Run time: 125 mins Certificate: PG
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden.
Release Date: January 9, 2015.
Happily Ever After?
Into the Woods opens strongly, simultaneously throwing together a menagerie of fairy tales whilst placing its own knowing spin on them, all in the space of its brilliant opening number. It continues on in this fashion, criss crossing between the likes of its original bakers and well known characters such as Red Riding Hood and Cinderella whilst maintaining an effortless sense of cohesion. Knowing winks and parodies will keep adults entertained (the likes of Chris Pine’s Prince Charming in particular) while the spectacle of seeing these childhood favourites sing circles around each other is sure to enthrall children, though all ages are sure to take delight in the final result. Its a shame then that it falters in the delivery of its more ambitious second act, its restraint from getting ‘too dark’ shrouding its moral messages in vagueness when they could have been far more poignant.
As a musical Into the Woods mostly impresses. While memorable songs such as the opening Prologue may be a little on the sparse side, James Lapine does deserve praise for using the songs to tell the story rather than rely on dialogue to pad out the silence between a bombardment of big show stoppers. Yet despite capturing the flow of a story book, Rob Marshall doesn’t forget its stage origins. Most scenes take place on a single set as if being filmed on an ever changing stage, with grand effects being used liberally and the spotlight firmly placed on the woods and colourful characters.
Despite the first act being set up and balanced well, its when its ambitions to be more than just a fairy tale are dialed up that things begin to derail. The fantastical is grounded as issues such as death and infidelity are thrown into this land of princesses and giants. This dark departure clashes well with the yarn that has been told up to this point but is never seen all the way through. Arguing for more clarity may seem odd given the films message of ambiguity, in that no situation can ever be reduced to what is good and evil, but in its effort to appeal to all ages the delivery inevitably becomes all too vague. The important questions are posed, but the answers (and actions) rarely offer any satisfying answers. If the final act were a conversation between a parent and a child about these issues the child would undoubtedly pose the question of “Why?” throughout. Into the Woods may spare the audience these interruptions but in turn provides a less justified account of events.
Meryl Streeps Witch is the star of the show, relishing every devilish line of her telling numbers (“You’re not good, you’re not bad, you’re just nice.”) whilst remaining disturbingly skittish in conversation. Chris Pine clearly has a ball as the Prince, his and Bill Magnussen’s rendition of ‘Agony’ being one of the aforementioned tongue in cheek stand outs. Lilla Crawford and Daniel Huttlestone also impress as Little Red Riding Hood and Jack, the energy behind their performances granting them just as much a presence on screen as the likes of Depp and Streep. James Corden is perhaps the only weak link; though he manages to keep his intentionally mundane part of The Baker believable against the star studded cast he never quite convinces us of his characters plight and subtler virtues. However when alongside a compelling Emily Blunt the two make a sympathetic couple, and his narration provides the warm but apprehensive tone perfect for the audiences journey into the woods.
Verdict
Into the Woods almost nails its fantastic concept. Across the board, from cameos to big players, the cast exude energy and fully devote themselves to the fantasy. But for a stage play as original as this, the songs are rarely memorable despite their telling the tale well. Its second act struggles between telling hard truths whilst maintaining a family appeal, the two approaches never coming together as well as they could have. It might not end on a high, but the energy and originality behind this musical are sure to entertain.
Hits
+The cast, particularly Streep, impress across the board.
+Keeps a great sense of theatricality despite the high end effects and sets.
+Every musical number tells the story well…
Misses
–…But few stand out from the rest.
–Difficult second act struggles to sell its unconventional message.
Overall Rating
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