What happens when you combine the collective children’s classics of Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, with the Hollywood heavyweights of Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrik, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine? Two hours of the most fantastical, theatrical and bizarre musical which infuses new life to some well-told tales.
By Keeva Stratton
A wicked witch challenges the local baker and his wife to collect a series of objects that will lift a spell, cursing them to be forever without children. As they go about their quest, their story intersects with other more familiar characters, in less familiar roles.
Cinderella is routinely running away from her Prince Charming as she tries to decide whether a life as a princess is a preferable existence to that of a chamber maid; Little Red Riding Hood is dealing with a compulsive eating habit and gets distracted by a camp and charismatic wolf on her way to Grandma’s house; Jack devolves to be a bit of a beanstalk climbing kleptomaniac following his depressive angst over being parted with his bovine bestie; and Rapunzel is yet to learn that she should be a little more selective when letting down her hair. Sound a little crazy? Well, it is.
Into the Woods is a mishmash of music and misadventure as the characters try to work together to find a common good (the purpose of which becomes increasingly unclear as the film progresses). There are fabulous high notes, such as the princes’ vacuous duet; and then there are some odd, stilted moments, where you are left to wonder why—mainly, why am I watching two hours of Brothers Grimm pantomime?
As a holiday film, it ticks the boxes of fun and frivolity, yet it will no doubt divide audiences. For those who enjoy a fantastical romp accompanied by theatrical lustre and an A-list sing-a-long, Into the Woods is exuberant and indulgent. If, however, you’re more of a cynic—like me—this kind of filmic indulgence is probably best avoided.
The performances are first class, and it’s hard to single out the stand-outs, but Depp, Streep and the young Lilla Crawford are hard to go past. The cast are in many ways what make this film, but whether it brings you enjoyment will depend greatly on your taste for fantasy and musicals. Either way, Stephen Sondheim’s musical brilliance cannot be denied.
If you enjoy an upbeat musical akin to Mamma Mia, then Into the Woods is probably going to give you great joy; but if you prefer your fairy tales grim, it’s advisable that you avoid the woods altogether—just saying.
Directed by: Rob Marshall
Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrik, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine, James Corden
Rating: PG
Runtime: 125mins
Release Date: January 8
Reviewer rating: 3/5
