A Cinderella Story Review

Messages: A good attitude, independence, and hard work bring great rewards; a strong character can survive unkindness, selfishness, and ignorance. The film repeatedly presents one message: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Support and friendship can be found in unexpected places.

Role models: Sam has a wonderful relationship with her loving father. After his death, custody is granted to his widow Fiona, a typical "evil stepmother." Fiona's despicable behavior is magnified to the point of ridiculousness -- and is mostly very funny. But Sam must find mothering elsewhere; she gets approval, love, and support from an African-American restaurant manager and the waitresses on her staff. There are many teen stereotypes: mean girls, horny boys, and nerds who are teased mercilessly. 

Violence and scariness: An earthquake kills Sam's dad in an early scene. The death happens off-camera and except for some brief shaking in the little girl's bedroom, no major damage is seen. There is some cartoon action, mostly clumsy falls, slapstick fighting, and a car careens through city streets.

Sexy stuff: Some comic sexual innuendo (much of which will go over the heads of the youngest kids). Breasts are an obsession of the teen boys, and a source of pride for the buxom Fiona. Some girls wear skimpy clothing, a few boys are seen only in towels, and Fiona whips quickly out of a tanning booth and into a towel (nudity is suggested rather than seen). 

Language: Fiona frequently uses insults and slurs to punish and demean her stepdaughter. Also heard: "fart," "butt," "breasts," "damn," "hell."

Consumerism: Coca Cola. In dialogue: Mercedes and Jaguar. 

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue