Period movie maestro Kenneth Branagh directs a lovely Lily James in the title role, and a very game Cate Blanchett as her wicked stepmother in this sweeping, lavishly produced Disney live-action reboot. A rich color palette fills the screen with entrancing visuals, while assured pacing drives the familiar tale along through a couple of interesting departures from the traditional narrative. Here, Blanchett makes the stepmother less overtly evil and more an upwardly mobile victim of unfortunate circumstance.

The royal ball is of course the big set piece, and it's delivered with ornate production design and elegant choreography. While not without a youthful sense of wonder, this version of the classic includes enough adult themes of loss and resentment to resinate with older audiences as well. Even Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother is somewhat toned down from her recent over-the-top characters for husband and frequent director, Tim Burton.

Creating a sense of nostalgia without feeling repetitive, Disney has established an engaging formula to breathe new life into its animated catalogue. It remains to be seen if this same approach will work in the musical format, but with Beauty and the Beast lined up for 2017, chances are good.

Final Grade: B+ | 87/100 | ★★★