Into the Woods Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Into the Woods Movie Review #intothewoods

December 23, 2014 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

If ever you’ve wanted a movie that magically envelops multiple fairy tails from your childhood into one perfect story, THIS is the movie for you! Disney’s Into the Woods is a wonderful musical, based on a stage musical, that has something for everyone in your family. My daughter and I were lucky enough to preview it, and from beginning to end we never had a moment where we weren’t in awe or laughing or maybe even crying a little.

The movie starts off with the song “I Wish”, which lays out all the characters and story lines perfectly. Various fairy tales and characters are tied together in just the right way that you’d think they’d always gone hand in hand. The main characters of the movie are the Baker and his wife, Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Witch. Also thrown into the mix are Rapunzel, two charming princes, and an ever so sly wolf played by the talented Johnny Depp. You learn early on that the Witch had placed a curse on a household, leading to the need for that household to find various items that are needed by her to lift the curse. Thus comes all the crazy adventures where fairy tales collide and new relationships begin.

All of the songs in the movie are well done, with lyrics that keep you interested, and often laughing. A favorite for me was “Agony,” sung by the two charming princes, who manage to become every cliche that’s ever existed about your average Prince Charming. Chris Pine was a surprising and perfect choice to play the love sick Prince on a quest for his Cinderella. Anna Kendrick brought her character to life beautifully, bringing us a more unique Cinderella than we’re used to.

Into the Woods Movie Review

The same goes for the Witch, played by a favorite of mine, Meryl Streep. There’s more depth to her character than you might expect, and you find yourself almost cheering for her, or at the very least understanding her.

Another character that gets more depth is that of Little Red Riding Hood. She’s not just a cute little girl in a red hood. She’s a cute little girl that knows her mind, is full of curiosity and has a deep love of baked goods. She’s played by Lilla Crawford, who I look forward to seeing more of in the future. Her interactions with the Baker and his Wife are amusing throughout. James Corden and Emily Blunt are wonderful as the Baker/Wife duo, and their chemistry as a couple is excellent.

The troublemaker of the story truly is little Jack and his beanstalk. While everyone else is having their adventures, it’s Jack who brings chaos to the land with his devious activities at the top of the stalk. Little Daniel Huttlestone played Jack well, making him a likable but not so bright kid that means well but gets in over his head quickly.

There is definitely a happily ever after at the end of Into the Woods, but it’s not what you’d expect at all. And I love that! Nothing was predictable, with clever twists and changes that you’ll appreciate. Please do see this one in theaters if you can — the effects are powerful and these bigger than life characters are a must see. Take your family and enjoy Into the Woods this Christmas Day!

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: Merrie is the mother of two beautiful children, newly married, a scrapbooker, a baker, and always fun to be around!

Media preview was offered in exchange for honest review, all opinions my own.