Into The Woods Review

Into The Woods is a prime example of a fun time at the cinema, the film knows exactly what it is and what it needs to do, the film doesn’t require you to think to much as its “Be careful what you wish for” message is stamped throughout and it always manages to entertain. What elevates the film from more standard film musical fair is the slightly darker nastier edge it has if the film wants you to do any thinking it’s all around this more adult subtexts. It’s in the few moment where “Into The Woods” engages with this sense of dark that the film becomes smarter as it plays on the classic idea of fairytales being used to express more upsetting ideas.

The strongest overall element of “Into The Woods” is it’s cast. They are likeable when they need to be likeable and they also know exactly what the film needs. They bring the exact level of fun for it. No one feels like they are taking themselves to seriously and no one feels like they’re waiting to pick up a cheque either. Meryl Streep for example really gives it her all playing the wicked with she cackles with her hunched over back whilst wearing a grey dirty looking wig and big false nails you get no feeling she’s embarrassed by the part. However the real standout member of the cast has to be Chris Pine as prince charming, he immerses himself in this slimy arrogant take on the typical prince charming he gets the stand out sequence of the film when he and Billy Magnussen (Rapunzel’s Prince) dance around atop a water fall, singing “Agongy” to their hearts content. It’s a hilarious sequence watching these two princes with no sense of self-confidence parading around singing about whose going through the worst pain.

One key piece to any musical however is the music itself. “Into The Woods” has good enjoyable songs they’re nice to here being sung as previously mentioned “Agony” is the best one, Anna Kendrick’s “On The Steps Of The Palace” is another highlight. Sadly I couldn’t name any of the other good songs without looking them up but rest assured the songs are very fun in the moment.

What lets the film down though is its direction. At times it still feels a little stage like there will be moments were one character will stand still while the others stand around them. There is one moment thought were the films gets around this though, its in the “On the Steps Of the Palace” scene. (You should find the scene to your right) I'll describe to scene anyway thought to give you an idea of why it works so well. Cinderella’s running down the steps the strings of the orchestra giving it a sense of urgency, soon she’s stuck though, this being a musical she decides to sing about it however the world around her freezes, this is inherently different to having actors stand still whilst on character sings, it’s a very cinematic moment as the world around her has frozen the flames of light as moving in slow motion whilst she moves quickly this gives us three different rates of motion within the scene which is something you cant do in theatre and it enhances the urgency Cinderella feels. Sadly the film is not always this smart and more often than not it can feel stilted. Often a lot of the main action happens off screen as well. For instance a giant is key to the conclusion of the story we never really see the giant though and only get snapshots through trees. Yet this is a film with a large budget we should a lest be shown some shots of the giants its incredibly uncinematic in that aspect.

Into The Woods is an incredibly enjoyable film in the moment your watching it. I’d happily watch it again and where it will probably find its audience is as it airs on TV over future Christmases. Outside of the cinema though it doesn’t really stick with you except for a few great scenes and the soundtrack is slightly too repetitive to download. Ultimately though the film is great fun.

3.5/5 Stars