Ever After

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Dougray Scott, Angelica Huston, Melanie Lynskey, Megan Dodds

Year: 1998

I remember as a little girl, my Opa (grandfather) used to always read me stories by The Brothers Grimm. They were in German, but that didn't make me love them any less. I remember sitting on his lap, or laying in bed, being totally enthralled in the stories. One especially. "Aschenputtel". English translation - Cinderella.

Who doesn't love the enchanting story of Cinderella? The wicked step-mother, the cruel step-sisters, the masked ball, the glass slipper, the prince, the happily-ever-after. We all know the story. We all grew up with the story. And even though we know the beginning, middle and end, we never seem to tire of it.

This movie version (as much as I love the Disney version), is no exception. While there are no pumpkins, no cute talking mice, or even any bippity boppity boos, I love how this story is told and how you truly believe that, once upon a time, there was a little cinder girl. An eight year old little girl that loved her father very much. But after her father dies suddenly, she is left to live with her cold stepmother (Huston) and her two spoiled step-sisters (Lynskey & Dodds). And even though her name was Danielle, she became better known as Cinderella - family maid, rather than daughter. Ten years later, a feisty Danielle finds herself picking apples in the orchard, when she notices a thief stealing one of their horses. She immediately throws apples at him and knocks him off his horse. She quickly discovers that this isn't your ordinary thief. It's Prince Henry (Scott). Over the course of the days to follow, Cinderella and Prince Henry have numerous encounters. And Prince Henry takes a shining to her. Develops a crush. Is intrigued by her. The only itsy bitsy problem is that Prince Henry believes he is pursuing a countess. Not a servant. Then there's a ball, a beautiful gown, glass slipper. Well, you know how the story goes....

Fun Facts: #1 Jude Law was originally offered the role of Prince Henry but he declined. #2 While filming took place in many locations in France, the main location used was the Chateau de Hautefort. #3 Drew Barrymore was twenty-three years old when she filmed Ever After. Dougray Scott thirty-three.

Ever After is a romantic, enchanting, charming tale. A modern-day version of the classic fairytale we all grew up with and loved. Barrymore and Scott have great chemistry (which is always a game changer for me), the costumes are gorgeous, the castles and scenery (all in France) magnificent and breathtaking, the soundtrack lovely. In my opinion, a pretty perfect package for a pretty perfect movie.

Favourite Lines:

*I am sorry. My mouth has run away with me again.

*How can anyone love a pebble in their shoe?

*You have more conviction in a single memory than I have in my entire being.

*You have everything you want, but still life holds no joy.

*Prince Henry suffers from an arranged marriage, signore....among other things.

*I would rather die a thousand deaths than to see my mother's dress on that spoiled selfish cow! *Choose your words wisely, madam. For they may be your last.

*What bothers you more, step mother? That I am common or that I am competition?

*Of course not mother. I'm only here for the food.

From one movie "buff" to another....get that popcorn popped, the lights dimmed and the movie rolling.