Cinderella

Parents need to know that this non-musical take on Cinderella is true to the classic Disney animated tale, if somewhat more intense given that it's live action instead of a cartoon. As a child, Cinderella (Downton Abbey's Lily James) loses her mother; her father dies when she's older. Both are drawn-out scenes filled with tears and intense sadness, which could upset younger kids. The prince's father also dies, and Cinderella is a beautiful, kind, and dutiful young woman (albeit one with an unreailstically tiny, corset-cinched waist) who's left to suffer at the hands of her evil stepmother (the divine Cate Blanchett). Everything about the film is visually stunning -- from the sets to the costumes to the actors -- and being a courageous, kind person is a constant theme. But the prince is transfixed by Cinderella after meeting her just once, and she has no future until he comes and rescues her. The stepmother's cruelty and neglect toward Cinderella could scare some kids. There's a little mild language ("stupid," "shut up") and some background drinking at a party.