Cast
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Selena Gomez
as Mary Santiago
Drew Seeley
as Joey Parker
Jane Lynch
as Dominique Blatt
Katharine Isabelle
as Bree
Emily Perkins
as Britt
Jessica Parker Kennedy
as Tami
Marcus T. Paulk
as Dustin
Nicole LaPlaca
as Natalia Faroush
Alex Zahara
as British Director
Stuart Cowan
as Debate Team Dude
Giacomo Baessato
as Football Jock
Donald Adams
as Teacher
Jagoda Janik
as Goth Girl
Laura Carswell
as Moon-eyed Cheerleader
Lynda Boyd
as Evie Parker
Crew
Director
- Damon Santostefano
Writer
- Jessica Scott
- Erik Patterson
Reviews
tmdb51616167
"A Cinderella Story" has become an iconic franchise, with the version starring Hilary Duff standing out as a standout favorite. While Duff's portrayal alongside Chad Michael Murray brought a modern twist to the classic tale of Cinderella, subsequent installments in the franchise have failed to live up to the same standard.
The franchise seems to be struggling to recapture the magic of the original film, instead resorting to unnecessary side stories and deviations from the core Cinderella narrative. It appears that attempts to replicate the success of the Walt Disney and Roger and Hammerstein versions have fallen short, leading to a sense of fatigue and irrelevance surrounding the franchise.
Despite the star power of Selena Gomez in "Another Cinderella Story," the film failed to reach the heights set by Hilary Duff's portrayal. Similarly, Lucy Hale's "A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song" was criticized for its lackluster execution and departure from the essence of the Cinderella story.
"Sofia Carson's "A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits" attempted to capitalize on dance elements reminiscent of "Grease," but ultimately fell flat, marking a low point in the franchise. Laura Marano's "A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish" was deemed the weakest link in the series, solidifying the downward trend in quality.
As the franchise continues with new installments, the lackluster reception of recent films has dampened enthusiasm for further entries in the series. Viewers may find it challenging to engage with future releases given the disappointing trajectory of the franchise.
Sep 2, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Another Cinderella Story represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Damon Santostefano brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Another Cinderella Story took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Another Cinderella Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ilya and the Robber, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Another Cinderella Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Pirate Movie and Cinderella explore similar territory, Another Cinderella Story stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 16, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $5,000,000
