Sesame Street: CinderElmo

Sesame Street: CinderElmo is a delightful and touching family-oriented musical telefilm that first made its appearance in 1999. Under the directorship of Bruce Leddy, this heartwarming feature brings into the telling a whimsical adaptation of the original Cinderella story, with the classic Sesame Street spin.

Set against the backdrop of the magical, puppet-populated world of Sesame Street, the narrative introduces us to the titular character Elmo - the lovable, furry, three-and-a-half-year-old monster with an infectious laugh, brought to life by muppeteer Kevin Clash. In stark contrast to its traditional counterpart, the gender roles in our story are switched. Instead of the down-trodden Cinderella, we meet CinderElmo (Elmo), a kind-hearted and optimistic red monster relegated to household chores by his wicked stepmother (Kathy Najimy) and her cruelly comical sons (French Stewart and Oliver Platt).

The story opens with the jovial monarch of the kingdom, King Fred (also played by Stewart), celebrating the upcoming 18th birthday of his daughter, The Princess (Keri Russell). The king issues a decree that all eligible bachelors should attend the birthday ball so the princess can choose a husband, sending the entire kingdom into a fizzy excitement. CinderElmo's stepfamily, foreseeing possibilities of royal connections, promptly begin their preening and preparing, but poor CinderElmo is denied the chance to attend.

The plot takes a clever twist when CinderElmo gets visited by a Fairy Godperson – a brilliantly offbeat character played by Oliver Platt. With the Fairy Godperson's magical help, CinderElmo is allowed his heart's wish to attend the ball and possibly win the Princess's heart.

Amid the music, the laughter, and the enchanting storytelling, the movie also skillfully delivers valuable life lessons. Themes of embracing kindness, daring to dream, and the importance of standing up for oneself are woven subtly throughout the narrative, making the film a prime choice for parents wanting to pass on such values to their young ones in an entertaining way.

The performances of the cast are endearing, making this film enjoyable for both children and adults. Kathy Najimy, known for her affability on screen, is wonderfully unpleasant as the wicked stepmother. Her grotesque duo of sons, played by French Stewart and Oliver Platt, are aptly loutish yet manage to provide the needed comic relief. Stewart also proves his versatility by playing the completely contrasting character of King Fred, loading him with a comedic gentleness that audiences adore. Elmo, voiced by the talented Kevin Clash, carries the heart of the film with his innocence, courage, and laughter – a true testament to Clash's puppeteering skills.

The supporting roles performed by other cherished Sesame Street characters further add sparkle to the plot. Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Zoé, among others, all make appearances, lending their distinctive charms and voices to the grandeur of the Princess's royal ball.

In terms of the film's music, it's bound to have viewers – young and old alike – tapping their feet. With the show's long-standing history of catchy, educational, and cleverly composed songs, Sesame Street: CinderElmo doesn't disappoint. The soundtrack is filled with beat-driven songs that carry elements of pop, jazz, and even hip hop, making the musical numbers one of the many highlights.

Sesame Street: CinderElmo is a charming picture that captures the classic fairy tale with a playful twist. It holds true to Sesame Street’s winning tradition of education through entertainment and the use of captivating puppetry. Regardless of whether you are a Sesame Street regular or a first-time visitor, the melodic rhythms, enchanting storyline, and delightful characters of Sesame Street: CinderElmo are sure to win your heart.