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A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits

A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (2016)

A contemporary musical version of the classic Cinderella story in which the servant step daughter hope to compete in a musical competition for a famous pop star.

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Directed by Michelle Johnston

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Michelle Johnston
Writer
  • Elena Song
Producer
  • Dylan Sellers
  • Michelle Johnston

Reviews

Reno
4/10

**Another Cinderella story, with or without a shoe.**

I watched it because I've seen the other three in the series of the present-day adaptations of the classical Cinderella story. After Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez and Lucy Hale, not its time for Sofia Carson. One of the most famous fairy tales of all and the most adapted to the screen as well. That's the negative of this, though being a different version, like the timeline, setting, cast makes it watchable. But still not the best you could anticipate. The lowest one in the series and a warning bell to stop from going for more films in the series.

I need not to say anything about the story, it was just altered tale of what you know very well. Except there's no magic. As well as no logic to the actual world. Those disguised scenes were very silly. Simply a timepass film and no more. All the actors were decent. The songs were too. It was made by a choreographer turned director as his first feature film. Not an ideal project for his kind of field of expertise. He could have turned it to full fledged musical, but he didn't. Anyway, some people would enjoy it, particularly the young girls. So, I won't favout it, unless desperate to see it.

_4/10_

Sep 4, 2017

tmdb51616167
1/10

"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

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Thematic Analysis

A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Family/Fantasy/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 Michelle Johnston 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 2016, 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 A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which focuses more on action than character development, A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Mary Poppins and Ed Wood explore similar territory, A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: August 2, 2016
  • Runtime: 1h 32m