Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister

I just have to say that the person that commented before obviously had no idea that this movie was based on the book written by Gregory Maguire! I mean...why are they talking about Snow White??? The book and movie do put a different spin on the whole "Cinderella" idea and tell the story from the Stepsister, Iris's point of view. There are no singing mice, or golden pumpkins, but if you loved the book like I did, or are bored of hearing the same Cinderella story over and over, you'll love this movie.

Much of the darkness has been stripped or made shallow for this movie, but overall, this was a charming version of Maguire's story. The acting was great (Stockard Channing RULES!), the scenery & cinematography was lovely, and the writers tried to stay true to Maguire's examination of the truth behind beauty versus ugliness. (And of course, neither of the stepsisters were *ugly*.)

After reading the Gregory Maguire book, I didn't think that anyone could translate so rich a story and group of characters to the screen - I was wrong! Wonderful adaptation of the story and great casting and sense of authenticity about the period. Brilliantly acted and great passion for the story...

I have to judge this movie as both a book adaptation and as a tv-movie. As a book adaptation, I give this movie a 5 or maybe even less. Several things that were changed from the book bothered me. One major one was the use of magic in the film, when the gypsy "magics" the shoes for Clara. The lack of magic was in the book for a reason. Gregory Maguire wanted his meditation on beauty and ugliness to take center stage in the story. Another major change was how Iris and Casper meet. If you've read the book then maybe you can understand why. I feel that their introduction in the movie makes Iris too self-conscious thus making her aware of herself whereas in the book she is taken by surprise and Casper catches a glimpse of the "real" Iris. Other changes bothered me as well such as the narrator of the whole story, where Clara's mother was, the attitudes of Clara and Margarethe. I also wish that the Margarethe's rumor about Casper had stayed in the film. However, the movie, when one forgets Maguire's magnificent work, succeeds. The costuming and the acting of Stockard Channing and Emma Poole make this movie a treat to watch. If you are disappointed by the way that some of the characters look such as I was with Casper(Matthew Goode was fine in the movie, but I envisioned something completely different), be glad that they didn't cast someone who wasn't even close to ugly, as Iris. A disappointment to Maguire's fans, but a treat to all others, I hope that if this book is ever made into a movie that Maguire himself adapts his book. I'm just glad that they didn't do "Wicked." I shudder at the thought.

I am a big fan of fairy tales. Oh sure, I saw the Disney movies like any other kid, I've also read all the originals - even the original Grimms "Aschenputtel" in German - yes, I know the Cinderella story all the way around. I've seen probably every movie ever based on it (The Slipper and the Rose, The Glass Slipper, Ever After, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, Ash Pet... etc) This adaptation is my favorite beyond compare.

The Cinderella story is approached in a completely new light. Our heroine is the ugly stepsister (my one complaint: Azura Skye is far too beautiful for the role) who is trying to make her way in the world with a demanding mother, a simple sister, and a spoiled stepsister. Iris is a fabulous character, and more than I can say for any other production, she seems like a REAL person. She loves her family, and even loves Cinderella, despite the troubles she has with her. All of the characters are interesting and believable - the way the script is written, it's as if the story really could have happened. They did a much better job proving it here than in EVER AFTER.

Stockard Channing was perfectly cast as the stepmother. She's presented as not an evil witch, but a ferociously strong-willed woman who is out to survive at any cost. Oh, she is hard on Cinderella on occasion - and the girl certainly had it coming. Cinderella isn't presented as a completely spoiled girl, but rather one that is just to scared to make up her mind about where she wants to be. She stays among the ashes, the writer suggests, not because her stepmother forces her to, but because she's too frightened to face the real world.

I loved this movie from beginning to end. I'm also reading the book which is equally engrossing. It's too bad they left so much out of the movie that was in the book - Clara believing she's a changeling and Iris's belief of a demon in the house - but it's certainly understandable that they couldn't put everything in. I keep my fingers crossed that this will be released on DVD soon, because there is no other Cinderella story superior.