Into the Woods Movie Review
Into
the Woods brings a new insight into the world of fairytales with new take on
the stories itself. This musical film brings a fresh start and connection to
the fairytales we know and love from Little Red Riding Hood to Jack and the
Beanstalk.
Into
the Woods brings together a great ensemble of actors headed by Oscar winner
Meryl Streep. As always, Streep delivers a unique take on the witch which gives
out curses. And since this is a musical, we get to hear her sing since her Mama
Mia film. Emily Blunt also showed her musical prowess in a memorable role as
the Baker’s wife. Even though we have heard her sing in Pitch Perfect, Anna
Kendrick dazzles as Cinderella as she continually runs away from Prince
Charming. Among the cast, the actor to unlikely join in the singing of a
musical is Chris Pine. Pine plays the handsome prince who continues to be
eluded by Cinderella. Pine sang several songs and managed to deliver a good
performance even if his character is quite the opposite of charming.
Into
the Woods brings a unique mix of story-telling and music. There is basically
more singing than dialogue as compared previous musical films like Les
Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. Though the songs are not that catchy, they
deliver the story. One of my main problems is that sometimes the songs are way
too fast in terms of understanding the lyrics. But the actors’ performances help in
understanding each scene.
For
design, make-up and special effects, Into the Woods delivers. From Streep’s
transformation from an old hag to a gorgeous witch, to the giants wreaking
havoc throughout the kingdom and to the dark and gloomy woods, the film makes
movie magic with a unique combination of CGI, practical special effects and
art.
Cinematography
also delivers as the film brings in new angles and gorgeous wide shots of the
kingdom and of course the woods. At some point, the music is being carried by
the camera and it does it so well.
Into
the Woods’ story is a new look at the other side of fairytales. When we hear
the stories, it only tells the happy side. The film shows the choices the
characters faced before finally getting their happily ever after. But in the
film, the characters don’t get that. We see Cinderella unhappy with her Prince
who only loved the chase. We see Jack and the loss he faced just for getting
the gold coins, the hen that lays the golden egg and the harp to better his and
his mother’s lives. We see the loss of a baker who tries to be different from
his father but ending up the same way. And we get to see Little Red Riding facing
the consequences for not following the path her parents have instructed her.
The
film’s story transcends more than magical but also into emotional. It reaches
out to audiences and brings out that inner child who read these stories. It’s
telling a new fairytale filled with characters from other fairytales.
It’s
a fun musical filled with fear, love, loss, songs and a lot of funny moments
that are memorable. It will invite you to go Into the Woods and I recommend you
do. I give it 8 out of 10.
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