Review of Into the Woods (2014) by Nick P — 29 Nov 2015

There are few musicals that translate well from the stage to the big screen, from the stylish Moulin Rouge to the mouthful Les Miserables. However, there are probably less that are good as a film alone. Into the Woods succeeds in both.

INTO THE WOODS plays on the twist of the intersection of classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters with the original story of the Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt). They want a child, but were cursed by a vengeful witch (Meryl Streep) and in order to reverse the curse, they must go to the woods; the cow as white as milk from Jack and the Beanstalk, the cape as red as blood from Little Red Riding Hood, the hair as yellow as corn from Rapunzel and the slipper as pure as gold from Cinderella. They must succeed in this task in three midnights and on the way in their journey, they learn of what they want in life, but when they get it, they also learn that they have to appreciate what they have and most importantly, be careful what you wish for or you just might get it.

On to the cast, this is one of the best ensembles of the year; Meryl Streep is wickedly delightful as the Witch. She has her ticks, cackles, loud entrances and eccentric movements, but makes exploding fireworks with Last Midnight and a heartfelt moment for Stay With Me. She is the film's most enjoyable star and delves into one of her most entertaining roles since The Devil Wears Prada.

Emily Blunt is the heart and soul of the film as the Baker's Wife. She gives her such awe and sweetness that she is the one you care for the most. James Corden is somewhat goofy and clumsily tricky as the Baker but as the film progresses, he becomes truly involved with his character, showing how much he is in the middle and doesn't know what to do. Anna Kendrick is passable as Cinderella, though I wished she had done more with the role, more memorable moments, especially what she does with On the Steps of the Palace and No One is Alone. Chris Pine deliciously hams it up as her prince with a definite charm, shown in Agony. Johnny Depp is often typecast as kooky, caked face and strange characters and he doesn't do much different with the Wolf, but he does personify his creepiness. That's better than nothing.

The rest of the cast, especially Tracey Ullman, Daniel Huttlestone and Lilla Crawford, were both humorous and flowed together well. Rob Marshall definitely set up on what is called, a "perfect cast", which is a huge reason for why the film worked so well.

The music is glorious and lush as well as the visuals and the cinematography, though not too many songs are memorable, they aren't supposed to be this catchy, Frozen-like tune. They help gather the story and the emotions of the characters.

At some times, Marshall almost seems to be only switching from character to character so swiftly, but saves it from inner, good moments with their personalities. A few flaws; the second act was definitely necessary and I couldn't understand why a lot of reviews said the film should have "ended at the wedding" when that in itself would go against the whole purpose of Into the Woods. Though, it feels long occasionally and you wonder when it's going to end eventually. I wish the story was delved into the characters a bit more, with depth that is, especially for the characters of Jack and Little Red. It would give you more sense of care, but you never dislike any of the characters, however, Little Red is arguable. It does feel a bit rushed on some moments, but nothing is ever a dull moment. Into the Woods is not about fairy tales, but about parents and children and the lessons they leave with one another. It's about the purpose of life and what you want in it. It's about appreciation, lust, love and most importantly, listening and thankfulness.

INTO THE WOODS will divide some people, especially those expecting a simple Disney film with a happy ending but to those who pay attention and as Streep says "Children will listen", it will be an absolute delight. It truly is one of the best films and one of the best musical adaptations despite of some of its imperfections.