A Cinderella Story (2004) is a modern romantic comedy film directed by Mark Rosman. It’s a reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale set in contemporary California. The movie stars Hilary Duff as Sam Montgomery, a high school senior who lives with her evil stepmother (played by Jennifer Coolidge) and two stepsisters. She works at a diner while secretly chatting online with a boy from her school, Austin Ames (played by Chad Michael Murray), without knowing his identity. They fall for each other through their anonymous online interactions.

The plot follows Sam as she navigates her difficult home life, high school pressures, and her secret romance with Austin. When the school’s dance (a modern version of a ball) arrives, Sam decides to go, but her stepmother sabotages her plans. With the help of her friends and a “fairy godmother” figure, Sam gets to the dance, where she and Austin meet in person for the first time.

The film explores themes of self-worth, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. It is notable for its upbeat, feel-good tone, and it was a commercial success, particularly among teen audiences. A Cinderella Story also marked a key point in Hilary Duff’s acting career, as she had been previously known for her role in the Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire.