I have to admit, I had never seen or heard of the stage show INTO THE WOODS before being invited to preview the movie recently. I knew nothing about the story at all so I didn’t know what to expect, even that the movie was a musical drama was a surprise to me, and what a lovely surprise it was. Disney’s Into The Woods is a beautiful musical based on a stage musical that offers something for the whole family. From beginning to end, there was never a dull moment, only laughing, crying, and big, happy smiles throughout.
Into The Woods
The story Into The Woods is a modern day twist on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales in musical format and it follows the classic tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel all mixed together by an original classic which involves a baker and his wife and their wish to start a family. The young couple are also involved with a witch who has put a nasty curse on them. The film begins with the song “I Wish”, which lays out each of the movie’s characters and the story line superbly, and in the first half of the movie, all of the characters get what they wished for.
In the second half of the movie is where lessons are learned by each of the characters. Getting what you want in life, you may find, is possibly not what you really want and we see how each of the characters deal with the outcome of their conclusion.
I loved all the songs performed in the movie, they were so well done. One of my personal favorites (I laughed out loud during this entire scene) was “Agony” sung by none other than the two charming princes in the story, and I must say that Chris Pine was a perfect choice to play the love stricken prince searching for his beautiful Cinderella.
Cast
The cast is led by the incredible Meryl Streep (one of my favorite actresses of all times) who plays the witch, Anna Kendrick plays Cinderella and Emily Blunt plays the Baker’s Wife (I adore Emily Blunt!).
Christine Baranski plays the wicked Stepmother (and she is awesome), Tracey Ullman is Jack’s Mother and Billy Magnussen plays Rapunzel’s Prince.
MacKenzie Mauzy plays Rapunzel, James Corden is the Baker and Chris Pine is Cinderella’s Prince Charming.
Lilla Crawford plays Little Red Riding Hood (one of my new favorite young actresses), Johnny Depp is the Wolf (no words needed) and Daniel Huttlestone is young Jack.
Is Into The Woods for Young Children?
When asked if this film is appropriate for young children I would have to say that although this is a Disney film and the story is about fairy tale characters, I would recommend that children younger than 8 not view this movie. Personally I feel they would become bored and uninterested, however, all kids are different so it depends on the child. The movie is dark and some scenes are frightening so keep this in mind when deciding age appropriateness for your son or daughter. Note: The movie is rated PG.
More Info
Into The Woods has been nominated for 3 Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Actress Emily Blunt and Best Supporting Actress Meryl Streep. Well deserved!
Into The Woods opened on Broadway November 5, 1987. It won Tony Awards for Best Score (Stephen Sondheim) and Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine)
The film hit theaters everywhere on Christmas Day!
I personally LOVED this movie and give it two big thumbs up!
Visit the official site Into The Woods
Disclosure: Movie passes were given for an honest review of Into The Woods. All opinions are strictly my own.
Photo credits: Walt Disney Studios
Loved this movie so much. One of the few I’ve actually gone to see on opening weekend. Can’t wait to go see it again.
Rebecca, I agree with you. So well done. I’m sure we will watch it many times!