Cinderella's 'star-making performance' from Lily James

Cinderellasweeps into Canadiantheatres this weekend tempting audiences with an enchanting update to Disney's beloved 1950 animated classic.

The live-action reboot, directed byThor's KennethBranagh, stars British actressLily James as the kindhearted, but badly abusedtitle character.

As the old story goes, Ella is forced into servitude after her mother,and then her father,dies leaving her to the cruel whims of her wickedstepmother and spoiledstepsisters.

James, who is best known for playingLady Rose MacClare on the hit TV dramaDownton Abbey, turns in "a star-making performance," says CBCfilm critic Eli Glasner, by giving the formerly 2- dimensional cartoon character "an emotional weight".

"But nothing compares to the catty Cate Blanchett as the stepmother," says Glasner. The Oscar-winning actress shines as the"widow who covers her pain with haute couture frocks and a smile that cuts deep."

Helena Bonham Carter appears as Cinderella's fabled guardian, the Fairy Godmother, and Game of Throne's Richard Maddanplays the dashing Prince Charming.

• Cinderella, Disney's new live-action adaptation, is refreshed in story and in look

But fans of the original will find the central love story is refreshed with a more equal ending.

"What makes this story that much sweeter is the prince and princess rescue each other." says Glasner.

"That'sa fairy tale facelift this film criticand fathercan live with."

Cinderella opens in theatres Friday.

Watch Eli's full review in the video above.