In the much-plucked corpse of author Charles Perrault’s classic “Cinderella,” which centers on a servant girl who rises from obscurity after falling in love with a prince, lie themes like perseverance, hope, and the value of being a dreamer. These are the basic principles of Disney, founded by a fellow dreamer who, similar to the brave hero in a fairy tale, made a wish and watched it come true. While the studio has pillaged these fortunes before with the likes of the 1997 hit TV musical and 2015’s lavish live-action feature, Disney+’s original “Sneakerella” amounts to a more teen-oriented modern novel. Director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum’s new film, which sees a talented teen fantasize about designing sneakers for sporting royalty, offers a poignant look at a partially deconstructed 1950s animated film.
Narrated in moderation by fairy-tale godfather Gustavo (Juan Chiuran), this fairy tale begins in the diverse neighborhood of Queens. Kind and creative teen El (Chosen Jacobs) loves sneakers as much as his community. The perfect pair of kicks chase his dreams and direct his life. He believes that the right shoes can make him fly, a concept illustrated in a dreamy blend of colorful mixed media and live action, vividly drawn through painting and song.
Best friend Sammy (Devyn Nekoda) encourages El’s artistic passion, and leads him to give up his oppressive job as a boy for the sake of his forgetful stepfather Trey (Bryan Terrell Clark) and hateful brothers Stacy (Hayward Leach) and Zelly (Kolton Stewart) in favor of basketball star Darius Kings (John). Sally) for a coveted sneaker. However, El’s world changes in a minute in New York.
He may have come empty-handed to buy the new shoes, but he’s managed to win the heart of Keira (Lexi Underwood), his affectionate fellow sneakerhead. They bond, dance and sing, as he exposes her to the vibrant melting pot he invites home. But they parted without exchanging contacts. Little did he know that the girl of his dreams was the king’s daughter.
Preoccupied with creating her own identity, Keira took an active role in her father’s business ventures, and the pursuit of the next big design for his sneaker line. At a networking charity event, where L practices eye-catching combination and one-of-a-kind kicks, lovable spirits reunite and grab the attention of their party mates. But as the clock ticks on, details about L’s true identity are called into question, leaving him completely confused and denting his self-confidence.
Most of this novel has been masterfully reworked by screenwriters David Light, Joseph Rasso, Tamara Chestna, Mindy Stern, and George Gore II (the story goes to Stern, Gore, and Light Warsaw), who blended all familiar plot points with clever contemporary twists and turns. And loyalty. However, late in the second act, he stumbles on his own laces, just like the protagonist falls down an escalator while escaping from a ball. The film’s brilliance is dulled by the means of insanity (such as the repeated threats by El’s half-brothers, and the campaign to find him) and the tantalizing, time-wasting parts that feel booted into the plot. Additionally, although Nekoda elevates her role as El’s racy sidekick, the character is only there to serve the male arc and is painfully underdeveloped.
However, the photo shows blocks of heart behind the art, from Jacobs and Underwood’s sweet, powerful performances and amazing chemistry (both creating indelible characters we cherish) to the visual prowess demonstrated by Rosenbaum and her craft team. The musical numbers, which range from toe-tapping to somber ballads, are immersive, vibrant, and vibrantly shaded. Ebony Williams, Emilio Dosal, Amanda May Wilson, Alicia Luchese, Ishai Seton-inspired choreography, sparkling production choreography by Elisa Souve, and clever costume designers Rachel Grubbs in concert, creating beauty and buoyancy. The light from cinematographer Matt Sakatani Rowe heightens emotional undertones without becoming arrogant style.
While this sounds like a compelling DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) and goes beyond the stereotypical, grotesque aesthetics of a Disney+ live-action feature, it’s been omitted wedges by some forced clichés that spoil its new, upbeat stance. . The heartening sentiments about gaining confidence, the emotional pull of artistic expression, and the innovative descriptive context of narrative underpinnings help shake off the fraying marks, making for a surprisingly satisfying reboot of a tired but timeless classic.
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