Opened: July 16, 2004

Directed by: Mark Rosman

Starring: Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Regina King, Dan Byrd, Madeline Zima, Andrea Avery, Julie Gonzalo, Whip Hubley, Bradley Bufanda, Simon Helberg, J. D. Pardo, Erica Hubbard, Kady Cole, Aimee Lynn Chadwick, Lin Shaye, Kevin Kilner & Mary Pat Gleason

A modern retelling of a classic fairytale, A Cinderella Story isn’t groundbreaking cinema, but it’s a lot of fun and features great comedy from stars Hilary Duff, Jennifer Coolidge and Regina King.

After her father Hal (Whip Hubley) dies in an earthquake, Sam (Duff) is left living under the care of her horrible stepmother Fiona (Coolidge) and stepsisters Brianna (Madeline Zima) and Gabriella (Andrea Avery). Sam is stunned at the Halloween ball to find out her mystery prince is football star Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray).

Dressed as Cinderella at the ball, Duff has her most iconic movie moments in this film. She’s funny and relatable and by the end, she’ll kill you with her perfect teen monologue. King is also the perfect substitute for the Fairy Godmother and her standoffs with Coolidge are legendary.

Final say: Modern magic. ★★★★☆v