As part of the media I was invited to an Advanced Screening of Disney’s Into The Woods, opinions expressed are that of my own.
Opening December 25th 2014, Disney’s Into The Woods is A Musical Drama With An Amazing Cast!
Now before I go any further, I first want to say 3 things: #1. I loved the film! #2. Just like the Brothers Grimm stories, there is a lesson to be found in this production, “Be Careful What You Wish For”. #3. This movie is PG and in my opinion certain portions would be best interpreted by ages 11 and up.
So on with the details!
Directed by Rob Marshall, Into The Woods begins with a Baker and his Wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt) longing to have a child, but due to a curse on their home they are left barren. They want a baby so badly that they make a deal with a Witch (Meryl Streep) and venture off into the woods after random objects.
They must collect a cow white as milk, cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. As they head on their quest, the film comes to life in the form of plot twists and interwoven relationships as they meet other characters in the woods.
Rapunzel is torn by the love of her Mother AKA the Witch and her beau, and Cinderella is torn by dealing with the status quo of an evil stepmother (Christine Baranski) and step sisters with servant expectations, versus taking a chance on something better.
While playing Jack and the Beanstalk’s mother, Tracey Ullman has a way of giving a tough life a lighter side. Her interactions as a single parent are borderline abusive, but you can interpret through her words in song, that an impoverished life and trying to make due has been tough on her.
Toward the end of the film, she does do right by Jack and redeems herself as mother.
Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) is a boy who appears to lack common sense, but manages to gain life experience throughout the story and wises up as he goes along.
Let’s just say that he is very devoted to his cow and has an amazing voice!
Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) is also entertaining by her naive ideas and motivation by her constant hunger.
She is over trusting, gives out too much of Granny’s personal information, and is lead astray just like Eve in the Garden of Eden.
If Johnny Deep was going for a Creepy Big Bad Wolf, then mission accomplished. I am not sure if he is a furry animal or a human predator, but needless to say he has a knack for the over dramatic.
However just as the original story, The Wolf gets his final punishment for preying upon Grandmas and Little Girls.
Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen held true to the Fairy Tale Princes’ persona and acted the part with their desire to conquer by overtaking towers, chasing after runaway damsels, or even seducing a Baker’s Wife.
They illustrated these desires perfectly in their duet performance of “Agony.”
To wrap up the story, the Baker and his Wife complete their task and get their wish for a child. However all of their meddling creates new problems resulting in a dead giant and his angry wife wreaking havoc in the kingdom.
Ultimately the Baker, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack have to work together to find a solution and undo mess that was created. You will have to watch the film to see how it all turns out. 🙂
Will you be heading out to watch this film? Which character are you most intrigued by?
Needless to say, I can see why this film has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Meryl Streep was amazing as the Witch and the vocal and acting performances throughout the film were impressive. I was truly drawn in by the story, special effects, costumes/make-up, and overall visuals. I definitely recommend catching this film over the Holiday Season.
FFM
Photos and film information in this post were provided by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
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