, that I was really surprised that she was cast in this part! She does a good job, though. The only thing I would remove is all the dark eye make-up. It's just a little weird.

The King:

1950: My sister tells me that he was her favorite character, which, I think, is relatable for a lot of kids.

2015: Yes!! I love Derek Jacobi as the king! So wise.

The Grand Duke:

1950: He is very funny! When I was little he was always my favorite.

2015: They completely changed his character, but I love it! Stellan Skarsgård does such a good job.

Comparing Outfits:

Well, it is only one outfit, but we have to have pictures of the classic dresses!

1950: This, this is so pretty! I loved it when I was really young (up to 6) then when I got a little older I didn't (7-13), but I don't know why! I love this!!
2015: That skirt has 12 layers. Wow! Blue is my favorite color ever, so to me this is so gorgeous!


The winner: Based on the scores, the newer one should win, but I can't choose. Tell me what you think!


Spoiler Alert! From here on there will be spoilers, but I don't know who hasn't seen this...

For the blogathon:

Cinderella and the Prince (1950):

You know, I am really not a big fan of the "love at first sight" trope. And I remember from an early age being exasperated by this. If we ignore that, then it is very sweet. The main point is that no matter where you come from, you are beautiful and you can be loved. I do love all of the animation here!


Ella and Kit (2015):

Ah!! This just makes me so, so, so, so, so happy!! Disney took what I didn't like about the original, and fixed it. I just love this so much I can't think to type anything out.
I love:
How Kit says:

"She isn't just a pretty girl! I mean, she is a pretty girl, but there is so much more."

That during the ballroom scene his eyes never leave her face.
The secret garden.
That she gives up her happiness to save him.
When Kit says: "I just have to see her again."


Also, this goes with my current header, because Ella and Kit are the bottom center!

I am so sorry that this is so scattered. Please tell me what you think!

Thanks for reading! And be sure to check out Cordy's Lovely Blog Party!

MovieCritic

A Memorial for Actors and Authors~2017

Hello.
2017 was a great year in some ways, but a lot of great people died. This post is as memorial for some of my favorite actors and authors that are close to my heart.

Mary Tyler Moore: Actress
December 29th, 1936 - January 25th, 2017

Though she is most famous for her television show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the only movie I have seen her in is Thoroughly Modern Millie. She plays the sweet, gullible Miss Dorothy. She had me laughing. She really was a great actress, I look forward to watching more of her movies.

Robert Osborne: TCM Television Host
May 3rd, 1932 - March 6th, 2017

I know that all the others on here are actors and authors, but I do want to write a word or two about Robert Osborne. For as long as I can remember I have been watching Turner Classic Movies. And for as long as I can remember, Robert Osborne's voice has introduced each movie. I will miss hearing his voice, and hearing his thoughts.

Peter Sallis: Voice Actor
February 1st, 1921 - June 2nd, 2017

We all have cartoons that we love. Ones that we have watched since we were tiny and still enjoy watching today. Mine are the Wallace and Gromet cartoons. The amazing claymation tells the story of Wallace, and his dog Gromet. Peter Sallis played the unmistakable voice of the cheese loving Wallace.

Michael Bond: Author
January 23rd, 1926 - June 27th, 2017

Michael Bond is the creator of one of the most lovable bears: Paddington. Though I have never read the books, I love the character, and I cannot wait to read the books. The movie is excellent, and there is a number two coming out in 2018. Thank you, Michael Bond.

June Foray: Voice Actress
September 18th, 1917 - July 26th, 2017. (She was almost 100!)

Talk about a voice! The movies I heard her in are: Cinderella as Lucifer the Cat, Peter Pan as Squaw, The Snow Queen as Court Raven/Old robber/Old Fairy, Thumbelina as Queen Tabitha, Mulan as Grandmother Fa, and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas as Cindy Lou Who. She was also the known voices of: Witch Hazel, Granny in Tweety Bird Cartoons, and Rocky J. Squirrel. We will miss her.

Glen Campbell: Actor and Singer
April 22nd, 1936 - August 8th, 2017

I know your thinking, "Wait, he was a singer. Why is he on a movie blog?" Well, to tell the truth, I don't know his songs, but I do know that he played Le Boeuf in the 1969 version of True Grit. I really do like that character and I think he did an excellent job.

Jerry Lewis: Actor and Comedian
March 16th, 1926 - August 20th, 2017

I have actually only seen him in one movie: 3 Ring Circus. Everyone always loves Dean Martin, which is good, but Jerry Lewis deserves some love too. It's hard always playing the one who gets laughed at, but he was marvelous at it. I cannot wait to see more of his movies.

There you have it. Do you miss these actors as much as I do?

I hope you all had a fabulous 2017, and are ready for an even greater 2018!!!!

MovieCritic

Book vs. Movie Review: Peter Pan

Hello!
Welcome to the first day of my Halloween Blog Party! It is time to start revealing what my sisters and I were for Halloween 2017!!!

Today I will be doing my costume. Mwahaha! Clue: One of the scariest villains ever. You'll never guess, unless you just read the title of this post.

So, this book has become one of my favorites. I always was a little, let's say, reluctant to grow up. Not anymore after reading this book. It is so amazing! If you haven't read it, GO!

I also wanted to say the J. M. Barrie donated the rights of the book Peter Pan to the Children's Hospital in London.

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless it says so.

Peter Pan - by J. M. Barrie:

(Also titled: Peter & Wendy)
"All children, except one, grow up."
When the Darling children are visited by Peter Pan, he decides he and his "lost boys" need a mother so he takes Wendy and her brothers off to Neverland where children never grow up.
"'You just think lovely wonderful thoughts," Peter explained, 'and they lift you up in the air.'"
Genre: Adventure.
Characters: 10, they are brilliant!
My favorites:
Wendy Angela Moria Darling.
Mrs. Darling.
Mr. Darling.
Nana.
Mr. Smee.
'Odd things happen to all of us on our way through life without our noticing for a time that they have happened.'
Words: 9, there is one bad word.
'We ought to use the pluperfect and say wakened, but woke is better and was always used by Peter.'
Storyline: 7, there is death, and smoking and the like. But this book is SO AMAZING.
'Not a sound is to be heard, save when they give vent to a wonderful imitation of the lonely call of the coyote.'
Good For: EVERYONE.
Overall Score: 9!! I love this book.


VS.


Peter Pan (1953):

Based on the book by J. M. Barrie:
"All this has happened before and it will always happen again..."
Peter Pan whisks away Wendy, John, and Michael to Neverland, a place full of Mermaids, Pirates, and Indians. A place where you never have to grow up.
"Come on everybody, off we go!"

Genre: Adventure, Animated.
Length: 77 minutes (approx.).
Costumes: 8, they are drawn very well! There are some points where people aren't wearing shirts, and were a skirt is a little high.

Script: 10, no bad words!
Crew:
Directed by:
Clyde Geronimi
Wilfred Jackson
Hamilton Luske
Produced by: Walt Disney
Story by:
Milt Banta
William Cottrell
Winston Hibler
Bill Peet
Erdman Penner
Joe Rinaldi
Ted Sears
Ralph Wright
Based on: Peter Pan - by J.M. Barrie

Starring the voices of:
Bobby Driscoll as Peter Pan.

Kathryn Beaumont as Wendy Angela Moria Darling. "Just Wendy is fine."

Paul Collins as John Darling.
Tommy Luske as Michael Darling.
Hans Conried as George Darling.
Hans Conried as Captain Hook. "Well, well, a codfish on a hook."
Heather Angel as Mary Darling.
Bill Thompson as Mr. Smee.

Robert Ellis as Cubby (bear costume).
Jeffrey Silver as Nibs (rabbit costume).
Johnny McGovern as Twins (raccoon costumes).
Stuffy Singer as Slightly (fox costume).

Tony Butala as singing voices
June Foray, Connie Hilton, Margaret Kerry, and Karen Kester as the mermaids.

June Foray as Squaw.
Bill Thompson as the other pirates.
Candy Candido as the Indian Chief/Big Chief.
Tom Conway as the Narrator.
The Mellomen (Thurl Ravenscroft, Bill Lee, Bob Stevens and Max Smith) as the Pirate Chorus and Indians.
Music: 9. "You think of a wonderful thought..." The songs are pretty good! My favorite is "You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!"

Music by:
Oliver Wallace
Sammy Fain
Frank Churchill
Sammy Cahn
Ed Penner
Winston Hibler
Ted Sears
Quotes: 10, "Second star to the right and straight on 'till morning."
Notes: Didn't they rip the sails?
Storyline: 5, there is drinking, smoking, death, tattoos, and is missing a lot of things from the book and you don't get the same feel you get reading it. But, it is a classic.

Good For: Families.

Overall Score: 8!
"Oh Wendy, is that all you have to say?"


The book wins!!


"The world's most famous crook." ~ Thoughts on Captain James Hook.

Description:
'In the midst of them, the blackest and largest jewel in that setting, reclined James Hook, or as he wrote himself Jas. Hook, of whom it is said was the only man that the Sea-Cook feared. He lay at his ease in the rough chariot drawn and propelled by his men, and instead of a right hand he had the iron hook with which ever and anon he encouraged them to increase their pace. As dogs this terrible man treated and addressed them, and as dogs they obeyed him. In person he was cadaverous and blackavized, his hair was dressed in long curls, which at a little distance looked like black candles, and gave a singularly threatening expression to his handsome countenance. His eyes were of the blue of the forget-me-not, and of a of a profound melancholy, save when he was plunging his hook into you, at which time two red spots appeared in them and lit them up horribly.' --Peter Pan, - by J. M. Barrie. And, his voice is a 'black voice'.

Captain Hook, might have been a good man once, or if not he might have become one, but once he began thinking of revenge, he could never go back. He was propelled by his hand, or what was his hand, because he had to look at it every day. Instead of being forgiving and making the best of it, he let that anger burn inside him, making him the most feared pirate. He actually became quite good with his hook and was able to do things with it.

About my costume:

No one can decide which hand the hook was on! In the description in the book Peter Pan (see above) it says that his right hand was cut off, but in the 1953 movie, it was obviously stated: "Oh no, John! It was the left hand." Because of that, I just put it on my left hand because I am right handed and it was easier for me to do things.

I can't tell you how long we looked for a hat. We never did find quite the right one, but I am happy with the result. And I am so happy that we found the coat! It is one of the most famous parts of Captain Hook, am I right?

I can't stop laughing at how different I look in this picture. I am naturally blond, but I look pretty cool in a black wig!

The sword was a last minute addition, I was spray painting things pretty quickly.

Here is a close up of the hook:

So, what do you think?
How did I do compared to Captain Hook in the 1953 Peter Pan?

And compared to Dustin Hoffman in the movie Hook (1991)?

Captain Hook is also mentioned in:
Pan (2015) [movie].
The Land of Stories [book series].
Once Upon a Time [TV series].
Peter and the Starcatchers [book].

Thank you so much for reading! Check in tomorrow to see what my sisters were! What were you for Halloween?

MovieCritic