Disney’s latest direct-to-DVD offering, Cinderella III: A Twist in Time is a pleasant surprise. No, it’s not as good as the original Cinderella, but that sort of magic is exceedingly difficult to achieve. It is, however, a more than acceptable addition to the franchise and diverting for it’s entire 70 minute runtime. Director Frank Nissen (Pooh's Heffalump Movie) deserves much credit for tackling a difficult job in which it will be nearly impossible to receive accolades.
The movie opens on the one year anniversary of the ball, with Cinderella and the Prince celebrating with the help of the Fairy Godmother. One of Cinderella’s stepsisters, Anastasia, see the Fairy Godmother using her magic wand and manages to steal it and turn the Fairy Godmother to stone. Recognizing the power of the wand, Cinderella’s Stepmother takes it, goes back in time, and makes the glass slipper fit onto Anastasia’s foot, thereby altering history and making Anastasia the Prince’s betrothed. The Prince, though skeptical of Anastasia being the one at first, is quickly convinced by a wave of the magic wand. 
Meanwhile, Cinderella learns from her mice buddies, Jaq and Gus, what has happened (Cinderella is, of course, well aware that the shoe should fit her and is quite distressed that it fits Anastasia). She then sets off with Jaq and Gus for the castle in order to put everything right.
Despite numerous close calls, the Prince remains faithful to his proclamation that he will marry the woman whom the glass slipper fits. It finally takes Jaq and Gus to explain to the Prince exactly what has transpired and convince him that he is going to marry the wrong woman.
The movie doesn’t end here though, the wicked Stepmother still has a few dirty tricks up her sleeve. Eventually, as this is a Disney film, good triumphs over evil, true loves win
s out, and they all live happily ever after (at least until the next sequel).
Article comments
1 - Kaonashi
Blecch. I hate these direct-to-DVD "sequels" of beloved Disney classics. It's nothing more than an attempt to wring more money out of parents. I saw a commercial for this last night, and I just retched.
2 - Brown
I loved cinderella III and my daughter loves it also. It's much better than one and two and it's pretty funny. I didn't like cinderella 2 much, but this one has my vote.
3 - mmh?
what are you people doing with your life?