Disney Works Its Magic with Into the Woods – A Movie Review

This is a clever story that entwines four Grimm’s fairytales into one tale full of witty one-liners and fanciful lyrics. Who knew that Jack’s magic beans were originally stolen from the evil witch? This sets off a curse that the baker and his barren wife must break in order to have a child. To break this awful curse the two must acquire and bring to the witch a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. All of these items can be found in the woods, and they need to be had by time the blue moon rises. Which is a mere three days away!

So into the woods the baker and his wife travel, and it is here in which all the characters eventually cross paths.<span “font-size:14.0pt;font-family:”lucida=”” grande”;=”” color:#1f1f1f”=””>I don’t remember the last time that I watched a musical on the big screen. All I can say is what a treat this was! Disney really outdid themselves with this one. I loved, loved, loved the cinematography, the costumes, and the music.

The witty song lyrics moved at a quick pace with the characters feeding off each other’s dialogue all throughout the story. Each song was fully embedded with a message. Perhaps a bit much, but I am glad to say that it was not preachy. As we moved from one song to the next we heard; no one is alone; it takes two; children should listen; you’re free to do
 whatever pleases you; scary is exciting and nice is different than good. There are lots of messages as each character tries to fulfill their own wish.<span “font-size:14.0pt;font-family:”lucida=”” grande”;=”” color:#1f1f1f”=””>The characters are memorable. Emily Blunt (the baker’s wife) has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best actress and Meryl Streep (the evil witch) has been nominated for best supporting actress. The movie has you cheering, cringing and laughing. Some parts were over the top cheesy – always good for a laugh. And laugh the audience did! I love to hear an audience burst out laughing.

This is a movie that the entire family will enjoy – from small children to the grandparents – making it the perfect family outing!  It is easy to see why it has been nominated for a Golden Globe Best Picture.

Sophia and I both agree – this movie was absolutely worth driving to San Francisco on a weeknight to see. And if you know our traffic, you know that says a lot! If you want to add some magic to your holidays this year, be sure to add seeing this movie to your list. You will not be disappointed!