Sometimes Disney outdoes Disney. When news broke that Walt Disney Pictures was going to  make a live action version of one of their most popular animated movies, many were skeptical. The original is such a classic, how could it be improved? Or worse – what if it they failed miserably? Disney’s last attempt of re-inventing Sleeping Beauty with Maleficent was met with mixed reviews. They won’t be having that same problem with this one.

The 2015 Cinderella will exceed just about everyone expectations for the film. Yes, it’s that good.  Even those who are not fans of the original will find this one hard to like. All those questions you’ve had like “Why did Cinderella allow herself to be bullied like that? Why didn’t she leave? Did she really expect a prince to come a save her?” are answered.

There really isn’t anything new to the story. In fact, this version features a few items found in the original folklore stories that are not featured in the 1951 cartoon. However, the prince (Richard Madden) gets a lot more screen time this time around and we get to know his character a lot more. There is also a surprisingly sweet scene between him and his father (Derek Jacobi) giving him a lot more to his personality.

All of the characters are excellent in this movie, though a few scenes do come close to having a bit more than a spoonful of sugar. Even the mice, which are obviously CGI, still act like mice and since real mice don’t talk, neither do they.The movie could have gone overboard with the critters, but they smartly showed restraint.

Lily James portrays the perfect Cinderella. Parents will be thrilled to have her be a role model for their children. She tries hard to see the best in people, she is always kind, she has courage to speak her mind and grace to not be cruel or offensive when doing so. She is a hard-worker. If more Christians could be like her, this would be a much better world.

The polar opposite is the deliciously mean stepmother (Cate Blanchett) who is both elegant and tacky at the same time. Her cackle of a laugh is something else. She is always wearing green which suits her because her cruel motivations make more sense to be driven by envy instead of hatred. Likewise, The ugly stepsisters Drisella (Sophia McShera) and Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) are not ugly on the outside but hideous on the inside. They are completely unaware how awful they sound when they talk. Their mother loves them, but doesn’t exactly like them.

Finally, the icing on the cake belongs to the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter who plays the Fairy Godmother in a way that only she can. She’s eccentric,loving and imperfect. She uses the magic words, “Bibbidi, bobbidi boo” with great aplomb, and although she doesn’t sing in the movie, she does sing the magical song during the credits. It should also be noted that the weight of her magic pales in comparison to the strength of Cinderella’s character. It’s really the way it should be.

Cinderella is directed by Kenneth Branagh. It is his first fairy tale, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it isn’t his last. Every aspect of the this movie has the perfect feel and look – everything from the soundtrack music to the costumes. (Expect to see the movie listed as one of next year’s nominees for best costume design for the Oscars.)The movie is rated PG, but I don’t know why. There is nothing scary or inappropriate for little ones to see. Though it might be tough to pull your boys to see this film, but if they go, they are sure to like it as much as their sisters.