MAS100

Went with my young niece to watch this movie with an open mind. To say this film is pretentious, bland and boring is a vast understatement. First problem, casting a pop singer with no Broadway experience once so ever is a cheap shot at attracting teenage girls to this movie at the expense of the larger audience. Shawn Mendes simply does not have the range for an animated character... his voice holds one monotone. This may explain why the crocodile doesn't speak. Consequentially, the rest of the cast - which has some veterans of the screen - are trying to overcompensate for his shortcomings thus overacting their roles. Music is uninspired and the story line predictable. Given the high cost of movie theatre tickets nowadays, I wish I saved my money. This movie should have gone straight to streaming.

I watched this movie with my kids. Had no expectations. I was blown away by how amazing this movie is and how much we all enjoyed it. Stellar performances by the entire cast. Especially impressed with Cinderella herself, played by Camila Cabello. Given this is her debut role, she more than held her own with this amazing cast. She's brilliantly funny, oozes charisma and is incredibly emotive. Her onscreen chemistry with Prince Robert played by Nicholas Galitzine makes the romance palpable. Idina Menzel brought a multi-dimension to her step-mother character that was much needed. In fact, one of the things I appreciate the most about this film, aside from the great music & performances, are the character development and the much-needed updated values that director Kay brought to this version of this old classic. I wish I saw this version when I was a little girl. Pursuing your dreams and finding love should not be mutually exclusive. Baffled by some of the critics reviews I saw about this movie. Did they watch the same film or did they even watch it?? Can't imagine anyone seeing it and finding fault with it. It's sad that a movie that promotes self-love, pursuing your dreams, being kind and inclusive offends some people. It seems few things are more threatening to puritanical & hyper traditional folks than a young woman pursuing her dreams. Do yourself a favor and watch this gem of a movie, then judge for yourself! I hope you enjoy it!

Exec produced by Shawn & his mgr, it's easy to see how this doc serves primarily as marketing for his upcoming album and to uphold his mask of perfection intact. Plenty of scripted voiceovers by Shawn starting with the opening scene which shows him naked and buff in the shower, a self-indulgent thirst-trap. It sets the tone for the rest of the film. This, I assume, is a tour documentary hence 70% of the film is dedicated to images of screaming fans, filled stadiums & adulation for the idol. The doc allowed me to appreciate his passion, talent and hard-work, but it portraited a privileged white man who faced no adversity to reach his success beyond putting in the effort. And that seems to be the truth, so not much story to be had here. The parts of the documentary that I appreciated more are the intimate moments in his life outside the stage-persona. Glimpses of his relationship with his girlfriend (singer Camila Cabello) show him at his most vulnerable & open, their relationship will likely make a more interesting film. Good to see he is still closed with his sister, parents & friends back home. The only drama in this film comes from Shawn getting laryngitis in Rio and cancelling the show. But even this is made into a self-indulgent scene complete with a dramatic view of Shawn in the empty stadium calling his mom followed by - you guessed - adoring fans outside his hotel instantly forgiving him & singing his praises. I guess it is as honest as it gets for a heartthrob, but it leaves one questioning: can someone really be this perfect & fortunate without ever facing any adversity (beyond a sore throat)?