Ok, first things first: I saw
Cinderella last week and absolutely loved it. I went into the theater with very (very!) high expectations, granted, and I can't say that those expectations were completely met, but I did really enjoy the movie and cried through about half of it (both sad and happy tears). I think Richard Madden is absolutely perfect as the prince (named "Kit," apparently). Cate Blanchett is luminescent as Lady Tremaine, but Helena Bonham-Carter's plucky Fairy Godmother doesn't have enough screen time. Some of the characters are left underdeveloped (Fairy Godmother and stepsisters), while others (Lady Tremaine and the king) are given new depth. Lily James sparkles as Ella, with a tender-hearted and lovable version of the character. Her chemistry with Kit is fantastic. Ms. James' version of Cinderella doesn't have quite enough spunk to trump Drew Barrymore in
Ever After, though...so that remains my favorite live action Cinderella movie. I am off to see
Cinderella again on Sunday, and probably two or three more times after that. It's wonderful.
Today's review doesn't have anything to do with Cinderella, though. This review is based on another excellent reader suggestion. My friend Nadine (who knows how much
I like miniature things...) purchased one of the Madame Alexander mini dolls at Toys R Us a few weeks ago, and she suggested that I do this review--thinking I might particularly enjoy the articulation on these new minis. I had already seen Char's review of these dolls over on
Doll Diaries, but wanted to get a look at them in person. The minis, called "Travel Friends," are about 7 inches tall and are available for $12.99. The collection includes 9 girls who each represent a different country (Ireland, India, China, Germany, Russia, Kenya and France). I purchased Ireland (for her red hair, of course) and India (because I thought she was the prettiest):
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| Madame Alexander "Travel Friends," $12.99 each. |
