Review: A Cinderella Story, Once Upon a Song

Pros: Funny characters and story line; catchy, fun music; likable actors/actresses, entertaining

Cons:  Sassy, disrespectful kids; over-used, unintelligent adult stereotypes; 

Summary: If you are in the mood for a funny, musical comedy in the teen/adult audience... this movie may be worth checking out.


Comedy/Musical, Rated PG

Available on DVD: 9/6/2011 for $28.98

Full Review: 
It's amazing to me how many times the classic story of Cinderella has been written and played and still remains a favorite inspiration for so many movies.  There are so many successful versions, all with a different twist or storyline!   This movie has its good points and not so great points. 

My favorite aspect of A Cinderella Story is that it is a musical... we absolutely love musicals over here!  I thought the vocals were well done.  The music is upbeat, fun and catchy. This one has a similar 'flavor' as High School Musical and is probably directed at a tweens and teens audience.  I loved the actors and actresses that they chose for this movie.   They are funny and keep you laughing all the way through!

Some aspects of the storyline in this movie were disappointing.  Although this movie is hilarious at times, it takes the same road as so many films directed at kids and teens where all of the adult characters are either unintelligent, mean, or totally UN-cool. While you completely expect this of the wicked stepmother, the other adults in this movie (the music producer, the teachers, etc...) all seem to fit these descriptions as well.  In contrast, the kids and teens are the only intelligent and logical of the bunch (with the understandable exception of the selfish and rude wicked stepsisters and their little brother).  The little brother is so disrespectful of property and others (destroying furniture and paintings, has an extremely sassy mouth and attitude and creates embarrassing situations) that even though he is funny, cute and sort of redeems himself in the end, I would NOT show this movie to the younger kiddos in my house!


In conclusion, if you are in the mood for a funny, modern, musical /comedy geared especially towards teen girls, this movie may be worth checking out.  I would not recommend it,  however, for younger or more impressionable children.

Disclosure:  We received A Cinderella Story on DVD for review from WB.  The opinions we have expressed are honest opinions and have not been influenced by the companies providing the free product.  No other compensation was received.