Post by Silver on Dec 29, 2014 19:04:17 GMT -5
First of all thank you Butters for helping Lock the Sneak Preview section.
Now since this is a new release.I shall refrain from gushing and keep it in perspective on what is generally ahead.
Since it appears most Disney fans are unfamiliar with Stephen Sondiem's beloved musical. I will share a tiny bit of back round for those questioning if this is theatre material or rental.
Let's start off with the basic plot. This a fractured fairy-tale musical that intertwines some of the most famous characters from the Brothers Grimm fantasy fables (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Repunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk) and mixes it in with a trio of three new characters. (The Baker, his wife and a Witch)So put aside any memories of Disney's versions of these stories on screen as this has it's own flair. It's about what happens when their dreams cause them all to cross paths in the forest and the consequences that lie ahead in doing so.
This is a dramedy and PG. I'm saying this now for all to see. For those hoping for a pure happy-go-lucky piece. Wrong choice. (Try Annie or Night at the Museum this winter) Composer Stephen Sondiem and book writer James Lapine (producer of the musical Wicked) have conceived a story that ranges on every emotional field. While you have your abundance of hilarious hijinks and witty comments. The blissful prospect of "Happily Ever After" by a simple granted wish that is so often associated with the fairy-tale genre. Do not be deceived that is all there will be. I leave it at that for this who are intrigued to find out more.
The cast features actors who can indeed sing but are not theatre trained vocalists. (If you liked what they did with the film Les Miserables in 2012 you won't have any issues here) As such includes Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, James Corden as the Baker, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, and features Johnny Depp as the Wolf. Newbies are Lila Crawford as Red Riding Hood, Daniel Huttlestone as Jack, MacKenzie Mauzy as Repunzel and Billy Magnussen as Repunzels' Prince.
I just got back from viewing this film. Being as I am a fan of this musical. I had expectations. Though I see most on this Board had no idea of it's existence. (It won the Tony Awards for Best Music and Best Book back in 1988 while receiving a nomination for Best New Musical) That is an advantage. You'll be left wondering what's next around the corner and come to recognize how much is really at stake.
I'm pleased overall with what was achieved. Especially in regards to star studded casting. I was concerned that would hinder it. The effects and set design were extraordinary! The film is just over two hours but the pacing is brisk. Even what appears to be a showstopper has a crucial point to be made in each character's journey. The audience I attended with was very involved. It is a family film but not for the youngest of children. Some elements are too heavy for them but adults who prefer more vigor in fairy-tales will get a kick out of it. It's also about 70% told through dialogue that is sung. So there are breaks for spoken moments but the music is prominent. The text is as humorous as it is thought provoking
This is now a Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture, Best Actress (In a Musical or Comedy)and Best Supporting Actress Meryl Streep. It's poised to be an Academy Award option. One of the most critically acclaimed of the year. The film came in third place over the holiday weekend at the domestic box office.
I recommend for those seeking a film that spins the idea on fairy-tale fantasy and levels it with contemporary charm, intricatcey and heartache.
Now since this is a new release.I shall refrain from gushing and keep it in perspective on what is generally ahead.
Since it appears most Disney fans are unfamiliar with Stephen Sondiem's beloved musical. I will share a tiny bit of back round for those questioning if this is theatre material or rental.
Let's start off with the basic plot. This a fractured fairy-tale musical that intertwines some of the most famous characters from the Brothers Grimm fantasy fables (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Repunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk) and mixes it in with a trio of three new characters. (The Baker, his wife and a Witch)So put aside any memories of Disney's versions of these stories on screen as this has it's own flair. It's about what happens when their dreams cause them all to cross paths in the forest and the consequences that lie ahead in doing so.
This is a dramedy and PG. I'm saying this now for all to see. For those hoping for a pure happy-go-lucky piece. Wrong choice. (Try Annie or Night at the Museum this winter) Composer Stephen Sondiem and book writer James Lapine (producer of the musical Wicked) have conceived a story that ranges on every emotional field. While you have your abundance of hilarious hijinks and witty comments. The blissful prospect of "Happily Ever After" by a simple granted wish that is so often associated with the fairy-tale genre. Do not be deceived that is all there will be. I leave it at that for this who are intrigued to find out more.
The cast features actors who can indeed sing but are not theatre trained vocalists. (If you liked what they did with the film Les Miserables in 2012 you won't have any issues here) As such includes Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, James Corden as the Baker, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, and features Johnny Depp as the Wolf. Newbies are Lila Crawford as Red Riding Hood, Daniel Huttlestone as Jack, MacKenzie Mauzy as Repunzel and Billy Magnussen as Repunzels' Prince.
I just got back from viewing this film. Being as I am a fan of this musical. I had expectations. Though I see most on this Board had no idea of it's existence. (It won the Tony Awards for Best Music and Best Book back in 1988 while receiving a nomination for Best New Musical) That is an advantage. You'll be left wondering what's next around the corner and come to recognize how much is really at stake.
I'm pleased overall with what was achieved. Especially in regards to star studded casting. I was concerned that would hinder it. The effects and set design were extraordinary! The film is just over two hours but the pacing is brisk. Even what appears to be a showstopper has a crucial point to be made in each character's journey. The audience I attended with was very involved. It is a family film but not for the youngest of children. Some elements are too heavy for them but adults who prefer more vigor in fairy-tales will get a kick out of it. It's also about 70% told through dialogue that is sung. So there are breaks for spoken moments but the music is prominent. The text is as humorous as it is thought provoking
This is now a Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture, Best Actress (In a Musical or Comedy)and Best Supporting Actress Meryl Streep. It's poised to be an Academy Award option. One of the most critically acclaimed of the year. The film came in third place over the holiday weekend at the domestic box office.
I recommend for those seeking a film that spins the idea on fairy-tale fantasy and levels it with contemporary charm, intricatcey and heartache.