Disney's live action adaptation of Cinderella is a lavish tale sure to win over audiences. Beautifully directed by Kenneth Branagh, every fame sparkles with an opulent vibrancy that perfectly captures the faerie tale element. The script by Chris Weitz does not deviate from the expected, but the richness of the characters and the bold execution makes the delivery rewarding. Cinderella is that rare children's story that will enchant adults equally. Its innocence is preserved in an era where filmmakers tend to nod and wink to more mature themes.

Lily James stars as Ella, a kindhearted teenage girl who lives with her dedicated father (Ben Chaplin) in a small, but prosperous medieval kingdom. Ella's beloved mother (Hayley Atwell) dies in her youth, but leaves her with the endearing mantra of "be kind and generous". Ella's world changes when her lonely father remarries. Her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) is cruel and fickle, with two incredibly selfish and repugnant daughters (Sophie McShera, Holiday Grainger). When Ella's father tragically dies, her stepmother fires all of the servants. Then slowly turns Ella into a hapless maid, suffering greatly under her new family's whims. But despite her tragic lot in life, Ella remains spirited and upbeat. Dressed in rags, sleeping in a cold attic, sharing her meager dinner scraps with mice. But Ella's fate is about to change after a chance meeting with a handsome stranger (Richard Madden) in the forest.

The story of Cinderella is known. Faerie Godmother, glass slippers, the bells tolling at midnight, it's all here. There's nothing new, story wise, that's going to surprise you. That's what makes this adaptation so remarkable. Ella's plight is heartbreaking as she toils and suffers under her wicked stepmother. Then like a ray of sunshine through a dark cloud, her chaste romance with the dashing prince is so uplifting. Branagh's experience as a venerated stage actor serves him well. His character interactions are seamless, the actors all hit perfect notes. There isn't a single scene where anyone goes overboard or hams it up. Lily James does not succumb to a woe is me dynamic, nor does Cate Blanchett cackle, or wring her hands while machinating. The characters are supremely believable and work well together.

The cinematography, production design, costumes, and visual effects are amazing. Disney spent their money wisely. The sweeping shots of the kingdom, the lavish costumes, the look of Cinderella, it's all magnificent on every front. I was expecting more of a magical, dreamlike look. But the filmmakers root the setting in a sort of lush realism. For example, the mice are CGI, but never come off as cartoonish; and don't talk or overly interact with Cinderella. When her transformation occurs to the stunning princess, those scenes while spectacular, are not overboard. Once again a credit to Branagh's vision, he wants Cinderella to feel real to audiences, to not blow them away with visual effects at the expense of the story.

Cinderella is going to print money at the box office. Much like in Frozen, the team at Disney have found a way to win over every demographic with a movie meant for children. Everyone who is dragged to this film, who would never think to be entertained by a princess story, will leave the theater a smile. I have a feeling tiaras are going to be in high demand.