Song At The End Of Cinderella Story
Okay, let's talk about something serious. Seriously fun, that is. It's about A Cinderella Story. Specifically, the song at the end. You know, the triumphant, slow-motion, everyone-is-happy song. The one that’s supposed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Well, I have a confession. I’ve never really loved it. There, I said it. Prepare for the tomatoes.
I know, I know. It's practically a law to adore everything about that movie. Hilary Duff! Chad Michael Murray! A modern retelling of a classic! What’s not to love? And I DO love it. Mostly. Except…that song.
Must Read
The Ballad of Underwhelming Endings
See, here's my issue. The movie builds and builds. There's the awful stepmother, the ridiculously mean stepsisters (who are secretly hilarious), the mysterious online romance, and the big dance! Then, finally, finally, Sam Montgomery reveals herself to Austin Ames. Cue the music… and it’s… kind of… meh?
It's not a bad song, per se. It just doesn't feel like the earth-shattering, romantic explosion I was expecting. We've waited the entire movie for this moment! We need fireworks! We need a soaring power ballad! We need something that makes us believe in true love!
Instead, we get something…pleasant. Agreeable. Elevator music-adjacent. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. But you get my drift.
Think about it. We’ve been subjected to the horrors of the North Valley High cheerleading squad auditions. We've witnessed the sheer cruelty of Fiona and her daughters (seriously, those spray tans were a crime against humanity). We deserve a musical payoff of epic proportions!
The "Pop" Goes the Weasel
Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm expecting too much. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations fueled by years of watching rom-coms. But I can't help but feel like they missed an opportunity here.
Imagine if they had gone with something bolder. Something with a real beat. Something you could actually dance to! Think back to 2004! Pop music was everything. They could've had a catchy, upbeat tune that perfectly captured the feeling of finally finding your prince charming.
Instead, we get… slow dancing. Which is fine. But not groundbreaking. Not iconic. Not worthy of the years I’ve spent rewatching this movie.
I'm not saying the ending is ruined. It's still cute. It's still a feel-good moment. And Hilary Duff's smile could melt glaciers. But that song... it just doesn't quite hit the mark for me.
"Maybe it's just nostalgia goggles talking. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe everyone else out there genuinely loves that song and thinks it's the perfect ending to A Cinderella Story."
And you know what? That's okay! We can all have our opinions. But if you're out there, silently agreeing with me, feeling like the ending was just a tad underwhelming... you're not alone. We can start a club. We'll call it "The Slightly Disappointed Cinderella Story Song Club." Or maybe something catchier. Suggestions welcome.
So, next time you watch A Cinderella Story (and let’s be honest, you will), pay attention to that ending song. Really listen. And then tell me what you think. Am I crazy? Or does anyone else secretly wish they had chosen a different tune?
Until then, I'll be here, humming along to the rest of the soundtrack… and maybe fast-forwarding through that last scene. Don't judge me.