Okay, let's talk Cinderella II... Is it just me?

Alright cinephiles, Sarah here. I know, I know, Cinderella II: Dreams Come True. Usually, I'm all about the artistic integrity of original films, but I recently rewatched this childhood fave and needed to vent (er, discuss!). Look, the animation is...well, it's direct-to-video animation. No revolutionary camera angles or lighting to analyze here, sadly. But the STORY, guys! Specifically, that first segment where Cinderella tries to 'princess-ify' herself to fit in. I remember relating so hard as a kid. It's actually kind of poignant, right? Seeing her struggle to reconcile her naturally kind, resourceful self with the stuffy, protocol-obsessed royal court? I mean, the 'lessons' are a bit heavy-handed, but there's a kernel of something genuinely interesting about identity and staying true to yourself in the face of external pressure. Plus, Jaq's storyline in the third segment is surprisingly wholesome. Okay, maybe 'wholesome' isn't a cinematography term, LOL. BUT. And this is a big but – the second story with Cinderella's step sister having… feelings? That part feels really out of character with the original film. I appreciate the attempt at character development, but it felt so forced. It's like they needed to fill time and thought, 'Hey, let's give a villain a redemption arc, but make it super rushed and not at all earned!' Anyone else feel that way? Overall, not a cinematic triumph, but definitely a nostalgia-fueled guilty pleasure with a few surprisingly insightful moments scattered throughout. Tell me I'm not the only one who secretly enjoys bits of this.