One is a collection of short films (Cinderella II) while the other is a feature length film (Cinderella III).
Cinderella II directed by John Kafka:
There are three stories about Cinderella’s happily ever after. The first one is how tough Cinderella’s first days at the palace are. She is becoming less and less like her true self in order to try and fit in.
The second follows Jaq, a mouse, and his wish to become human. This is his wish because he feels he could better help Cinderella this way.
Finally, one of the step-sisters finds true love after being taught by Cinderella how to smile. Anastasia has always had feelings for the son of the town baker. This does not please her mother.
Not much quality to be found here. This is totally beneath Disney’s usual high standards. Basically there is no story. They try to cover that up with jokes but they also fall flat.
Cinderella III directed by Frank Nissen:
Cinderella and Prince Charming are together, very happy and celebrating their anniversary. This makes her step-mother Lady Tremaine and her step-daughters Anastasia and Drizella. After Lady Tremaine gets Fairy Godmother’s wand and turns back time to the day when Cinderella tries on the glass slipper. Also she has made the glass slipper larger so it fits on the foot of Anastasia, one of the step-sisters. Furthermore Lady Tremaine erases Prince Charming’s memories of meeting Cinderella. It is up to Cinderella to win back Prince Charming.
Though there is nothing like the original film this is a pretty good sequel. Each of the characters is a little more fleshed out and given their own screen time. There is suspense, comedy, magic, and romance. Though it has the usual Disney lesson and predictable ending that doesn’t take away from the overall quality.
Though it is a darker story than we are used to from Disney it is a more fully rounded tale.
