Review of Into the Woods (2014) by Paul E — 02 Nov 2015
A SPOILER OR TWO AHEAD - Having read about the paltry box office and the mediocre reviews, I did not have high hopes for this film. Good thing. While it is entertaining to a point, Sondheim's musical has definitely been "Disneyfied.
" It's loud, bombastic, and the story has been changed somewhat to make it more movie-like, I guess. There's a lot to like. Meryl Streep is excellent (did she deserve the Oscar nod. Maybe), as is most of the cast.
However, James Corden, who I like as a comedian and talk show host, is miscast here. The show needed a stronger lead and he's not up to the task. Johnny Depp, as the Wolf, is extra creepy and not in a fun way, IMHO.
I think Emily Bllunt steals the show, but her character's fate still does not sit right with me (she's punished for straying, yet the guy she strays with only loses the girl? Please). The film is certainly beautiful to look at and I was entertained to a point.
It's just far from the masterpiece the show is.
This review of Into the Woods (2014) was written by Paul E on 02 Nov 2015.
Into the Woods has generally received mixed reviews.
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