Hey Cinderella!

In this delightfully absurd take on the timeless fairy tale, 'Hey Cinderella!' presents a version of the classic story like no other. Gone are the traditional notions of a benevolent fairy godmother working single-handedly to transform Cinderella's fortunes. Instead, the Henson company brings their inimitable brand of zany humor and creativity to the table, revealing a fairy godmother who requires a little more assistance than usual to effect Cinderella's magical makeover. As we are introduced to Cinderella, a lovable and relatable heroine trapped in a world of her own making by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, we quickly realize that her fairy godmother's plans are not as straightforward as they would have you believe. Aided by an unlikely assortment of friends – the likes of a group of bumbling monsters, a prince posing as a gardener, and none other than Kermit the Frog – Cinderella's fairy godmother sets about concocting a plan to turn Cinderella's life around. One of the most endearing aspects of 'Hey Cinderella!' is its ability to take familiar characters and give them fresh, comedic twists. The prince who appears to Cinderella as a gardener is a masterclass in comedic acting, with his awkward attempts to woo Cinderella providing some of the show's funniest moments. Meanwhile, Kermit the Frog provides a welcome cameo, using his signature deadpan delivery to bring some wry humor to the proceedings. But alongside these comedic high points, 'Hey Cinderella!' also shows a keen awareness of the classic tale's inner workings, cleverly subverting and satirizing the more saccharine elements of the original story. The wicked stepmother and stepsisters are here depicted as laughably one-dimensional, but in a way that serves to lampoon their more sinister counterparts in other adaptations. By exaggerating their cruelty and vanity, 'Hey Cinderella!' is able to poke fun at the darker undertones of fairy tales, presenting a wry commentary on their enduring appeal. As the story hurtles towards its climax, Cinderella's fairy godmother's increasingly elaborate plan begins to unravel. In a frenetic climax that sees Cinderella facing off against her wicked stepmother and stepsisters in a chaotic mess of slapstick humor and mayhem, it becomes clear that sometimes even the most well-laid plans can go awry. In the end, 'Hey Cinderella!' provides a refreshingly irreverent take on a classic tale, one that deftly balances humor and heart in equal measure. With its lovable heroine, hilarious supporting cast, and a keen awareness of the fairy tale's inner workings, this Jim Henson special is a true delight from start to finish. A must-see for anyone looking for a lighthearted, family-friendly film that will leave a smile on your face long after the credits roll.