CINDERELLA (2015)

Everyone knows the story of the beautiful, kind-hearted Ella (Lily James), forced into servitude when her father dies and leaves her with a cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and pair of selfish, wicked stepsisters ... until a chance meeting with a handsome young man she doesn't know is the prince of the kingdom (Richard Madden) sets her on a magical path to happiness.  The story's been told many times - by Disney itself in its classic animated film - yet this live-action adaptation is a surprisingly emotional, funny and magical retelling that's a joy to watch throughout.  The early scenes with James aren't quite as strong, but that changes upon the arrival of a terrifically-restrained Cate Blanchett, who never goes overboard with her performance ... a treat saved for Helena Bonham Carter as the fairy godmother, who is deliciously giddy in what is one of the best sequences of the film.  Inspiring, suspenseful (yes, even though you know the story), visually stunning, and (thankfully) never too over-the-top, this is one of the best versions of Cinderella you'll ever see. (rated PG)  A-