The theater lit up as the orange pumpkin on the screen turned into a beautiful, golden carriage. Next, the mice grew until they became white horses, and the lizards and goose turned into footmen. Finally, Cinderella watched her own torn dress become a beautiful, blue ball-gown with glass slippers to match.

The live-action “Cinderella” is based on the original animated “Cinderella” Disney produced in 1950. It follows the familiar storyline with added background information not found in the 1950 version. The movie explains why Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) is rude to Cinderella (Lily James) and why she married Cinderella’s father in the first place. It shows more of Cinderella’s sweet relationship with her father (Ben Chaplin) and mother (Hayley Atwell), and Prince Christopher’s (Richard Madden) relationship with his father (Derek Jacobi).

All of the actors and actresses are talented performers, and most of them fit their character well. James brings out Cinderella’s quiet, sweet personality and Blanchett has a sophisticated, egotistical air that fits her character. However, I do not like the way Helena Bonham Carter portrays the Fairy Godmother. She seems more like a sassy blonde with magic than a mother figure who grants Cinderella her heart’s desire.

For the most part, the costumes were appropriate for each character. Cinderella’s dress reflected the beauty and elegance of her noble nature. Lady Tremaine wore refined dresses for her cultured temperament while the stepsisters wore childish, bizarre dresses. I was not impressed with the Fairy Godmother’s appearance. I am used to a more traditional Fairy Godmother, and I do not think this Fairy Godmother should be glitzy and young.

The computer effects in the movie were fascinating. The transformations of the pumpkin into the carriage, the mice into horses, and the lizards and goose into footmen are believable. I liked that when the animals became “human” they still resembled the animals they were.

Composer Patrick Doyle expresses the theme and mood for the movie well in his music. Although the music has a modern, movie soundtrack tone, he cleverly incorporates a classical style appropriate for that time period. The movie is not a musical, but Cinderella sings a song she learns from her mother which leads the prince to finding her true identity. During the credits, James sings “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” and Carter sings “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” both from the original Disney movie.

I loved how the theme of the whole story is kindness. Early in the story, Cinderella’s mother tells Cinderella to always have courage and be kind. Even in the darkest moments when it looks like Cinderella will always be under her stepmother and stepsisters’ commands, she still keeps her promise to always have courage and be kind. Eventually, it is Cinderella’s kindness that captures the heart of a prince and allows her to forgive Lady Tremaine.

This new production of “Cinderella” is exciting and entertaining made not just for children, but for people of all ages who love romance, magic and a happy ending.