Terry Clark

A gem of a movie providing a current narrative giving girls options for their future other than marrying and giving up their dreams and boys the option to pursue their dreams rather thsn follow in their father’s footsteps. The critics of this movie who believe that the original was the Disney cartoon version and are condemning it for its progressive interpretation, need to read the folktale from 1697 called The Little Glass Slipper by Charles Perrault on which the 1950s cartoon was based, changing the name of the character from Cendrillion to Cinderella. Other versions, from China and Greece go back to 9th Century CE and 7th Century BCE, respectively. The producers may have avoided some criticism by those that felt the story was too contemporary by changing the title to “Ella - a new Cinderella Story.”

I love this series. Hearing songs in my head for every life situation throughout my entire life yields itself to the enjoyment of this type of musical drama. Each character's story is told with the help of a wide range of various artists' music and the lyrics are pulled into the story. The characters are singing along to these songs they alone hear and occasionally break into a dream-like dance sequence all to return to the here and now. The cast is phenomenal.

There a many layers to this fictional composite of factually based stories. You have to look a little deeper than the surface. This is not a show to flip on and simply watch the characters interact. You must look and listen more deeply. The settings, lighting, and choice of music are wonderfully intertwined. Although touted as a depiction of grooming, there are the subtle undertones of the teacher's insecurities, needs, and feelings. She may be acting in a way that seems uncaring, but the lyrics to the background music are telling a different story.

It provides an interesting perspective on Autism. Well-acted and keeps the storyline interesting.