Into the Woods

8

horcrux2007Jan 1, 2015

The music, acting, scenery, and pretty much everything else was great in this. It gets kinda dark halfway through, but the movie has quite a bit of good humor. It's the best musical film since Les Misérables.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

jbl123Jan 1, 2015

Much too long. Lousy music. Couldn't care less about the characters or what happens to them. The visuals and scenery were the only good thing about it. Also, Meryl Streep does a decent job as the witch. Wait 'til this one comes to Netflix.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

InsomniackerJan 1, 2015

A musical turd. How'd they manage to make the Grimm Brothers boring? Plot contrivances galore and the obligatory interruption of story momentum for musical numbers that tell you how a character feels. Mashing up several fairy tales is aA musical turd. How'd they manage to make the Grimm Brothers boring? Plot contrivances galore and the obligatory interruption of story momentum for musical numbers that tell you how a character feels. Mashing up several fairy tales is a conceit, not a story.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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5

Movi3R3vi3werDec 31, 2014

I walked up excited and came out disappointed. While the performances from the actors and singing was good. Everything else just seemed out of place from the pacing, to the story and to the running time. This movie kept going and going andI walked up excited and came out disappointed. While the performances from the actors and singing was good. Everything else just seemed out of place from the pacing, to the story and to the running time. This movie kept going and going and going and going and going until it finally ended.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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5

ThegodfathersonDec 29, 2014

This sweet and sour reprise of Stephen Sondheim's musical is watchable but really its more Disneyfied than recent movies coming from the studio. Emily Blunt does good as The Baker's Wife and Meyrl Streep as the Witch is very enjoyable! ButThis sweet and sour reprise of Stephen Sondheim's musical is watchable but really its more Disneyfied than recent movies coming from the studio. Emily Blunt does good as The Baker's Wife and Meyrl Streep as the Witch is very enjoyable! But tye songs are TOO long and some sequences travel on and on without notice. Not a theatre watch, but a Dvd rent.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

spizer511Dec 29, 2014

From Broadway to the Silver Screen: Why can't some musicals make the leap?

I adore the live musical that this movie is based on. I've watched the taped production on Netflix and even own the amazing recording from the original cast.From Broadway to the Silver Screen: Why can't some musicals make the leap?

I adore the live musical that this movie is based on. I've watched the taped production on Netflix and even own the amazing recording from the original cast.

The Movie? A good attempt at bringing a modern tongue-in-cheek to a contemporary audience. Each of the characters worked in their own parts... but a couple choices seemed to cause this film to feel...off.

The biggest culprit is the pacing. It just goes and goes and goes. One of my favorite lines, "You can talk to birds?" Fell completely flat because it felt like every single line tried to usurp the last. Behold the power of the pause, the power of silence. You won't get a lot of that in this film.

Some characters suffered. The singing was fantastic, I mean, Meryl doesn't disappoint per usual. Sadly the weakest performers for me were Depp and Kendrick. The wolf was too much a cartoon in this otherwise life-like world. And Cinderella, well, her stoic disposition is only betrayed by the occasional smile or tear. Again powerful voice, but if not for the metaphorical botox in her face she would have made for a great character.

Finally, for such a budget and such an effort the number of close shots in this were staggering. Only once every 30 minutes or so were you treated to an establishing shot, such as at the end of the Princes' duet, "Agony". Just like Les Mis, I fear there was too much focus on the expressions of the people and not enough of letting the scene tell the story.

All in all, a good try, but I'm thinking I might skip this one for my collection. At least the movie. The soundtrack is definitely worth a look.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

smaherDec 29, 2014

I'm a big fan of this musical. I saw the original production on Broadway years ago and have never forgotten it. So I had my fingers crossed for the film. It didn't disappoint! The performances were strong throughout both dramatically andI'm a big fan of this musical. I saw the original production on Broadway years ago and have never forgotten it. So I had my fingers crossed for the film. It didn't disappoint! The performances were strong throughout both dramatically and vocally. Yes, it takes a dark turn in the second act, but that's the point. Life is not a fairy tale and there is no happily ever after. For some, they seem to think the life goes out of the piece at that point. For me, that is what gives this play its substance. I thought the feature time worked. Some of the more dramatic moments may have felt a little rushed, but for today's attention challenged audiences, I can live with the compromise.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

Nick052299Dec 28, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So far one of the best musical adaptations I've seen. Amazing performances, especially by Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt. Streep takes the role of the Witch and creates fireworks with it, performing Stay With Me and Last Midnight with her all. Emily Blunt is the heart and soul of the film. The rest of the cast did a great job, one of the best ensembles of the year. Most of the numbers are cleverly sung and written, with some being emotional, such as "Agony", "Stay With Me" and "No One is Alone". Sondheim is an acquired taste for people, as he doesn't compose tunes for strict enjoyment and not only for audiences' expectations but for meaningful messages as well. The film feels magical and the result is great. One of the best of the year. My only issue was the sudden shift of tone in the film to the second act didn't feel as subtle.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

Brent_MarchantDec 28, 2014

This generally fun romp features a nicely stylized production, ample wit and laughs, and capable performances, both musically and verbally. The material admittedly drags a bit in the last 45 minutes, becoming somewhat tedious at times, but aThis generally fun romp features a nicely stylized production, ample wit and laughs, and capable performances, both musically and verbally. The material admittedly drags a bit in the last 45 minutes, becoming somewhat tedious at times, but a strong first half makes this a surprisingly enjoyable time at the movies.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

MovieGuysDec 28, 2014

Anyone worried that Into the Woods as a play might not translate to the screen very well: rest easy. Seeing it on a Friday night at the iconic Ziegfeld theater in New York definitely helped the experience, but this film is truly great. TheAnyone worried that Into the Woods as a play might not translate to the screen very well: rest easy. Seeing it on a Friday night at the iconic Ziegfeld theater in New York definitely helped the experience, but this film is truly great. The casting, the sweeping visuals, the developed story, and of course the countless musical numbers. Experience on a big screen just like I did, and you will love it.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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1

Jerad-ColoradoDec 28, 2014

This was not only a waste of time and money, but the singing was so bad my eight year old ask if we could leave half way through. I was really looking forward to the mash up of all the stories and believe that it is a good concept. What aThis was not only a waste of time and money, but the singing was so bad my eight year old ask if we could leave half way through. I was really looking forward to the mash up of all the stories and believe that it is a good concept. What a disappointment!!… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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8

HarmiclirDec 28, 2014

All fine actors doing great work. Marshall wisely cut some songs/material from the second act which whenever I've seen it on stage is "overdone." Great singing and wonderfully shot. Perfect, no. Fun and enjoyable and able to relax knowingAll fine actors doing great work. Marshall wisely cut some songs/material from the second act which whenever I've seen it on stage is "overdone." Great singing and wonderfully shot. Perfect, no. Fun and enjoyable and able to relax knowing it will never go off the rails, yes.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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0

DannyGDec 27, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. PG Rating Is A Scam! This Movie Is Not Suitable For Children/Pre-Teens Unless You Want To Destroy Your Children's Innocence! This A Very, Very Disturbing Film Not Suitable For Children
Or Preteens. Into The Woods is a sick, twisted story that is beyond bad
or rotten. It tells that audience that unless you are a newborn baby
everyone - no matter what your age or social class - is corrupt and
despicable!

I've never before seen a movie that should have been rated PG-13 or R
rated PG. Never in my life - and I have been going to movies for at
least 45 YEARS! Let me ask you this: Is three separate acts of thievery
of an innocent individual's most valuable possessions - that leads to
an act of manslaughter by a child, no less, worthy of only a PG rating?
Then add another act of manslaughter, with the assistance of all the
adults around him worthy of just a PG rating? Then another act of
manslaughter by an adult killing the child's mother worthy of just a PG
rating? Then the accidental death of another adult hero worthy of just
a PG rating? How about leaving a newborn child with a pre-teen with
zero babysitting experience, as if that was not a big deal, worthy of
just a PG rating? How about a kidnapper isolating her alleged daughter
first in a castle with no escape, then in a rather flimsy hut made of
twigs - in a swamp in the middle of nowhere - worthy of just a PG
rating? How about one of the characters that was murdered looking
exactly like an elderly grandmother is that worthy of only a PG rating?
Or, how about a flock of birds pecking out the eyes of two women is
that worthy of only a PG rating? In the world of "Into the Woods"
blindness is funny! How sick and twisted can you get? How about a
totally innocent man having his eyes poked out by thorn bushes, is that
worthy of only a PG rating? (Does it really matter if he is innocent or
or not, this film was rated PG?) And last, but not least, let's not
forget one woman having their toe cut off and another having their heel
of their foot cut off! Wow! I've never seen acts amputation to be
hilarious until now (I'm being sarcastic!) Is that worthy of only a PG
rating?

This Film Is So Bad It Is Making Me Feel Nauseous! I may even throw-up
by the end of the night! Most people have better things to do then
write a movie review when they feel this sick to their stomach. But if
I help prevent one young person or adult from seeing this film and
being deceived and traumatized, like I was, then it's well worth the
effort.

I want to make it clear there are NO good guys in this film. I could
care less about any of the characters except for the newborn child and
the two murdered giants. Whoever had anything to do with this film knew
exactly what they were doing. If adults want to see sick and twisted, be
my guest! But to market this as a movie suitable for children and then
to have the film's rating gamed in order to maximize profits is an act
of evil, plain and simple! Sorry, but I call a spade a spade. What I
would like to really say will be censored, so let your imagination run
wild!

On the subject of maximizing profits: Ticket sales are considerably down from last year and you wonder why? I was looking forward to seeing two other movies. Now I'm not going to see them! Hollywood and movie theater owners you made $11.50 off of me! Now you're going to loose because you would have made $34.50 had you not gamed the rating. I don't care in slightest how good the other films might be. I'll wait till I can buy them for a PENNY on Amazon! Now multiply that by lots of people across the world and I don't care how palatial you build your new movie theaters - I have zero interest in stepping inside! Zero! Zero! Zero! Antagonizing your loyal customers by trying to boost your quarterly statement at the expense of your annual statement is dumb, dumb, dumb! Hasn't anyone in Hollywood taken Accounting 101? Hollywood, use that evil genius of yours for good and you will make more money, not less! Duh!… Expand

6 of 17 users found this helpful611

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10

CecilbcaDec 27, 2014

INTO THE WOODS - the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway show...

It was interesting because there was me, who knows the show very very well (own the DVD with the Broadway cast and have viewed it innumerable times) and my husband who knewINTO THE WOODS - the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway show...

It was interesting because there was me, who knows the show very very well (own the DVD with the Broadway cast and have viewed it innumerable times) and my husband who knew nothing about it - not even that it was a musical! He loved it. I loved it too, BUT there were a few minor (and I do mean minor) quibbles: if you're very familiar with the play, you will miss a number of one liners. I missed "Maybe They're Magic" which finished with one of my favorite laugh lines: "if the end is right, it justifies the beans!"

Being a different medium, one realizes what works on stage wouldn't work on film. Unfortunately, there are too many movie musicals to prove that point. But what a film it is!!! The production design, costume design and sound were awesome. It's one of those musicals where you understood every syllable of Stephen Sondheim's tongue twisting, internal rhyming lyrics. All the cast could sing - and sing well.

I've read almost every review going and there's been much made of Johnny Depp's character being on screen for such a short time - and that he couldn't sing. I thought he did very well. As for the screen time, it's the same amount as there is stage time. James Lapine, adapting his play, kept true to the original. The biggest change was the shortening of Act Two - and he's done it such a way that it doesn't hinder the movie at all. Also, much has been made of the casting of young people as Red Riding Hood and Jack - both deliver amazing performances and again, I don't think casting older would have worked on film.

Meryl Streep is incredible as the Witch. (as if she wouldn't be) She totally nails "The Last Midnight" and "Stay With Me". I really liked Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife (true she isn't Joanna Gleason - but then I'm thinking that is the result of the medium and script changes) and she has a wonderful singing voice - as does Anna Kendrick as Cinderella. Chris Pine and Billy Magnusson were perfect in their roles as the two Princes and their "Agony" was a highlight of the movie.

Bottom line: it's worth the trip Into The(se) Woods. I may go back again...… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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9

Woody973Dec 27, 2014

Other than being about 15 minutes too long I enjoyed all aspects of this presentation of Sondheim's clever and lyrical blending of the fairy tales we all know. The music is beautiful, the lyrics are entertaining, pointed and filled withOther than being about 15 minutes too long I enjoyed all aspects of this presentation of Sondheim's clever and lyrical blending of the fairy tales we all know. The music is beautiful, the lyrics are entertaining, pointed and filled with sometimes dark humor. Having never seen the Broadway show, the twists and turns taken in the story were most pleasantly surprising and amazing. Meryl Streep was even more outstanding than I expected and all of the actors were perfect in their roles. They pushed themselves to the heights of their abilities. The visual effects were amazing and on the mark. There are lessons to be learned by adults and children of all ages. Those below the age of preteen may not fully comprehend the depth and meaning but will certainly be entertained by this presentation.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

AmongstYouDec 27, 2014

Incredibly well crafted transition from stage to film. Incredible casting, beautiful imagery, and paced properly. One of the best musicals of this generation and one of the more enjoyable films of 2014.

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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0

Wildrenegade90Dec 27, 2014

Simply a stupid musical that made no sense at all. Please don't waste your time or money to watch!! I had rather watch two donkeys fight to the death than this crap!! They wasted talented actors for this???? Thanks Disney for screwing theSimply a stupid musical that made no sense at all. Please don't waste your time or money to watch!! I had rather watch two donkeys fight to the death than this crap!! They wasted talented actors for this???? Thanks Disney for screwing the storyline up and only previewing non singing scenes in the trailer!!!!!!… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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3

ProteusDec 27, 2014

This movie would have been great in 1975. Not great in 2014. Compare this to say the good animated movies of the year and it doesn't come close. Lego, Big Hero 6, and a handful of others have more spirit, more humor, more cleverness in 10This movie would have been great in 1975. Not great in 2014. Compare this to say the good animated movies of the year and it doesn't come close. Lego, Big Hero 6, and a handful of others have more spirit, more humor, more cleverness in 10 minutes than this full movie. People WANT to like this movie...it has a nice enough theme and ending. But it is a stale concept and has been done a thousand times before.… Expand

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

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0

thwack26Dec 27, 2014

This was THE worst movie I've ever had the displeasure of trying to sit through. I am usually a fan of musicals but this stunk so bad I'm afraid I'll have to take two Silkwood showers to get the smell off of me.. Don't waste your money orThis was THE worst movie I've ever had the displeasure of trying to sit through. I am usually a fan of musicals but this stunk so bad I'm afraid I'll have to take two Silkwood showers to get the smell off of me.. Don't waste your money or time on this!!!… Expand

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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2

crai3gDec 27, 2014

Can you say way too long. Grandmother, wife, daughter and 4 year all were not impressed. Too many verses of "into the woods", long drawn out story lines and nothing that inspiring to connect with any of the characters. The scenery andCan you say way too long. Grandmother, wife, daughter and 4 year all were not impressed. Too many verses of "into the woods", long drawn out story lines and nothing that inspiring to connect with any of the characters. The scenery and special effects were OK… Expand

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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6

nauticoDec 27, 2014

Although I really enjoyed the first two-thirds or so of this innovative fairy tale merger, I found it went on much too long, with the result that the novelty finally wore off. I also found the music sing-song and void of a single hummableAlthough I really enjoyed the first two-thirds or so of this innovative fairy tale merger, I found it went on much too long, with the result that the novelty finally wore off. I also found the music sing-song and void of a single hummable melody. All of that said, Streep was her usual peerless presence.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

slayde11Dec 27, 2014

This is one of the most captivating and affecting film adaptations of a stage musical I've seen! As a word of caution, do NOT presume that because the plot is based upon "interwoven fairy tales" this is intended to be a feel-good kids' movie.This is one of the most captivating and affecting film adaptations of a stage musical I've seen! As a word of caution, do NOT presume that because the plot is based upon "interwoven fairy tales" this is intended to be a feel-good kids' movie. Acquaint yourself with the (excellent) 3-hour Sondheim musical and you'll soon realize that the aim of this story is to explore what occurs *beyond* the happy endings. The events of the second half are dark, yes; but the overall message is hopeful (listen to the words of the movie's final two songs). Certain changes and omissions were necessary to get the film version down to a palatable running length, and huge fans of the stage musical may be put off by some of these. Personally, though, I feel that they were appropriate given the totally different demands of each medium. I was blown away by the performances and the amazing vocal talents of the cast as a whole. The actors pulled off those notoriously intricate Sondheim arrangements beautifully -- and there are many moments of humor to lighten the mood. In particular, Chris Pine as the "charming-not-sincere" prince gave an especially funny, tongue-in-cheek performance. This movie is a reflection of life itself with a magical fairy tale twist: colorful, touching, energetic, humorous, sad, ultimately uplifting and so very, very well done.… Expand

15 of 25 users found this helpful1510

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6

RtheomDec 27, 2014

It was... an interesting movie. I'm not sure how close the movie stayed to the play, so perhaps the play is more to blame than anything, but overall the movie just felt jumpy and a bit bi-polar. The characters go through very wild and rapidIt was... an interesting movie. I'm not sure how close the movie stayed to the play, so perhaps the play is more to blame than anything, but overall the movie just felt jumpy and a bit bi-polar. The characters go through very wild and rapid mood swings, which might work better in a play where there are very obvious breaks, but in a movie it just felt weird.

The Actors were great though. If it were not for them, this movie would have just been a disaster. Fortunately, they added life and color to characters that could otherwise come across as very dull, and their singing was exceptional, which is not something every musical movie can manage to accomplish.

I'd recommend this to fans of Meryl Streep, because she carried the entire production by herself, but the rest can wait to see it on Netflix or catch it on TV sometime. It's too jumbled to feel like I could recommend it for the casual movie-goer.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

spizzellDec 27, 2014

I went into the movie with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. This movie was really good. Emily Blunt, Lilla Crawford, Meryl Streep, and Anna Kendrick were all fantastic. The rest of the cast is excellent as well. Please knowI went into the movie with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. This movie was really good. Emily Blunt, Lilla Crawford, Meryl Streep, and Anna Kendrick were all fantastic. The rest of the cast is excellent as well. Please know going into the movie that it is a musical and that it does have a dark side to it during the second half. But, if you love movie musicals you will love this!!!… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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8

JustlegosDec 26, 2014

First of all, I would recommend this movie only if you enjoy musicals, charm, and sudden mood swings. If you can accept that, I'd strongly suggest seeing this movie. The film opens up with a catchy, bright performance of "Into the Woods."First of all, I would recommend this movie only if you enjoy musicals, charm, and sudden mood swings. If you can accept that, I'd strongly suggest seeing this movie. The film opens up with a catchy, bright performance of "Into the Woods."

However, the film, just like the musical, begins to fail with the second act. Characters clash with their personalities, betray their beliefs, and die. The second act moves slow and feels like a whole different film. Just like the musical, it ended with me wanting more resolution.

The final song is incredible, with me near tears. I loved Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep's performances... and the song "Agony" is a great laugh.

If you consider yourself a musical fan, or a music geek in general, I'd definitely recommend this film. If you aren't, I can recommend this film, but be weary as it may not suit your tastes.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

daschnakeDec 26, 2014

As a preface to my analysis I would like to say: if you are a parent looking for a good family film that you'll all enjoy, take caution before going to see "Into the Woods." It's not that there's anything particularly inappropriate, butAs a preface to my analysis I would like to say: if you are a parent looking for a good family film that you'll all enjoy, take caution before going to see "Into the Woods." It's not that there's anything particularly inappropriate, but rather that "Woods" is a complex musical for adults. This is why the "Junior" version of the stage musical (intended for younger audiences) ends after the first act. I believe it is pretty deceptive how they've marketed this film. Unless you have some pretty smart kids, do them a favor and save it for them for when they're older.

The film version of this staple of American theatre is a bit of a mixed bag. The first "act" of the movie is handled with pretty seamless precision (the only exception being my personal distaste for the direction they take the Wolf in). The performers are outstanding (Emily Blunt and James Corden are really special as the Baker and his Wife), the cinematography is beautiful, and the vocals are palpable.

Unfortunately, the second half manages to be unsatisfactory for most, for completely different reasons. Those seeking a light, easily digestible fairy tale will feel put off by the dark turn the second half takes. On the flip side, purists of the musical will be frustrated by some pretty glaring omissions (notably "No More" and the extreme truncation of the first reprise of "Children will Listen") that water down the dramatic impact of the movie.

If you're interested in being intellectually challenged and you aren't a fan of the stage musical, "Into the Woods" is certainly worth watching. If you aren't, this probably isn't a movie for you. If you're a fan of the musical, prepare for some frustrating changes. However, it's still worth watching, if for no other reason than seeing Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen do "Agony." Seriously. It's that good.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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9

qsfasfDec 26, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打44实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的啊实打实大师的… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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10

ErockRockDec 26, 2014

This is one of the best movie version of a Broadway Musical that I have ever seen. Streep proves once again that she is the most talented actress of this generation.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

acarmattDec 26, 2014

Cue the negative reviews from people who don't take the time to actually find out what the movie they are going to see is about. Yes, it's a musical. Giving it a negative review solely on the basis of it being a musical is ridiculous.

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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9

TVJerryDec 26, 2014

This movie of Stephen Sondheim's musical mashes up the plots and characters from several fairy tales into a wonderfully amusing and dark entertainment (although a little more Disneyfied and less dark than the original). The cast is in greatThis movie of Stephen Sondheim's musical mashes up the plots and characters from several fairy tales into a wonderfully amusing and dark entertainment (although a little more Disneyfied and less dark than the original). The cast is in great voice, but their performances (and the ability to clearly hear the brilliantly clever lyrics) make it a delight. Meryl Streep brings her authenticity to nuanced and touching brilliance as the Witch and Chris Pine's arrogant prince reveals his comic charms better than "Horrible Bosses 2" does. Director Rob Marshall successfully shortened it. He keeps it grounded in the humor and humanity, without resorting to dazzling cinematic tricks. Lovers of the stage show will be pleased with this spirited and smart adaptation. Note to parents: even though it's not lascivious or violent, this is not a typical fairy tale family film.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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3

JkingsmillDec 26, 2014

When Bernadette Peters was not cast as the witch, that should have been my first clue. The actors fall flat. Two many pivotal scenes are left out - especially in Act 2. If you have not scene the stage version video you may be okay. PuristsWhen Bernadette Peters was not cast as the witch, that should have been my first clue. The actors fall flat. Two many pivotal scenes are left out - especially in Act 2. If you have not scene the stage version video you may be okay. Purists will have a problem with it. A big let down.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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5

LowbrowCinemaDec 26, 2014

INTO THE WOODS lacks a concrete conception to make it really jump off the screen. The cast is perfect, the costumes and set design quire wonderful, but director Rob Marshall shoots the entire film in medium shot as if directed for television.INTO THE WOODS lacks a concrete conception to make it really jump off the screen. The cast is perfect, the costumes and set design quire wonderful, but director Rob Marshall shoots the entire film in medium shot as if directed for television. He has no real foundation to work from which is truly unfortunate since he as amassed such talent. You watch the film wondering, "Why?"… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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0

UnworthyDec 25, 2014

This was an incredibly **** movie and it was unbearable to watch. None of the characters had any soul or depth, the music was terrible, loud, and jarring, and the storyline was stupid beyond belief. Definitely do not waste your money or time on this.

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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0

KeetuDec 25, 2014

This movie starts out as sickeningly sweet (a combination of well known fairy tales). If you know the plots, you may find this as intolerable as I did. Then it tries to get dark by killing off random characters and destroying moral values. IThis movie starts out as sickeningly sweet (a combination of well known fairy tales). If you know the plots, you may find this as intolerable as I did. Then it tries to get dark by killing off random characters and destroying moral values. I get it, they wanted to show us that people aren't perfect but there is probably a less confused way to do it. And When you think it's over it just drags ON AND ON.
The soundtrack was tolerable but be prepared to have your head ringing with "into the woods! Into the woods!" Long after you leave the theatre.… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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3

GreatMartinDec 25, 2014

On December 25, 2002, I went to see the movie musical “Chicago” and during the two weeks after that I went back to see it 4 times. On December 25, 2006, I went to see the movie musical “Dreamgirls”, fell in love with Jennifer Hudson and theOn December 25, 2002, I went to see the movie musical “Chicago” and during the two weeks after that I went back to see it 4 times. On December 25, 2006, I went to see the movie musical “Dreamgirls”, fell in love with Jennifer Hudson and the movie, went back to see it 6 times and bought the DVD. In 2009, on December 25, I went to see the movie musical “Nine” and have never seen it again. In 2012, December 25, I went to the opening of the movie musical “Les Miserables” and returned to see it 4-5 times and watched it on HBO a couple of times. Today I went to the opening of the movie musical “Into The Woods” and won’t be seeing it again.

I came to the movie with some prejudices including not being a fan of Meryl Streep which I know is sacrilegious to the world of acting but I always seem to feel and I can see, she is ‘acting’. She does sing her numbers well but her last big number just lays there.

My other prejudice is that though I love and think Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics are genius I don’t feel that most of the shows his music has been in are worthy of his songs. In most cases the books, including this one, by James Lapine, have not been up to the task.

For those who don’t know about the movie it is old, known fairy tales most without the happy ending we know. There is the baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt), Jack and his magic beans (Daniel Huttlestone), his mother (Tracy Ullman), Cinderella (Ann Anna Kendrick), her stepmother (Christine Baranski) the two stepsisters (Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch) her Prince Charming (Chris Pine) and his brother (Billy Magnussen). There is Red Riding (Lilla Crawford), the big bad wolf (Johnny Depp), Rapunzel (MacKenzie) and a Lady Giant (Frances de la Tour).

Depp’s appearance is a cameo and sort of salacious. Ullman is spot on and should have given more to do while Emily Blount, James Corden are standouts and Chris Pine gets the funniest line in the movie which I let you discover for yourself.

The production values are all first rate and Rob Marshall direction isn’t as frantic as it has been in previous movies. Those familiar with the stage version will walk out humming a couple of the songs while those new to the score will know the title tune by the time they walk out.

I don’t feel it is a film for kids because of the change in the paths of the fairy tales and I only can recommend it to adults familiar with the stage version and/or Stephen Sondheim fans such as me.… Expand

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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3

Devax2Dec 25, 2014

This started out as a charming film interweaving several classic fairy tales together with an all-star cast.

Then it went on. And on. And ON. This film should've ended about an hour earlier than it did. While the singing could getThis started out as a charming film interweaving several classic fairy tales together with an all-star cast.

Then it went on.

And on.

And ON.

This film should've ended about an hour earlier than it did. While the singing could get tiring at times, I still enjoyed it to a degree and thought it made for a charming movie when I (falsely) believed it ended.

But little did I know that we were still in for half an hour to an hour more of constant singing, constant -annoying- siniging.

I'm not even sure how the singing is compared to the amount of actual dialog in the film, but I'd argue it makes up nearly 90% of all speaking in the movie.

Yes, it's one of -those- films, where it seems like the producers were unsure of just how catchy the songs were and decided to throw as many darts as they can at the board, hoping one sticks. In the end , the only song I actually can remember is Johnny Depp's one creepy stint as the big bad wolf, and that's only because his performance and the level of creep in the song just makes it difficult -not- to forget.

Around the third act (I assume it's the third act, it's really hard to tell because of how long the film dragged on) it seems like the writers realized they had another hour of film they -had- to throw in, so they ended up writing some chaotic mess that confuses if not outright -destroys- every moral and little message they were trying to make in the other two acts! Characters have their personalities completely destroyed, random characters are killed off for seemingly no reason, and the film drags -on-, until at the end it comes to some random confused "moral" that seems to be the writers throwing their arms in the air and going "Yeeeeah, make your -own- family! And stuuuuuuuuuff!"

What's truly shocking, is I have -never- sat through a film that transitioned from something charming I -like- to something so frustrating that I would've left the theater if my family wasn't with me.

If I can offer any advice to people still deciding to see this film (other than don't), it's sit through the first two acts, then when you think it ends (and trust me, you'll believe you've reached the ending), just leave. There's -no point- in sitting through it any further. The film becomes some mess and it just isn't worth it.… Expand

8 of 18 users found this helpful810

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9

Mockingjay18Dec 25, 2014

Into the woods is a fresh representation of classic fairy tales, with impeccable performances and a great soundtrack, into the woods is the best musical of the year.

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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7

BrianMcCriticDec 25, 2014

For the most part I really enjoyed the interweaving of these classic stories. All the performances are good and the singing is fantastic. Then the film ends so you think, but there turns out to be about 30 minutes more 30 minutes thatFor the most part I really enjoyed the interweaving of these classic stories. All the performances are good and the singing is fantastic. Then the film ends so you think, but there turns out to be about 30 minutes more 30 minutes that doesn't really work for me. Overall though I was entertained and would recommend at least for the performances. B… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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Into the Woods

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