Cinderella casts a spell over critics as magical movie goes straight to box office number one

Lily James is Cinderella in Disney's live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, CINDERELLA, which brings to life the timeless images from Disney's 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The former student of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is now recognisable around the globe and was interviewed by Jonathan Ross for his chat show ahead of the film’s release this weekend.

And it seems the belle of the ball has cast a spell over critics who have given it favourable reviews, despite the decision by director Kenneth Branagh to stick to the original story and not give it a more witty or dark edge like other successful remakes such as Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland.

The 25 year old was picked for the film having first made a name for herself as Lady Rose McClare in the acclaimed ITV drama Downton Abbey.

Our very own film expert and reviewer Matt Adcock said of Cinderella: “Lily James’ Cinderella lives by the ethos passed on by her mother in her final moments to ‘have courage and be kind’, which she does selflessly throughout. Yet for the young girls I watched with she needed more feistiness and wit to earn any right to be a contemporary role model for them.”

Lily has previously credited the Tring performance school with equipping her with the acting skills she needed to succeed in the world of entertainment.

She stars alongside movie heavy weights Cate Blanchett, who plays the wicked stepmother and fairy godmother Helena Bonham Carter in the latest Disney remake. Prince Charming is played by Game of Thrones star Richard Madden.

On the night of the film’s premier in Leicester Square, Tring Park School tweeted: “Thinking of our wonderful Lily James tonight as #Cinderella premieres in Leicester Square..It’s looking magical!”