User reviews

I can't help myself smiling near the end of romantic comedies, when the two people made for each other finally have their first real kiss. 'A Cinderella Story' brought that smile to my face, on the way it made me laugh a couple of times, but to be honest the film itself is not good. I should say terrible I guess, but since I always find amusing things in this genre I personally would not agree with myself even though I know I am right.

The film follows the Cinderella story. We have Hilary Duff as Cinderella, here named Sam, Jennifer Coolidge as the evil stepmother named Fiona, and two evil stepsisters named Brianna (Madeline Zima) and Gabriella (Andrea Avery). The boy Sam likes is Austin (Chad Michael Murray), although she doesn't know she likes him since she has felt in love with him through e-mail conversations. I guess part of the inspiration came from 'You've Got Mail' too. Of course we have the dance where she learns who he is. Since her eyes are covered with a mask he does not who she is. (When this rule is applied to Superman, it should be applied to Hilary Duff.) Instead of losing a glass slipper near the end she loses her phone. The search for Cinderella starts.

This is the main story. Sub-plots involve Sam's good friend Carter (Dan Byrd) and their friendship and a diner that used to belong to Sam's father including the people working there, most notably Rhonda (Regina King). These little stories are almost more interesting than the main story. Duff is able to make the film watchable. She really is sweet and it is too bad for her she has to do it with this material. Since the comparison is always made: Lindsay Lohan's 'Mean Girls' is a much better film. That film seems to know something about high schools and the people attending them. It's way more intelligent and contains a lot more real laughs. In 'A Cinderella Story' everything, and I mean every little thing, goes by the book. I understand the film is based on one of the most famous fairy tales out there, but even stories like that can be made original in one way or another.

Is there some joy in this film? Yes, for some. You have to love romantic comedies as much as I do for starters. Like I said, Duff is really sweet and Chad Michael Murray has his moments even though he is six years older. You might give it a try if you can a film for those qualities alone, but I would say you better spend your time on something better. 'Mean Girls' is a nice one to start, or how about the good old Disney-animated 'Cinderella'?

This film is truly the sweetest romantic comedy that has been made in the past few years. With an excellent young cast and a good script this film has rocketed to the top of girlie charts everywhere! With Jennifer Coolidge at her funniest as the evil stepmother and Chad Michael Murray at his most gorgeous as the one and only Prince Charming how could any true fairy tale fan resist! It contains everything that could possibly needed to make it a perfect, yet typically simple chick flick! I don't know any girls who have watched it and haven't loved it, I say give it a chance and let yourself fall away into the romance. Murray and Duff work surprisingly well together considering the relative inexperience there and you can honestly feel the teenage angst brewing underneath! A Cinderella Story is a must have for any girls night in!

It's since spawned many a straight to DVD spin-off, but this is the original 'Cinderella Story' starring Hillary Duff.

It's a decent enough tween film, with a good central performance by Duff as the modern day (well, 2004 modern) Cinderella.

Of course the whole film is completely stolen by Jennifer Coolidge, who is playing a character not dissimilar to her Bobbie character on the much maligned but great 'Joey'.

Overall, decent enough.

This movie is a teenie bop movie in most every aspect. Duff is a likable enough celebrity, and Murray is certainly not hard on the eyes, no matter what your age. I cry at every movie, and I almost shed a tear when all hope seemed lost for Duff's character.

Almost.

My husband pulled me out of the theater prior to the ending of the story, which tells me we will not be buying this movie for our two girls at home...even though they would love it.

The movie is eye candy. Lots of flashy clothes, accessories, wallpaper, schools, scenes...you name it. Kids will really like this movie. Probably preteen and possibly some teenagers.

I think the overall ranking when I rated/reviewed this movie is accurate at 4. I will give it a 4 out of 10.

This movie is cute. I won't deny that. My roommate and I watch it every time it's on TV. However, that doesn't mean it's a good movie. It's entertaining and the perfect movie to watch when you don't want to think. However, this movie is FILLED with plot holes, one-dimensional characters, and less-than-believable acting. Duff is the perfect actress for a tween movie, but believing that she is an outcast because she works at her family's diner is ridiculous. Chad Michael Murray is ideal for the heart-throb male lead, but there is no apparent chemistry between his character and Duff's. So, if you want a fluff movie with attractive, but not incredibly talented actors and an entertaining but not fully thought-through plot, then A Cinderella Story is for you.

It was alright, I guess. I don't like that sort of lovey-dovey romance types of movies, I prefer action and horror films, like Star Wars (my favorite) and Alien V.S. Predator. Anyway, I liked the humour though, it was pretty funny. I'd say if you're a romance fan, don't watch it! LOL! Just kidding, there's not too much love in this film, but, like high school love. I'd say don't follow the Fabulous review, because Sam is a tomboy(like me) for all of the film, but Shelby Commings is a cheerleader with a really sharp attitude, who used to date Austin Ames and is always trying to take him away from Sam. I think shes a real jerk. But, I'd say, the movie was OKAY.