Review of Cruella (2021) by Jakelem — 10 Jun 2021

A good friend of mine multiple times during one of our conversations mentioned how much he despised the Maleficent film of 2014 because of how they took an iconic villain and made her essentially an anti-hero with motherly love towards the baby she cursed. And as usual in this argument I backed it up saying it was fun for what it was and let’s face it I’m a sucker for style over substance when it comes to these big budget Disney films. Now after seeing Cruella, I can see his viewpoint now 100 percent.

I get this is a reimagining, but this is not Cruella. It may say Cruella but it’s not. She might have the black and white hair and drive the De Vil Car and have the two henchman, but never did I feel like it was the same iconic classic Disney villain who cemented Glen Close as an icon or the original Disney animated flick where she literally wanted a coat out of puppies. However, for what we got I still enjoyed immensely even dare say love at times?

I feel like somebody really wanted to make their own fashion movie set in this era of the 70s at the height of the music scene of that time and being that Disney had the money for funding they had it rewritten so that the heroine was Cruella. Emma stone as always shines giving life into the persona of Estella/Cruella that breathes new life into this character ; simply put you root for her to succeed in this busy thriving fashion industry. Emma Thompson as the Baroness steals the film playing a wicked delicious evil boss lady that would make anybody wanna run at just the sight of her heels. Major props for Artie their first openly gay character who actually contributes to the plot and even helps out Cruella in her outfits. Speaking of outfits, the costumes look incredible major props to the costume designer because she went all out, especially the garbage truck dress had me my jaw dropped. Also, kudos to the director Craig Gillespie who made some fabulous choices with the camera movement. London has never looked better and for a film set in the punk rock of the 70’s it looked stunning no pun intended.

So, Cruella you’re a mixed one darling , on one hand you did everything right but then I don’t like you at the same time. Also, Disney that end credits scene just no ! the whole dog matchmaking thing just leaves a sour taste.