by Cookie N Screen
That intrepid road from the stage to the screen is as winding as the paths taken by our character in this wildly enjoyable adaptation Into the Woods. It is a give and take relationship between the theatre and the movies, (a relationship, by the way, gloriously explored in the recent Birdman.) There are movies such as Heathers, Hairspray and Mean Girls that leap into the stage for phenomenal musical versions whilst film often, ha ha, stage their own adaptation of works previously kept to theatres. Each opens pathways for people to explore the mediums and the same can be said about today’s DVD release - Into The Woods which may have polarised theatre and cinema fans alike but still opened the up the road to the production that wasn’t necessarily the most famed.
That intrepid road from the stage to the screen is as winding as the paths taken by our character in this wildly enjoyable adaptation Into the Woods. It is a give and take relationship between the theatre and the movies, (a relationship, by the way, gloriously explored in the recent Birdman.) There are movies such as Heathers, Hairspray and Mean Girls that leap into the stage for phenomenal musical versions whilst film often, ha ha, stage their own adaptation of works previously kept to theatres. Each opens pathways for people to explore the mediums and the same can be said about today’s DVD release - Into The Woods which may have polarised theatre and cinema fans alike but still opened the up the road to the production that wasn’t necessarily the most famed.
Based on the stage musical by Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods takes your favourite fairy tales and gives them a darker twist. A baker and his wife are cursed with infertility by a witch who begrudges his father for taken magical beans from her garden and thus making her haggard. The witch bargains a deal - if the couple can head into the woods and find several different objects, bringing it to her before the blue moon so she can rejuvenate her youth. In desperate want of a baby, the two embark on the journey and along the way meet a heap of fairy-tale characters with a devilish spin on it.
Into The Woods is an innovative idea from Sondheim and James Lepaine, who wrote the book, and that transfers well enough onto the screenplay by Rob Marshall and Lepaine. Though with Disney at the helm, there isn’t enough of the darkness to make it phenomenal. It teeters at the edge of black comedy and never tumbles into that abyss and waters down the more adult elements to appease the children clapping along in the audience. It’s a shame because the idea of your favourite fairy-tales becoming a little bit more grim is inviting and whilst it does dabble in the sadistic elements such as The Prince having his eyes gouged out or the smoosh of people from the giant’s feet, it is all left largely off screen and, whilst the complaint is worrying, it is never fulfilled enough. Plus the third act really shifts the dynamics, and the change of tone doesn’t entirely feel fleshed out to the point where you’ll feel your attention somewhat dwindling.
Into The Woods is an innovative idea from Sondheim and James Lepaine, who wrote the book, and that transfers well enough onto the screenplay by Rob Marshall and Lepaine. Though with Disney at the helm, there isn’t enough of the darkness to make it phenomenal. It teeters at the edge of black comedy and never tumbles into that abyss and waters down the more adult elements to appease the children clapping along in the audience. It’s a shame because the idea of your favourite fairy-tales becoming a little bit more grim is inviting and whilst it does dabble in the sadistic elements such as The Prince having his eyes gouged out or the smoosh of people from the giant’s feet, it is all left largely off screen and, whilst the complaint is worrying, it is never fulfilled enough. Plus the third act really shifts the dynamics, and the change of tone doesn’t entirely feel fleshed out to the point where you’ll feel your attention somewhat dwindling.
The cast is terrific though. James Corden adds another dimension to his career and is charming as the baker. The man can sing, which is impressive enough for people who have followed his career from annoying side characters to presenter to Hollywood movies, and admittedly, you can’t help but swoon at his vocal performance. Opposite Emily Blunt, they are enthused with excellent chemistry as Blunt roars open her impressive singing skills too. Meryl Streep, though not the obvious choice after her musical turn in Mamma Mia!, is good enough and Anna Kendrick always dazzles in whatever film she appears in. Chris Pine is the stand out here, alongside relatively unknown Billy Magnusson who both frolic around the woods armoured by their princesses and love every second of it (and if Chris Pine’s blue eyes weren’t alluring enough, the dazzling man can sing.)
Of course, it’s really Sondheim’s work that gives Into The Woods its excellent streak. The songs are tremendous and help enhance the film in a truly magical experience. It’ the music that bounces inside your head and heart long after viewing including Agony, No One Is Alone, The Last Midnight and the titular song Into The Woods. Honestly, the whole soundtrack works with rambunctious nature that bounces like Little Red Riding Hood skipping in the forest. While the collection of actors may not be the best singers, they do the film, and Sondheim’s songs, justice that tremendously comes together in a spectacular aural experience.
Having never seen the show for obvious reasons, there is no way I can soundly compare the two which, works in making the film a better experience without the contrasts. And whilst Disney tentatively skim the blacker elements of the comedy instead of embracing it, the film is entertaining. Though it is very strained that Streep earned another Oscar nomination here, the performances and music combine to make it thoroughly incredible. Add this to some striking Oscar nominated costumes and while it may not live up to its potential, Into The Woods is tree-ific.
Of course, it’s really Sondheim’s work that gives Into The Woods its excellent streak. The songs are tremendous and help enhance the film in a truly magical experience. It’ the music that bounces inside your head and heart long after viewing including Agony, No One Is Alone, The Last Midnight and the titular song Into The Woods. Honestly, the whole soundtrack works with rambunctious nature that bounces like Little Red Riding Hood skipping in the forest. While the collection of actors may not be the best singers, they do the film, and Sondheim’s songs, justice that tremendously comes together in a spectacular aural experience.
Having never seen the show for obvious reasons, there is no way I can soundly compare the two which, works in making the film a better experience without the contrasts. And whilst Disney tentatively skim the blacker elements of the comedy instead of embracing it, the film is entertaining. Though it is very strained that Streep earned another Oscar nomination here, the performances and music combine to make it thoroughly incredible. Add this to some striking Oscar nominated costumes and while it may not live up to its potential, Into The Woods is tree-ific.
Want to Read More?
Read theatre fan Laura's take on the film
Or her review of the show
OR her review of the book it was based upon!
Into the Woods is out on DVD and Blu-ray today!
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