A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song

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Lilli M. Lucy Hale absolutely hate this up. And he’s just so cute in everything he’s in. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/05/25 Full Review jolin t another movie where the love interest is a pretty boy with no personality and no morals. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/30/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011) tries to bring a musical twist to the modern fairy tale formula, but despite its ambition, it struggles to capture the same charm or emotional depth that made the original A Cinderella Story a fan favorite. Starring Lucy Hale, the film leans heavily on its music and youthful energy, yet its predictable script and lack of genuine chemistry keep it from standing out among its predecessors. The story follows Katie Gibbs (Hale), a talented singer-songwriter forced to live under the control of her overbearing stepmother and obnoxious stepsister. When her stepsister takes credit for Katie’s singing to win the attention of Luke (Freddie Stroma), the son of a famous record producer, Katie must decide whether to keep hiding in the shadows or step into the spotlight and take ownership of her voice — both literally and metaphorically. Lucy Hale shines as the best part of the film. Her natural charisma and strong vocals elevate what could have been a forgettable role. She brings sincerity to her performance, making Katie both relatable and likable. Freddie Stroma provides a charming and confident counterbalance, and while their chemistry isn’t electric, it’s pleasant enough to carry the romantic side of the story. However, the movie’s biggest weakness lies in its writing. The dialogue often feels stiff, and the plot recycles so many familiar Cinderella tropes that even the added musical element can’t disguise how formulaic it is. The stepmother and stepsister are cartoonishly evil to the point of cliché, which makes the conflict feel forced rather than heartfelt. It’s a story you’ve seen a hundred times before — only this time, it’s set in a recording studio instead of a ballroom. Musically, the film does have a few catchy moments. Hale’s songs are enjoyable and well-performed, even if the soundtrack doesn’t contain any truly standout hits. The musical numbers are fun, but they sometimes feel shoehorned into scenes rather than woven naturally into the story’s rhythm. Visually, the movie has that glossy, clean-cut aesthetic typical of early 2010s teen films. It looks polished but lacks personality — like something designed more for the Disney Channel than for theatrical audiences. While A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song isn’t a total misfire, it’s a clear step down from the original. It delivers mild entertainment and a few memorable melodies, but ultimately, it’s a formulaic retelling that fails to leave a lasting impression. It’s cute, harmless, and easy to watch, but it doesn’t do much to justify its place in the Cinderella Story series. Lucy Hale’s charm saves it from being completely forgettable, but even her voice can’t carry this fairy tale to new heights. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 10/16/25 Full Review Rich S It starts with a Katy Perry-sounding song and it should have been cut and printed right then and there. The only other decent song in the movie was done by an a capella group in the bathroom ... while at the urinals. Fitting. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 12/13/20 Full Review Audience Member there isn't even?? any character development?? all around terrible Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member "Pretty doesn't last very long" - Bev van Ravensway - Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song

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