A Cinderella Story

2004 Comedy

Cute but geeky high-school student Samantha Martin (Hilary Duff) is knocked off her feet by her father's untimely death, which leaves his diner and Samantha's well-being in the care of Fiona (Jennifer Coolidge), Sam's thoroughly wicked stepmother. Not one to take on such menial tasks as dishwashing and mopping floors, Fiona exploits Sam's dependence as a method of hoisting any dirty work off her own shoulders. School is hardly a break for Samantha, particularly when Shelby (Julie Gonzalo) is around; spoiled, wealthy, and popular, Shelby treats Samantha nearly as badly as Fiona does. Samantha's life is irrevocably changed, however, by two events: a makeover of epic proportions and a sudden electronic correspondence with a mysterious young man. Due to a misplaced cell phone and a series of fateful coincidences, Samantha and her Prince Charming develop a romance through text messages and e-mails, and ultimately promise to meet face-to-face at the biggest school dance of the year. Of course, getting there doesn't go smoothly, and Samantha may miss her chance to meet her dream date -- none other than Austin (Chad Michael Murray), the most popular boy in school. more..

Director: Mark Rosman

Starring: Hilary Duff, Jennifer Coolidge, Chad Michael Murray, Dan Byrd, Regina King

Reviews

  • It's not a terrible movie, just a disappointingly pleasant one.

    Carla Meyer - The San Francisco Chronicle

    29 November 2012

  • Deeply, proudly average..."Mean Girls" it's not; a plastic butter knife has more edge. But sometimes it's nice to know your kids won't cut their fingers.

    Ty Burr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • When not unnecessarily bland, synthetic, and indistinguishable from undistinguished teen TV, A Cinderella Story is unnecessarily coarse and dumbed down, with every character except Sam and Austin subject to perfunctory ridicule.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • Unfortunately, "Cinderella" feels like a pro forma TV movie from the get-go and relies almost entirely on Duff's likability to hold the audience's attention.

    - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • Desperately conceived by even the most insipid standards of contemporary teen-queen cinema, A Cinderella Story operates under a rotting pumpkin of a supposition.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Actress

    BET Awards (2005)

  • Best Voice Over

    Golden Trailer Awards (2004)

     
  • Favorite Movie Star

    Kids' Choice Awards, Australia (2005)

  • Favorite Movie Actress

    Kids' Choice Awards (2005)

  • Worst Actress

    Razzie Awards (2005)