Cinderella II: Dreams Come True

Children’s animated sequel directed by John Kafka. After returning from their honeymoon, Cinderella (voice of Jennifer Hale) and Prince Charming (Christopher D. Barnes) attempt to settle into the routine of normal palace life. However, when she is cast in the role of Royal Hostess, Cinderella finds the prospect so daunting that she begins to think the happily-ever-afters might have been spoken too soon. But with the Fairy Godmother (Russi Taylor) and her friends on hand to help out, Cinderella soon sees she can overcome any challenge put in front of her.
Disney has once again “sequelised” a classic feature with Cinderella II: Dreams Come True. With smart foresight, the filmmakers choose to go with three snappy short films to comprise this 73-minute feature with the Fairy Godmother granting wishes to various characters. In the opening short, Cinderella must pursue life as queen. Several feathers are ruffled as she brings her down-home ways to the castle (bring the commoners in and open those darn curtains). In the other tales, one of Cinderella’s animal pals receives a chance to see the world quite differently and finally, Anastasia, Cinderella’s formerly evil stepsister, finds love with a little help. As with the other sequels, the look of the film helps bring the distance between the original and the sequel (here over 50 years) come together seamlessly. Little ones from age four to nine should be entertained while purists may be a bit aghast. –Doug Thomas, store