Stats: 2002. Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott. PG-13.
Background: I saw Ever After at my friend Dorinda’s 18th birthday party. Well, I saw most of it—we had been at Pizza Hut before going to the theater, and something didn’t sit well with me, so I spent part of the movie in the restroom (TMI?). Afterward, when we were recounting our favorite moments, the chicken scene kept coming up, and I had no idea what they were talking about! Then we went back to Dori’s house and watched Dirty Dancing. Trust me, THAT movie isn’t going to turn up on this list!
Plot: Darker than Disney’s Cinderella and less gruesome than the Grimm version, Ever After is a delightful, highly romantic version of the tale. It actually begins with the Grimm brothers being called in to see an old woman who wants to set them straight and tell them the true story of Cinderella, who was her great- grandmother (or something like that. I can't remember just how many "greats" there were). Danielle (Barrymore) is not your classic Cinderella—yes, she is persecuted by her step-mother and one step-sister, but she doesn’t take it lying down. She is a strong woman who speaks her mind and stands up for those in need—and the prince doesn’t rescue her at the end; she rescues herself.
Reactions: This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I watch it once or twice a year, and I just love it. Scott and Barrymore have great chemistry, Huston makes an excellent villain, and there are plenty of comical moments to lighten the heaviness of the drama. (Watch for the wedding scene with the sobbing bride. Cracks me up every time!)
Verdict: Keep
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