INTO THE WOODS
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Lucy Punch, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Mackenzie Mauzy, Lilla Crawford, Billy Macnussen, Tammy Blanchard, Tracey Ullman, Daniel Huttlestone
Rating: B+
What if all the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales were intertwined and really part of one great big story? Is it possible to combine all the classic stories together to give us a tall tale we can tell our children before they go to sleep that they will remember for a life time? Well it seems that the possibilities are endless with INTO THE WOODS, the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical brought to life by Disney and director Rob Marshall (CHICAGO). This film is a creative and innovative spin on the consequences of choices made by some of the most beloved characters of the Grimm tales.
We start off with The Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) told by the village witch (Meryl Streep) that they are cursed never to have children. But, the witch gives them instructions that if they gather 4 items for her within three days then she will break the curse. The Baker and his wife set out on a quest into the woods to retrieve the items demanded by the witch. During the hunt for the valuables the couple crosses paths with a mischievous and rebellious Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), who narrowly escapes the clutches of Mr. Wolf (Johnny Depp). Then they have a run in with the indecisive Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), who can’t make up her mind between life as a chambermaid for her evil stepmother (Christine Baranski) and her two nasty stepsisters, or life as Princess with Prince Charming (Chris Pine) at her side. Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy), trapped in tower and longing to see the outside world, also has a role to play if the Baker and his wife are to break the witch’s curse. Then there is Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), a young farm boy that creates all sorts of trouble when he acquires magic beans.
With twists and turns no one will expect, each character wishes for something in the hopes to find true happiness. But those wishes which do come true don’t always lead to the expected outcome. The unconventional spin on classic fairy tales rolled into one story is what makes INTO THE WOODS so interesting.
Being that the film is an adaptation of a Broadway show, it is of course a musical. The cast will surprise you with their voices. Chris Pine, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, James Corden just to name a few have some amazing pipes that belt out some pretty awesome songs.
There is a ton of humor in the movie. A scene between two princes singing about the agony of love is especially funny and one of the highlights of the piece. Meryl Streep, a brilliant actress that can do no wrong, plays the eccentric and creepy witch that manages to give a little scare every time she shows up on screen. Emily Blunt and James Corden have some adorable moments showing off the dynamics of a married couple that can’t agree on anything. Anna Kendrick puts a smile on your face as the lovely lady that can’t make decisions even if her life depends on it. Watching two headstrong youngsters, Lilla Crawford and Daniel Huttlestone, battle it out with the adults provided a chuckle or two.
Interestingly, this fairy tale deals with death, betrayal, blame, camaraderie and love as the flawed characters struggle to find themselves and discover that what they wish for is not always what is best. There are lessons one could take from the movie about loss and taking responsibility for ones actions. Some may find all the singing and lack of dialogue in the movie a bit boring and over the top, but in the end INTO THE WOODS, giving a new meaning to “happily ever after,” is an enchanting film that most will enjoy.
2 stars out of five. I found nothing notable about this movie. I wish I could magically get that two hours of my life back.
Mike, I personally didn’t care for it either, but to each their own. I’ve talked to some who think it’s one of the best musical films they’ve ever seen. Film is subjective, that’s what’s so great about it. That said, I thought it was too long and lacked charm, so I think you and I are on the same page.