Charming take on Cinderella tale has strong heroine.
Parents need to know that this version of the Cinderella story is darker than Disney's -- it doesn't shy away from the nastiness that pervades the relationship between the stepmother and Cinderella (here known as Danielle) -- but it's also far more inspiring and empowering. Though Danielle is in dire straits, she isn't in desperate need of rescuing and is actually the one who stands up for others' rights. Younger kids may be disturbed by some characters' excessive, non-cartoonish meanness, but much of that is mitigated by the great storytelling and sweet romance, which tweens and older will enjoy. Expect some fistfights and swordplay, a sad on-screen death, plus one pungent expletive.