Plot
When Lauren Staerck’s Cinderella reaches her breaking point with her cruel stepsisters and stepmother, she swaps her glass slippers and seeks aid from her Fairy Godmother, played by Henstridge, to exact ruthless vengeance.
Despite enduring relentless mistreatment from her comically grotesque stepfamily, the situation resembles a typical Cinderella narrative, except for the shocking murder that unfolds at the outset.
Review
“Cinderella’s Revenge” is part of the trend of adapting cherished childhood tales into gruesome narratives, seemingly designed to captivate audiences. The core concept revolves around Cinderella’s abandonment by her stepfamily.
Lauren Staerck delivers a passable performance as Cinderella, infusing the character with charm that elevates an otherwise lackluster role. However, the portrayal of Cinderella as naïve and lacking in understanding detracts from her credibility, especially once she dons her vengeful guise.
The transformation sequence feels more like a teenager playing dress-up than a manifestation of superhuman abilities bestowed by her Fairy Godmother. Additionally, Cinderella’s frequent missteps, despite extraterrestrial assistance, strain believability.
Stephanie Lodge’s depiction of the evil stepmother, Katherine, effectively conveys cruelty and malice, while Josephine and Rachel as the stepsisters embody consistent dreadfulness, even when they should be learning lessons.
Natasha Henstridge’s portrayal of the Fairy Godmother stands out as a highlight, despite defying the typical casting for the role. Her charismatic performance adds depth, although some elements, like the celebrity designer montage, feel out of place, almost like a satire of TV movie conventions.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
The storyline ventures far beyond the expectations of a typical Cinderella narrative. However, the revenge aspect remains underdeveloped. While there are sporadic moments of enjoyment, overall, the film proves to be a tedious experience. Additionally, the quality of the effects often falls short, provoking eye rolls even during scenes involving blood and tension. A rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars is warranted for this film.
