Disney Made a ‘Cinderella’ Dads, Children Will Admire

Nearly five dozen NYC Dads Group members and their families went to “the ball” Sunday at AMC 25 Empire theaters off Times Square to watch a preview of Disney’s new live action Cinderella movie on a gigantic IMAX screen.

An abundance of smiles could be seen on both young and old faces in the crowd of approximately 250 attendees, the largest “meetup” in the NYC Dads Group’s six-year history. There was something quite beautiful about being in a room full of families, which also included families from the Baby Buggy Fatherhood Initiative that encourages men to be active and responsible dads. Since 2010 Baby Buggy has provided fathers who participate in our partner fatherhood programs in New York and Los Angeles with donations of clothing and goods that they need to keep their children safe and healthy.

Free popcorn and beverages aided everyone’s movie-going experience not that much was needed when the screen turned on and show, to the surprise of most children, a Frozen short, Frozen Fever, which left the audience not only pleased but also laughing loudly. My daughter summed it up best when she told me that the IMAX screen was the largest TV she’d ever seen and, honestly, the IMAX screen helped bring the truly amazing colors and scenery of the film to life.

I’ve never been a fan of the story of Cinderella as I have viewed her as weak and needing the help of a prince to validate her existence. However, I was pleased to take my daughter to this new version. Director Kenneth Branagh has crafted a princess we can all look up to as she is guided by courage and kindness. Cinderella specifically reminded us that courage comes in a lot of forms.

The portrayal of fathers in the film also pleased me. The two main fathers, Cinderella’s and the Prince’s, were both thoughtful, loving men who raised their children to be equally kind and respectful. What a wonderful message, and it was so refreshing to see a film depict a loving relationship between a child and her parents.

All attendees left full, appreciative and happy, due in large part to the movie’s happy ending. (Sorry for the spoiler.) Thanks to IMAX and Disney for making this wonderful NYC Dads Group event happen.

NOTE: This was a sponsored event that the author and our City Dads Group members attended for free. This opinions expressed here are solely those of the author.