Live-action ‘Cinderella’ is solid but unsurprising

Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter and Stellan Skarsgard. Directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Rated PG for mild thematic elements. Check listings for theaters. 1 hour, 52 minutes.

Bottom line: Beautiful film, but it lacks magic

With the new live-action Disney film, “Cinderella,” director Kenneth Branagh has delivered a simple and faithful rendition of the classic children’s story. Depicted as a musical in splendid, animated form by Disney in 1950, the tale of a mistreated servant who finds her prince has been lifted from and lampooned in countless permutations since.

But there’s no fun-poking here. This “Cinderella” is one of the most sincere film adaptations of any story I’ve seen in ages.

There are none of “Maleficent’s” stabs at revisionist, backstory creation nor the whiz-bang giants and big-screen sorcery of “Into the Woods.”

In fact, the only special effects in “Cinderella” take place right where they belong — in the scenes where our heroine (Lily James, almost distractingly a dead-ringer for young Jessica Lange) is prepped for the royal ball.

You know the drill: Cinderella’s fairy godmother transforms a pumpkin into a shiny, golden carriage; a simple, ragged dress into a beautiful gown; and various animal pals of the mistreated maiden into a driver, footmen and horses. Helena Bonham Carter’s loopy interpretation of the role provides welcome humor that is otherwise absent in countless scenes filled with either Ella’s grim mistreatment at the hands of her stepmother and stepsisters or the sticky-sweet treacle of her unshakably sunny disposition.

On paper, this new “Cinderella” is exactly what I’ve wanted: a sweet, big-screen family tale devoid of computer-generated, video game-ready wizardry with a strong cast, stunning visuals and fine direction.

So, why does “Cinderella” seem extra-ordinary instead of extraordinary?

Perhaps it’s because we’re so familiar with the story that this by-the-book, new version comes off as solid but not spectacular. Writers Chris Weitz (“About a Boy”) and Aline Brosh McKenna (the disappointing “Annie” reboot) have failed to provide a single unexpected twist or original take on the material. And fairy tales rely on strong villains. It doesn’t help that the only real heavy in this story is a stepmother (Cate Blanchett) who is exceedingly cruel but whose only magic powers are a mean streak and the ability to grab a key and lock an attic door.

The (sadly) most honest and likely answer is that I’ve been kidding myself and really have become conditioned to need something spectacular, or at least somewhat surprising, in order to be entertained.

To put it into fairy tale terms, I guess, be careful what you wish for.