Into the Woods: Movie Review
Director Rob Marshall (“Chicago”, “Nine”) is back at it again with what I consider his best cinematic musical to date. 2002’s “Chicago” had a lot going for it, but enduring 2009’s “Nine” was torture and it was the only movie I walked out of half way through in the last decade. Although the final act of “Into the Woods” has some problems, the rest of the film is so much fun that I feel it is a “must-see” for musical lovers.
Adapted from legendary composer Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed stage production, “Into the Woods” is a marvel to behold, thanks to Cinematographer Dion Beebe along with Rob Marshall. As great as everything looks, the stellar cast helps bring the fairy tale characters to life. Anna Kendrick of course we all know can sing, thanks to her role in “Pitch Perfect” but she also makes for an adorable Cinderella. Then again, is there anything Kendrick is not adorable in? She should have “adorable” on her resume. Johnny Depp has very little time on screen as The Wolf, but he makes the most of the little time he has. Meryl Streep as The Witch is bewitching, Emily Blunt and James Corden as The Baker and his wife are charming, Chris Pine is the surprising scene stealer here as Cinderella’s Prince aka Prince Charming. We all know that Pine can be funny and charming, but his musical numbers are the film’s best, especially the one between him and his brother, Rapunzel’s Prince (Billy Magnuessen). Speaking of Rapunzel (played by Mackenzie Mauzy), she is one of the few characters that gets the short end of the stick. She just isn’t given a whole lot to do. I will say that Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood and Daniel Huttlesone as Jack are perfectly cast as the spunky kids.
If you are unfamiliar with the stage production, “Into the Woods” seamlessly connects several Brothers Grimm fairy tales into one story. We have “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “Cinderella”, “Rapunzle”, and “Little Red Riding Hood”. Much of the story takes place within the woods where the characters from each story enter from different directions for different reasons. It doesn’t take long for the characters to interact with each other through song. Although you don’t see much (or any) singing in the film’s trailers, trust me when I tell you that there is mostly singing from start to finish, but the songs are absolutely fantastic and it helps that the actor’s can carry a tune. Yes, even Chris Pine.
If you are looking for something to see with the family this weekend, “Into the Woods” should be your first choice.
By: Marc Ferman