Amanda Seyfried, Ali Wong in Animated Alt-'Cinderella'
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Netflix’s musical fantasy "Steps," produced by Amy Poehler and co-directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, offers a modern but convoluted and charm-deficient retelling of Cinderella, focusing on misunderstood stepsisters Lilith and Margot.
- The film’s screenplay, credited to multiple writers including comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, suffers from a committee-like feel that drains spontaneity and emotional impact, leaving the story sluggish and difficult to follow.
- The plot centers on themes of sisterhood and outsider status in a rococo-inspired kingdom, with Lilith challenging traditional villainy and Cinderella torn between loyalty and peer pressure, but the narrative becomes bogged down by excessive subplots and unfunny humor.
- Despite strong vocal performances from Amanda Seyfried and witty moments from Bette Midler, the film’s characters lack depth and the overall production is visually overwhelming with a heavy use of pastel colors and an overlong forest journey.
- Ultimately, "Steps" struggles to engage adult viewers, offering little enchantment or originality in its retelling, making it a less compelling choice for family viewing during the holidays.
