Ever After

According to the PR "comparative one sheet" we received contrasting the "traditional" versus this "contemporary" rendition of the fairy tale Cinderella, in the former, "Cinderella is a more passive and insecure young woman who is in need of rescue." In Ever After, on the other hand, "Cinderella is a very positive role model for young women. She is athletic, protective of people and adventurous. She is very strong, a survivor, well read, classy and fun. She maintains keen intelligence and independence. She is a Cinderella for the new generation." Unfortunately, she is also Drew Barrymore, a thespian whose acting prowess has not significantly matured since her moppet days in E.T. and Firestarter. Still, since mediocrity loves company, the casting of Dougray Scott as the dashing prince turns out to be a fortuitous choice in this pleasant, if lightweight, re-telling of the Cinderella story which--and I'll admit this is no mean feat--removes the fairy godmother, the magic pumpkin, indeed any supernatural trace, yet still manages to be reasonably entertaining. Set in the 16th century and sporting numerous costume changes (five for Barrymore, eight for her semi-wicked stepmother Anjelica Huston), Ever After amassed a more than respectable $65 million at the boxoffice and is being released on video at the sell-through price of $19.98. Purists should note that a certain four letter word that begins with "f" and ends with "k" (and, no, it's not a kitchen utensil) has been deleted from the video release, giving it a "PG" rating; however, the DVD version retains the term (which, incidentally, is not used anachronistically here--the word does date from the 16th century) and carries the original MPAA rating of "PG-13." Given the popularity, the price, and the family-friendly "PG" rating, my critical reservations--which arise mostly out of the fact that the film doesn't come close to living up to its hype--are pretty much beside the point. Recommended. (R. Pitman)