Sofia the First is the newest movie to premiere on Disney Channel. We made a movie night out of it, complete with comfy seats and popcorn. My little ones loved it!

Sofia is just a regular girl, with a regular mom. Her mom just happens to be a skilled seamstress, who is asked to do some work for the king. Clearly he was charmed by her, because they end up marrying (this part of the story is shown through a few scenes, but the movie pretty much begins with their moving into the castle). This means that average, everyday Sofia has suddenly become a princess, which is both exciting and scary at the same time.

Adding to her distress are the new siblings she inherits- a sister, Amber, who appears to be slightly older than she, and a brother, James, also older. Rather than welcoming her into the family, Amber starts off by making things as difficult as possible for her. James is initially on the fence- he thinks she's nice, but goes along with some of his sisters ideas, until he realizes how much Sofia is being hurt. He then begins to help her learn the things she is trying to learn in time for her official presentation as a princess- a royal ball in her honor.

Amber, however, gets even more spiteful at her brother's choice to befriend her. Couple that with her anger at her father's bestowal of a precious gift to Sofia- a magic amulet (although I'm not sure they realize it's magic), and Amber steps up her plans to make Sofia's life miserable. From sabotaging her efforts to make friends at school to causing her to embarrass herself during dancing lessons, Amber is out to make Sofia's transition to princess-hood a disaster.

Having incurred so many awful pranks, Sofia is utterly dejected and decides she doesn't want to be a princess anymore. Her mom wisely invites some of her old friends over for a visit, and she feels restored. THere is, however, that little problem of the royal ball. Sofia will have to dance with the king in front of everyone- an she can't dance! Her dancing lessons at school were sabotaged by her new stepsister, and there's no one left who can help her- or is there?

The castle's wizard, Cedric- who is a bad guy indeed- is more than willing to help. Sofia seeks out his help by asking for a spell that will make her a good dancer for the ball. He agrees, but has dastardly plans of his own- he wants that amulet! Cedric gives Sofia what she thinks is a dancing spell, but really it will put everyone in the ballroom to sleep, allowing him to steal the amulet and ultimately rule the kingdom!

Meanwhile, after overhearing the comments made by the ladies in waiting as they are fussing over Sofia's beautiful gown for the ball, Amber decides that she won't be attending and stays up in her room, sulking.

At the ball, everyone eagerly awaits the dance between Sofia and the king. As the kingdom watches, Sofia begins her dance with the king by uttering the words of the spell. As predicted, everyone in the ballroom falls asleep- including Cedric himself! Alone, confused, and scared, Sofia runs off to find anyone who can help.

Cinderella makes a surprise appearance, through the magic in the amulet, and helps Sofia realize that there is someone who hasn't been put to sleep who can help her- Amber. Sofia is reluctant to go to Amber for help after the way she's been treated, but having no other recourse, does so anyway. Amber apologizes, explaining that it's all really her fault- if she hadn't been so awful to Sofia, she wouldn't have needed a spell to help her dance. Together they go to Cedric's lair and find the spell to counteract the curse.

Through their teamwork, all is restored, and Amber acknowledges Sofia for what she truly has become- her sister.

This was a totally feel good movie, and surprisingly short at about an hour. Check it out with your little ones for a good movie night!