Ever After (1998)

EVER AFTER is an increasingly enjoyable, modern-thinking take on 
the Cinderella story.  Though still set once upon a medieval time, 
this version of the heroine, played by Drew Barrymore, is strong, 
smart, and far from needing rescuing by the requisite handsome 
prince (Dougray Scott).  Action, romance, humor, it's all here.  
Even a little bit of film history has been made, as this is likely
the first feature to both (a.) cast Leonardo DaVinci as a support-
ing character and (b.) have him exclaim "horseshit!"  (Who knew he 
had such a way with words?)  On the downside, the story runs long 
by at least a half-hour, the pacing is erratic, and Anjelica Hus-
ton's performance as the stepmother is overplayed just enough to be 
distracting.  The leads have a genuine spark, though, and that got-
ta count for something.  (I might argue that Ms. Barrymore isn't 
quite... striking enough for the role, however.)  Hey, real 
castles, too, and enough grubby peasants to guarantee GRAIL flash-
backs by the second hour.  Bring out your dead!  With Megan Dodds, 
Melanie Lynskey, Patrick Godfrey, Jeroen Krabbe and, as the sala-
cious Monsieur Le Pieu, Richard O'Brien, AKA Riff Raff from THE 
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.  Andy Tennant (FOOLS RUSH IN) directs.  
(Rated "PG"/120 min.)

Grade: B-

Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: August 16, 1998