The Sun movie review: ‘Into the Woods’ is a magical trip
Monday February 23, 2015 | By:Tony Baksa |
Four suns.
“Once Upon a time in a far off kingdom” ... and so it begins. “Into the Woods” they go to reverse a bitter witch’s curse. What a musical fantasy delight this movie is; A story that works on several levels jam-packed with life lessons for adults and children alike.
The songs weave a spell of intrigue. The characters – all from different fairy tales – converge in a clever plot, which involves coming together for a common good. Of course, as they meet in the woods, conflict and peril unfolds everywhere.
The plot is set in motion when a baker and his wife are visited by their neighbor, an angry witch who has been cursed with ugliness by her mother due to past deeds involving a garden, the baker’s father and other dark secrets. In retaliation, she has rendered the couple childless. They never knew of this wicked spell. Due to the actions of the baker’s absent father, the witch stole the baker’s baby sister and raised her. He did not know he had a sister – Rapunzel.
As the story unfolds, Cinderella, her stepmother and stepsisters, two Prince Charmings, Little Red Riding Hood, her granny and the wolf, Jack of the bean stalk and two furious giants fill out the cast of characters to take the audience on an exciting and haunting journey. The goal is to reverse the curse and bring on a “happily ever after” ending for everybody, including the witch.
Well, we get that happy ending in the middle of the movie! But wait – you know the old saying “Be careful what you wish for?” The second half of the story deals with discontent and payback. Having upset the tranquility of the giant’s kingdom, Jack is wanted as retribution. So, back into the woods this collection of fairy tale characters go to hide young Jack and plot their defense against the angry giant. The scenes of blame and accusation, of hurt and loss, of sweet lessons learned, are wondrous.
Directed by Academy Award winner, Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), Into the Woods has his stamp of luscious visuals and wit. The cast is perfect. What a treat to have a musical where everyone can actually sing. No talk-singing or trick techy nonsense to disguise a star’s lack of musicality. Meryl Streep as the witch is a revelation. We all know what a great actress she is. Her singing in “Mama Mia” didn’t even hint at the tremendous power and dramatic force she delivers in song. Also outstanding is Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood and Daniel Huttlestone as Jack. Surprising in their own right are performances by Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and James Corden.
Broadway’s genius composer Stephen Sondheim has never been properly served in movies – until now. His philosophy, humor and humanity displayed in his clever lyrics, plus his beautifully unique melodies, have had a difficult time in past transfers to film. This time, they got it right.
“Into the Woods “is currently in theaters.
“Once Upon a time in a far off kingdom” ... and so it begins. “Into the Woods” they go to reverse a bitter witch’s curse. What a musical fantasy delight this movie is; A story that works on several levels jam-packed with life lessons for adults and children alike.
The songs weave a spell of intrigue. The characters – all from different fairy tales – converge in a clever plot, which involves coming together for a common good. Of course, as they meet in the woods, conflict and peril unfolds everywhere.
The plot is set in motion when a baker and his wife are visited by their neighbor, an angry witch who has been cursed with ugliness by her mother due to past deeds involving a garden, the baker’s father and other dark secrets. In retaliation, she has rendered the couple childless. They never knew of this wicked spell. Due to the actions of the baker’s absent father, the witch stole the baker’s baby sister and raised her. He did not know he had a sister – Rapunzel.
As the story unfolds, Cinderella, her stepmother and stepsisters, two Prince Charmings, Little Red Riding Hood, her granny and the wolf, Jack of the bean stalk and two furious giants fill out the cast of characters to take the audience on an exciting and haunting journey. The goal is to reverse the curse and bring on a “happily ever after” ending for everybody, including the witch.
Well, we get that happy ending in the middle of the movie! But wait – you know the old saying “Be careful what you wish for?” The second half of the story deals with discontent and payback. Having upset the tranquility of the giant’s kingdom, Jack is wanted as retribution. So, back into the woods this collection of fairy tale characters go to hide young Jack and plot their defense against the angry giant. The scenes of blame and accusation, of hurt and loss, of sweet lessons learned, are wondrous.
Directed by Academy Award winner, Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), Into the Woods has his stamp of luscious visuals and wit. The cast is perfect. What a treat to have a musical where everyone can actually sing. No talk-singing or trick techy nonsense to disguise a star’s lack of musicality. Meryl Streep as the witch is a revelation. We all know what a great actress she is. Her singing in “Mama Mia” didn’t even hint at the tremendous power and dramatic force she delivers in song. Also outstanding is Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood and Daniel Huttlestone as Jack. Surprising in their own right are performances by Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and James Corden.
Broadway’s genius composer Stephen Sondheim has never been properly served in movies – until now. His philosophy, humor and humanity displayed in his clever lyrics, plus his beautifully unique melodies, have had a difficult time in past transfers to film. This time, they got it right.
“Into the Woods “is currently in theaters.
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