Into the Woods
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2014
6.0
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 424 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
220
Mixed:
117
Negative:
87
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9
Jay-I-QJan 21, 2023
Into The Woods is a great musical. It makes really good use of the songs, intertwining different characters parts to move the separate stories together at the same time. The main characters were all compelling, and the side characters wereInto The Woods is a great musical. It makes really good use of the songs, intertwining different characters parts to move the separate stories together at the same time. The main characters were all compelling, and the side characters were memorable and interesting. I did feel that The Baker's Wife's conclusion was unnecessary, and that Red Riding Hood's and Cinderella's last song before the climax was not payed off. The plot worked well but i think their couldv'e been a smoother/ more subtle transition between the two halves of the film. However, both halves in and of themselves were compelling, and the foreshadowing was there so once the transition was made i think the new tone of the second half worked well. The songs were great. Repunzels song in particular has a beautiful melody. And the staging and choreography gave it a real stage show feel at times, while still making use of the grander scope made possible in film. Overall I had a great time with Into The Woods.… Expand
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9
katherinepotterMay 18, 2022
Into The Woods is a fantasy/adventure movie that was directed by Rob Marshall who is known for other movies like The Little Mermaid, Chicago, and Mary Poppins Returns. Even though the movie was released on Christmas day in 2014 it was stillInto The Woods is a fantasy/adventure movie that was directed by Rob Marshall who is known for other movies like The Little Mermaid, Chicago, and Mary Poppins Returns. Even though the movie was released on Christmas day in 2014 it was still the biggest musical movie opening recorded with $46.1 million brought in just for opening weekend. Even though it had such a grand opening the movie is only rated as moderate on a scale of one through five online. What caused such the excitement to see the movie on a holiday weekend and why doesn’t the online ratings equal up to the ground breaking record they set for musicals worldwide? I believe the excitement to see the movie when it first released was due to the star-studded cast including Johnny Depp, Meryl Strepp, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and James Cordon. We set the scene in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire around the 1930s when the Great Depression was affecting everyone worldwide. We see ties to the era as we are continuously placing labels on the rich and poor (the have and have-nots) throughout the film. In the opening musical number, we see the have-nots wishing for what they feel is their greatest desire in life. The baker and his wife long for a child, Cinderella wants to visit the ball, Jack wants his mother to have plenty of money, and Little Red Riding Hood wants to visit her grandmother safely. Their stories intertwine throughout the song as we realize they are all longing for something more in their lives. The camera work is divine as it transfers from one set to another, but to someone who is not a fan of fast pace action it may be a little overwhelming to follow behind. The angle’s they use as they mimic different wardrobe changes is divine and well thought out. There is a lot of close-up visuals that seem to be to focus on the characters versus the background around them, but sometimes it tends to make it hard to focus after all...scaling back a little never hurt anyone! The lighting they use throughout the film helps direct our opinions of each character. The warm well light glow of Little Red Riding Hood gives us a since of innocence while the dark shadows that appear when the Witch is near remind us that she is set out to be the villain of this story. As the plot thickened, I found myself emersed in their reality. Everyone going into the woods to find what they think is the greatest gift they could ever recieve. If I could sum this movie up in a few words it would be to expect the unexpected. Just when you think you have the purpose of the movie figured out and know where the story plot is heading, they throw you a curve ball that keeps you on your toes. All though I am fan of the happily ever after stories it was interested to see these well-known fairytales with a darker twist. The inspiration for these dark sided tales originated from Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault. I found it hard to see why others were marking this movie with such low reviews, but after emerging from the world they created I realized there is a few down sides to this film. This film actually is a Disney movie. Remember us discussing that happily ever after expectation being shattered. Happily ever after is what Disney is known for and what their audience expects. If you were fully aware that this was a Disney movie from the beginning I could see how this would go against every expectation you had. Disney is also well known for being kid friendly and I must say this story line would be very hard for small children to follow. My 3 year old had no interest, but my oldest daughter is still playing the sound track on repeat weeks after watching. The musical numbers are very repetitive and could be very annoying if you are not captivated with the movie. Also, the base of the song stays the same throughout the whole film. There's a few changes when the witch is present, but if you can’t listen to the same song on repeat this probably isn’t the movie for you. Overall, I think Disney created something outside their normal comfort zone and while this particular movie may not be your cup of tea it did lead to future movies to be released by Disney that were meant for a more adult audience like Pirates Of The Caribbean. Although the review ratings may say it’s a moderately good movie the awards it has earned such as MTV Movie Awards Best Villian, Best Ensemble, and a costume designers guild award seem to think differently. If you haven't taken the time to watch Into The Woods give it a shot. You never know you may become a musical lover after all.… Expand
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10
JORDANJACOBJORDJan 29, 2022
GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD good
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2
TuxDCJan 8, 2022
Such a dud. There is not much to like here and shocking that Disney made and continues to present this. Don’t let kids watch this and not worth your time either.
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10
JACOBJORDANBAJun 23, 2021
I love Disney's into the woods it is based off the gruesome fairy tales that we read when we were kids love this movie to pieces I'm happy that diseny follow off the gruesome fairy tale that we grew up with
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0
meydianarizki21Nov 6, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Zero point for this film

After reading the reviews posted, I'm wondering if I saw the wrong film. To me, "Into the Woods" was a confusing mashup of fairy tales, with random music interspersed between the tenuously linked story lines. Now for the record, I am a regular subscriber to musical theatre, so I am not a redneck genre hater. Hell, I even liked Xanadu (the movie). I love most of Sondheim's musicals, but this one got away from me almost from the start. The concept of darkening everything up did appeal to me, but I was so confused by mid film, that I stopped caring. And what was the message of the film? That cheating on your spouse is OK if you're a powerful man, but not if you're a woman. That terror is a tool to reach your end goal. The end justifies the means, so its OK to lie, steal and cheat to achieve your goal.

I hope the cash that you laid out for the star power in this one gets the tax break you were looking for. On a positive note, Johnny Depp was delightfully creepy as the wolf.

As the great philosopher Bart Simpson once said "This movie sucks and blows at the same time". Congratutions Disney, you tossed a huge turd on the table with this one… Expand
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8
JP32Jun 15, 2020
A Stephen Sondheim musical provides completely different pleasures from most other musicals. They aren’t about jaunty tunes and family fun. They’re intimate, dense with growing meaning, and more than a little sinister. The music functions notA Stephen Sondheim musical provides completely different pleasures from most other musicals. They aren’t about jaunty tunes and family fun. They’re intimate, dense with growing meaning, and more than a little sinister. The music functions not as separate parts of the story but as story amplifiers. And so, despite the surface level entertainment in Rob Marshall’s Into the Woods, the film is always working at least one level deeper. Sondheim’s influence is that strong, and the film is that pleasurable.… Expand
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7
ahmedaiman1999Apr 30, 2020
Honestly, I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did. I think the integration of characters from multiple fairy tales is an intriguing concept, and the execution is fairly good. The fairy tales, in themselves, occasionally feelHonestly, I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did. I think the integration of characters from multiple fairy tales is an intriguing concept, and the execution is fairly good. The fairy tales, in themselves, occasionally feel unsatisfying and pedestrian, but I found the main plot that weaves all of them together, to my surprise, interesting. The songs are ranging from ones that are truly excellent to ones that are just fine (if a bit dumb and definitely far from memorable). Every member of the star-studded cast did a decent job (especially Emily Blunt), although I found Meryl Streep's performance as The Witch a bit too silly, but I guess this has to do with the character itself. Yes, there are many unnecessary sub-plots, but I didn't mind that as much. And I actually liked the dark spin that's put on some of the fairy tales (Cinderella, as a case in point). Everything was surprisingly good (except for the plastic production design) until everything fell apart, figuratively and literally. The movie became far more awkwardly edgy and dark for its own good, as if that would made it "subversive"... I guess. And the plot became completely incoherent at the last act, the songs became insufferably terrible and the movie overall became an utter mess, and all this due to that stupid decision. I didn't end up even liking this.

(7/10)… Expand
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3
mohamad91hkAug 29, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Into the Woods" isn't a movie, it's just a musical play with a talented cast, so many songs that make you bored. The story was nice, where they combined 4 Disney stories together, but the giant issue ruined it at the end, and the sequence became silly.

If you like musical play you can watch it, but if not just don't waste your time.… Expand
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9
FilipeNetoNov 25, 2018
Usually, I advise people (friends, family, etc.) to find out more about a movie before they watch it. But there is no rule without exception, so I confess that, this time, I made the mistake of watching this film without do it, last ChristmasUsually, I advise people (friends, family, etc.) to find out more about a movie before they watch it. But there is no rule without exception, so I confess that, this time, I made the mistake of watching this film without do it, last Christmas Eve, with my family, before the traditional Midnight Mass. I knew, however, that it was a Disney movie and it had a star cast with many respected names. It was a "quality guarantee", I reasoned. However, it didn't take many minutes to realize that it was a musical. Was that a problem? Not at all. I like any good movie, including musicals, so I will not be bored because it's a musical and I didn't know it.

The movie mixes a few traditional fairy tales ("Cinderella", "Rapunzel", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Little Red Riding Hood") into a single story, deconstructing them and trying to convey a message: we should be careful about what is said to the children. I don't understand the need for this! All these tales have their own morals and I see no harm in any of them. You see, "Cinderella" teaches us to be patient and not to "pay evil with evil", because we will be rewarded in the future; "Rapunzel" teaches us to obey our parents and teaches also parents not to prevent their children from discovering the world and learn to defend themselves; "Jack and the Beanstalk" teaches us to be clever, not to be deceived, but also to be bold when it's needed. "Little Red Riding Hood" may be the most controversial because of its sexual connotation, but it also teaches us to obey our parents, not to trust unknown people. Are any of these things bad for a child's education? Why dismantle these stories and warn parents about them? There are much more serious things happening to our children under our noses... the technology addiction, the inability of our children to live without being attached to their cell phones or even the high-calorie food we give them are much more serious problems than any children's tale could be.

Meryl Streep is extraordinary. A consecrated star, a movie icon, a film dame, but still has physical agility and mental openness to make movies like that! Great voice, great interpretation, what talent! It's worth watching the film just to see her strength; Anna Kendrick made a decent Cinderella and has a good voice but I expected more... sometimes, her was left in the cast; Emily Blunt was very well and has a melodious and elegant voice... she helped to reinforce the weight of the female characters; Tracey Ullman also did a good job; Johnny Depp is always good at this kind of characters, he already has experience and has a good voice too; I didn't know James Corden, but he was the most striking and interesting male actor in the film... he has a good voice and has managed to show some very pleasant psychological complexity; Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen were equally up to their challenge, even though their characters are quite disposable. Looking at the young cast, Lilla Crawford deserves a standing ovation.. this young promise has an excellent voice and it was truly delightful to see her perform. Daniel Huttlestone is not far behind, but his character wasn't as lively and cheerful. The rest of the cast simply did what they should when they should.

The technical aspects also don't deserve a negative criticism. As usual in this studio, everything was meticulously thought out. Scenarios were realistic and even CGI, when it was needed, was excellent and looked real, much better than in many action movies out there. I'm still thinking how they did the forest! The costumes also don't disappoint anyone and everything is perfectly in line with what we see in these stories. Maybe I could rethink the costumes of the two princes, I think they were too contemporary, but it's nothing serious. Finally, one last word to speak about soundtrack and the songs. As far as I've been reading, most of them have been imported directly from the musical. They're very beautiful songs, we cannot deny it. It's not that kind of song that stays in our ear days after we see the movie... but it's lively, sometimes quite emotional, always perfectly in line with everything else. There is a certain harmony in all these details that gives beauty to the film as a whole.… Expand
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6
amheretojudgeMar 22, 2018
magic that uh.. defies description..

Into The Woods A dark twisted version of Disney tales that blends in perfectly and kicks off deep emotion out of this multi starrer feature where each and every character factors in as essentially as themagic that uh.. defies description..

Into The Woods

A dark twisted version of Disney tales that blends in perfectly and kicks off deep emotion out of this multi starrer feature where each and every character factors in as essentially as the lead ones. Musical genre being Rob Marshall's comfort zone, shines majestically off screen where each and every musical sequences defines his keen observation and passion towards his work. James Corden and Anna Kendrick at the heart of it are quite aware of their work (just as they are in every musical number) and are supported thoroughly in major and minor parts by Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine. Into The Woods has its first act plucked out from different tales and is smartly plotted by the writers before the second act kicks in and the twist comes in where everything goes unpredictable only to make it dull and predictable for the last act that is overlong.… Expand
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10
Patrick94Jan 13, 2018
The mixed reviews this is getting baffles me. This is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. Everything is done to near perfection. The story is original and realistic, not your typical happily ever after, but at the same time with aThe mixed reviews this is getting baffles me. This is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. Everything is done to near perfection. The story is original and realistic, not your typical happily ever after, but at the same time with a hopeful ending that leaves you smiling. The casting was perfect, the acting was great, and the musical numbers weren't as overbearing as reviewers make them out to be. This is all coming from someone who generally isn't much of a musical fan. If you're conflicted about whether to watch this or not, give it a shot. Unless you prefer your "paint by numbers, everything works out in the end" Disney bore-fests.… Expand
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3
Miles_SDec 3, 2017
Into The Woods is a needless grim and poorly executed mess. The premise alone is not a good one, yet the movie manages to sink below even the lowest of expectations.
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3
GorbaxDec 2, 2017
Into The Woods is a needless grim and poorly executed mess. The premise alone is not a good one, yet the movie manages to sink below even the lowest of expectations.
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9
Jmusic9Oct 1, 2017
Uno de los mejores musicales que he visto hasta el día de hoy. Una historia de cuentos de hadas que no cae en el cliché del "Felices por siempre". Con momentos totalmente inesperados y algunos muy realistas.
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5
SpiRoMay 13, 2015
Take bunch of great fairy tales and put them in one movie, then from something great make something very stupid. Brothers Grimm are turning in their graves. Characters are horrible, story is horrible and this is not musical because there areTake bunch of great fairy tales and put them in one movie, then from something great make something very stupid. Brothers Grimm are turning in their graves. Characters are horrible, story is horrible and this is not musical because there are no songs in this movie. Whole movie is a recital, a bad recital..… Expand
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0
MikeDangerJul 30, 2017
There is no redeeming value to this movie. Contrary to most other opinions I consider this as near a perfect pile of garbage as I have ever seen. Everything is bad in it. The direction is lame and uninspired, the cinematography is boring, theThere is no redeeming value to this movie. Contrary to most other opinions I consider this as near a perfect pile of garbage as I have ever seen. Everything is bad in it. The direction is lame and uninspired, the cinematography is boring, the pacing is awful, the costume design resembles community theatre hand-me-downs, the songs are terrible, the music sounds like generic background filler, the cast is bloated and the acting is about as good as a trash script and limited vision can allow. The only thing worth mentioning is the deeper themes of life after happy ever after, and the complex moral dilemmas faced by the many, many protagonists, but even these are minced and mangled by the insipid and rushed narrative and direction. Though the movie was overlong already, perhaps something has been lost in the adaptation. Some characters, like the baker, have far too many character arcs, none of which are convincing. Others, like the baker's wife, have only one which comes about quite suddenly and then is left entirely unresolved. I will also make special mention of the music, which was so ordinary, and so uninspired, that it was hard to distinguish one melody from another. As far as I know, it was the same music being played over and over again, because it was barely audible over the awkward lyrics and mediocre performances of the songs. Other reviewers will tell you they were full of witty and clever lines, but they are sung in that very particular style best left to the stage; irregular rhythms and not a single "hook" to be found. Perhaps that is why the music cannot establish a beat or find any identity, and so comes off sounding like vaudeville musicians playing side of stage for an impromptu skit. Don't believe the hype. Nothing in this movie is good, and because it is so pathetic, so bland and so uninspired, it cannot even be enjoyed because of how terrible it is. Thus, it has no redeeming value.… Expand
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7
MonkiReviewsJun 9, 2017
I enjoyed it a lot. It went on for to long though. The singing was good, which was a big part of it. The story was better than I expected, and they mixed the stories well. It was good all together.
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5
lucbevibrasilDec 27, 2016
With a forced premise and an extremely theatrical module, Into the Woods leaves something to be desired. In addition, most of the film's songs are weak, saving the prologue "Into the Woods", "Your Falt" and Meryl Streep's unmistakable vocalWith a forced premise and an extremely theatrical module, Into the Woods leaves something to be desired. In addition, most of the film's songs are weak, saving the prologue "Into the Woods", "Your Falt" and Meryl Streep's unmistakable vocal performance, "Last Midnight." Most of the cast is reasonable, but it's in the cast that has what saves the film. Meryl Streep is completely amazing in the skin of the Witch, Emily Blunt excels in her performance and Johnny Depp does well in both her scenes from the film. In total, the Into the Woods is a heavy, forced and silly film, but worth for its technical production and the cast.… Expand
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8
rei07Jul 19, 2016
This movie is absolutely enjoyable. The characters in this film were colorful and entertaining which made the film a joy to watch. Yes, there a lot more singing than I'm normally accustomed to in movies. However, I also understand that thisThis movie is absolutely enjoyable. The characters in this film were colorful and entertaining which made the film a joy to watch. Yes, there a lot more singing than I'm normally accustomed to in movies. However, I also understand that this movie is based on a musical. Overall, the plot was pretty decent, the characters had great chemistry, and film went by at a pretty normal pace. I also like the somewhat dark tone this movie contains as we see the characters paths become intertwined. If you haven't seen this film, I recommend it. If you have kidsand they haven't seen it, they should as well. This film is fun for both kids and adults alike. :)… Expand
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5
vgmkyleMay 6, 2016
It's theatrical and fun, but the movie really does drag on after a while... like almost any play I don't get the screaming and stupidity, but the production values are really good and the songs are almost tolerable.
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7
EpicLadySpongeApr 6, 2016
If one can get rid of the entire musical thing, maybe Into the Woods will be better than it is right now.. but for now, we got to get used to it being a musical.
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8
SpangleMar 23, 2016
I loved Into the Woods. Hilarious, touching, and fantastically musical, the film is a wonderfully entertaining take on the fairy tales of old and their worlds, while adding in a nice twist with the trademark moral of the story. First off, theI loved Into the Woods. Hilarious, touching, and fantastically musical, the film is a wonderfully entertaining take on the fairy tales of old and their worlds, while adding in a nice twist with the trademark moral of the story. First off, the music is fantastic. Both the musical sequences and score are beautiful and sung perfectly. The acting from Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep, is very good. Additionally, the direction from Rob Marshall is very good. Without it, this film would have been DOA due to the mashup of various stories. The pacing is good, though it can be a touch frenetic in the beginning, but it was far from detrimental. The script is good and really does a good job balancing everything. The cinematography and special effects are great and capture some seriously beautiful shots together. Into the Woods can also be truly hysterical as it gleefully makes fun of musicals and the fairy tales it incorporates. However, the piece I loved the most was the ruminations on life (and the dangers hidden within), love, loss, grieving, and parenthood. This is where the film is a home run success and truly becomes a major success. Into the Woods can be weird at times and it requires a willingness from the audience to go along with it, but on the whole, it is a funny and truly emotionally moving musical that has fantastic music to go along with it.… Expand
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8
nahtan1244Mar 10, 2016
This is a very good adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's original musical. I am very familiar with the stage play and this movie mostly stay's faithful to it's source material but some of the songs I would have liked to included were not. MerylThis is a very good adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's original musical. I am very familiar with the stage play and this movie mostly stay's faithful to it's source material but some of the songs I would have liked to included were not. Meryl Streep does a great job as the witch and let me just tell you that this is NOT a children's musical. The moral of the musical is be careful of the things you wish for because not everything becomes happily ever after. The singing and acting is fantastic and this is definitely while not perfect this is for sure one of the better movie musical adaptations I have seen with a fantastic and very real message.… Expand
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0
draperbartJan 1, 2016
This was probably the worst movie I have ever seen. I was trying to stay with it. Even when my wife starting sweeping the floor and asked if I would fast forward. My two young adult children gave up. I stayed with it because I reallyThis was probably the worst movie I have ever seen. I was trying to stay with it. Even when my wife starting sweeping the floor and asked if I would fast forward. My two young adult children gave up. I stayed with it because I really wanted to figure out where this story would leave. I finished it on my one. So this is Broadway? Good luck. Urban decay? The musical score was not only irritating but it had no musical anything. Reminiscent of Will Farrell talking about singing in the movie Elf. Whatever sordid point the writer was trying to make, he lost it on me, and I am pretty abstract. I can watch ANYTHING. What perplexes me is the high reviews and acclaim given to this mess. What is most unusual is that they had a big budget, great talent, and incredible scenery.… Expand
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2
bikerjohnDec 7, 2015
Great sets and special effects, but shallow characters and shallow Macguffin (plot driving device). Content is not appropriate for children, mid to early teenager maybe, but not kids. It shouldn't have the Disney castle before it. "Songs"Great sets and special effects, but shallow characters and shallow Macguffin (plot driving device). Content is not appropriate for children, mid to early teenager maybe, but not kids. It shouldn't have the Disney castle before it. "Songs" are very simple, anyone can make simple rhymes with a sing-song-voice. No memorable tunes/melodies exist. Not sure why critics like this unless it is the angst filled ending.… Expand
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7
CineAutoctonoDec 5, 2015
As this did not expect it of "Into the Woods " , the characters in stories mixed in a film; it is an amazing idea , do a musical with that idea is a good idea , a good deal , it is good idea , but it seems very boring , do something good next time.
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10
james417Oct 12, 2015
I find it very entertaining because it has lots of singing and dancing. I just enjoyed every scene of this movie.

Click here for free movie http://www.watchfree.to/watch-2a0f09-Into-the-Woods-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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8
DanBurritoSep 9, 2015
I've never seen the original play, but I thought the movie was very good. Meryl Streep was fantastic (when is she not?) and despite being in it for six minutes, Johnny Depp was very good. The songs were catchy and the movie is a tribute toI've never seen the original play, but I thought the movie was very good. Meryl Streep was fantastic (when is she not?) and despite being in it for six minutes, Johnny Depp was very good. The songs were catchy and the movie is a tribute to older fairy tales which means it will probably be too dark for young children. But for an older audience ( I'd say 10 and up) it's very enjoyable.… Expand
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8
randomthoughts3Jul 23, 2015
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, had a good collaboration with the characters history into a new story. I actually like the lyrics, and sung some part of it while watching.

The casting ensemble, gave fairytale a new being. I think AnnaStephen Sondheim and James Lapine, had a good collaboration with the characters history into a new story. I actually like the lyrics, and sung some part of it while watching.

The casting ensemble, gave fairytale a new being. I think Anna Kendrick is the new "IT-Girl" she just charms the audience.… Expand
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5
iluvsportsJul 5, 2015
The film deserves a lot of credit for the singing. It was great. At the first part of the movie I was having a good time. I didn't think it was a blockbuster hit, but I was enjoying it. Then when I thought the movie would end, it kept onThe film deserves a lot of credit for the singing. It was great. At the first part of the movie I was having a good time. I didn't think it was a blockbuster hit, but I was enjoying it. Then when I thought the movie would end, it kept on going to this unnecessary plot twist that really ruined the movie. If the movie ended when it should have, I would have given this movie an 8 on metacritic because it was enjoyable at the beginning. Horrible pacing can really ruin the movie for you. So I would not recommend this movie because it's just too long and it's shame that this movie could not deliver with some very fine actors and singers. Even if you love musicals, you might not appreciate the end.… Expand
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8
MadMaxFuryRoadJul 4, 2015
Into the Woods is definitely not as bad as people say it is and certainly not bad for a musical. It isn't fully entertaining, but rather watchable. I wasn't disappointed, but the movie is a bit too long. Overall, the movie is pretty fun forInto the Woods is definitely not as bad as people say it is and certainly not bad for a musical. It isn't fully entertaining, but rather watchable. I wasn't disappointed, but the movie is a bit too long. Overall, the movie is pretty fun for families. (B+)… Expand
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5
ClariseSamuelsJun 21, 2015
In December 1987, I saw Into the Woods on Broadway with Bernadette Peters. The musical had just opened the month before, and it was charming, original, and entertaining. Translating the musical and stage format to the screen expands theIn December 1987, I saw Into the Woods on Broadway with Bernadette Peters. The musical had just opened the month before, and it was charming, original, and entertaining. Translating the musical and stage format to the screen expands the spatial representation to the world of reality, or pseudo-reality, given that the story is a fairy tale, and that expansion is problematic for it dilutes the concentrated power of the original format.

The most innovative aspect of the original effort was the clever intertwining of several prominent fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. A baker (James Corden) and his young wife (Emily Blunt), who cannot conceive, live next door to a nasty, old lady (Meryl Streep), who looks exactly like a witch and turns out to be a real one—she has a vegetable garden that grows magic beans, and she cursed the couple long ago when the baker’s father stole some of the beans from her. In order to lift the curse, the couple has to provide the witch with a milky-white cow, a golden slipper, a red cape, and corn-yellow hair in three days before midnight. In the meantime, the old witch visits her adopted daughter, who has very long hair and lives in a tower. That would be Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy). The magic beans, of course, grow a giant stalk that is climbed by a young boy named Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), and the kingdom is ruled by a handsome prince (Chris Pine) who is seeking a wife and who meets a young woman named Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) at the ball. The woods of the small kingdom contain wolves and a hut occupied by a grandmother—a little girl visits granny wearing a red cape with a hood (Lilla Crawford).

As per the original story, there are dilemmas and scenarios that would have shocked the Grimm Brothers. For example, the baker’s wife has a one-night stand with Prince Charming, and that takes place after he has had his happily-ever-after wedding with Cinderella. And Cinderella is very frustrated about life with the prince because everything is too perfect. The witch is actually just an overprotective mother who can’t accept that her daughter’s childhood has ended. They all come together in the last act to fight a common foe, which is a giant who has descended by way of the stalk and wants revenge upon little Jack for stealing from her and accidentally killing her husband.

Live theatre creates its own microcosmic reality; thus, the stage version is not as jarring when the characters are constantly breaking out into song. Generally speaking, in a musical stage production the singing is well integrated. On film, the integration of the singing has to be more nuanced, and it is very difficult to achieve just the right timing in a film setting that appears to occupy a realistic landscape. There is a constant air of “I feel a song coming on...” that can weary the audience.

Streep makes for a good witch, albeit maybe a bit too exaggerated if one is to believe she is also a loving mother. Blunt has the strongest role as the baker’s wife. All the actors seem to be desperately seeking their character, including Anna Kendrick as a petite, brunette Cinderella, a description which doesn’t quite fit the profile. (Blunt’s plaintive line, “I’m in the wrong story,” strikes a chord in more ways than one.) The two princes, Cinderella’s prince and Rapunzel’s prince (Billy Magnussen) are as handsome as princes can be, but they are overly fickle and shallow. If the reasons behind their fickleness are complex, that complexity is never explored. And the film is overly long.

Although the visual representation of the fairy-tale kingdom is brilliantly magical, if not positively supernatural, it is not clear that this is the fairy-tale version that the children want to see. The Broadway version was more openly cynical, and it was also strictly for grown-ups.… Expand
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7
chepod8Jun 11, 2015
Los musicales siempre son dificil de evaluar, visualmente cumple, la música no se diga, la actuación histrionica como se espera, pero la duración creo que duro media hora más de la cuenta.
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1
Markham2015Jun 10, 2015
I enjoy musicals. I like a great deal of the actors in this film...just in other films.

I regretted not seeing this film when it was in theatres. I heard great reviews from friends so I bought the film when it came out on DVD, expectingI enjoy musicals. I like a great deal of the actors in this film...just in other films.

I regretted not seeing this film when it was in theatres. I heard great reviews from friends so I bought the film when it came out on DVD, expecting to have gotten a great purchase. Honestly, it just didn't live up to the hype...for me. There was this really creepy song with Johnny Depp, which I guess was the point, but it really felt like an anthem for a child rapist. And a lot of the little stories just felt out of place and like someone said, let me try to fit all these stories together because they are all fairy tales and it just didn't work for me. The part that blows is they took out all the fun parts of the original stories.

If you knew the most exciting person ever and you knew they had this amazing trip...how would you feel if they showed you a two hour slide show of them hinting at their trip...but only showed them before or after their trip...picking up their luggage? That's how I felt watching this film.

I bought this film and I will probably never watch it again...which sucks, because like I said, all the actors/actresses like Emily Blunt, Meryl, Chris Pine, Depp, Kendrick and the rest are incredibly good in other film and stage productions.

I'm not going to say to not buy it, but if you feel compelled to do so, I HIGHLY recommend renting this first to see if this is your cup of tea.… Expand
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4
romaporelarteMay 27, 2015
This film is really too bad ... it wrestles with several twists history ... the effects are good ... but the inexperience of young players leaves much to be desired, that hurts.
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10
jacob4May 19, 2015
An interesting musical filled with interesting stories entwined together, an all star cast, catchy songs, and Disney magic. Despite all the musical numbers, the movie still had an interesting story that added some dark material added into theAn interesting musical filled with interesting stories entwined together, an all star cast, catchy songs, and Disney magic. Despite all the musical numbers, the movie still had an interesting story that added some dark material added into the classical fairytale stories we love like: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. Man, it even has some Brothers Grimm material added to the Cinderella story. It's funny in some parts and heart wrenching in others. One of the best musicals of the year, and a fun family musical for everyone to enjoy.… Expand
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8
TheQuietGamerMay 15, 2015
Several classic fairytales are tied together by the story of a baker and his wife hunting down items for a witch so that she will grant them a child. It's not out of the ordinary for a Disney fairytale movie to have musical bits. TheirSeveral classic fairytales are tied together by the story of a baker and his wife hunting down items for a witch so that she will grant them a child. It's not out of the ordinary for a Disney fairytale movie to have musical bits. Their classic animated films like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White are known for them. This one is actually a full musical.

The great cast comes together excellently to deliver quite a few good songs as well as bits of humor and darkness. Johnny Depp in particular steals the show as the Big Bad Wolf even if he is only in the film a brief while. The film is at it's best when it follows the fairytales and it's original story about the baker and his wife collecting the items for the witch. There's humor, heart, and that classic Disney magic while all this is happening. However things get drawn out with an unnecessary final act taking place after the bakers quest for a child has ended.

The light, humor, and joy is sucked out for some dull and dark storytelling. The musical numbers in this act are tedious. It ends shortly after, but it's hard to enjoy this final stretch thanks to how obvious it is that the movie should have ended sooner. It's cool that they tried to go against the typical "and they lived happily ever after" most fairytales conclude on, but they make things too dark and bleak for it to be as satisfying. Sometimes your standard happy ending is the best way to conclude things.

Despite this flaw "Into the Woods" is still a great adaption of a broadway musical to film. There's a charming culmination of fairytales surrounding an original story that is satisfying right up until they decide to drag things out. Provided you can make it through the final stretch there is a movie you can enjoy here. It's a fairytale musical that isn't perfect, but still charming.

I give "Into the Woods" an 8.5/10.… Expand
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5
VinceRocks123May 15, 2015
Thought it would be worthy of a good musical but the way they made it didn't make it impressive to me, and there wasn't enough entertainment in a portion of the latter

my own brother went to far to saying he hated the film with a passionThought it would be worthy of a good musical but the way they made it didn't make it impressive to me, and there wasn't enough entertainment in a portion of the latter

my own brother went to far to saying he hated the film with a passion and thought it was annoying and that he felt like killing himself in there

I just wanna say sorry that I didn't enjoy the movie because I believe I learned a lesson that goes to show nothing beats BROADWAY and not even Disney could change that… Expand
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9
lomeliApr 27, 2015
Walking into the theater, I was completely unaware that this was a musical. And after the underwhelming Les Miserables, I had my share of qualms as soon as I heard the first musical number commence. But after watching the movie in itsWalking into the theater, I was completely unaware that this was a musical. And after the underwhelming Les Miserables, I had my share of qualms as soon as I heard the first musical number commence. But after watching the movie in its entirety- as the credits began to roll, I just knew that this was one of the best movie musicals in years. Notably, Streep and Blunt shine- while Sondheim's humor, wit, and melodies captivate. One of the better movie experiences I had in 2014.… Expand
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0
bartylakApr 14, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. All I can think is now, I'm going to have to carefully review Disney movies for my child to watch. I'm very disappointed from a certain song that wants to devour a lil girl. In words you do not want your child to hear. Lets just say, if you was ever in another room and you heard that song. You will be screaming to turn off that perverted show or movie. Everyone I watched this movie with, can see that song for years to come showing up in shows like "Criminal Minds, Law and Order SVU" to name just a couple. Worst part is you just know, that their are now sexual predators playing that song over and over. Sickening song. But apparently the sexual predator vibe is ok, even in a Disney movie now. Also, a home-wrecking scene of literally a prince cheating. Literally cheating on his wife with a married woman. Then the whole ordeal of a song of who was to blame for cheating? Child appropriate? Somewhere in there, you have a witch making a woman ten months pregnant and out pops a baby, in the same day From the first Min to the last, this was not a child appropriate movie.. How was any of that appropriate for what should have been a child appropriate Disney Movie? I'm so disappointed in Disney. The brand is known for such great quality family entertainment, that is child appropriate. If your going to do a movie like that, create a new brand to go with it. For example, Nora Roberts doesn't put her name under her Eve series. Instead she goes by J.D. Robb. Still her but the brand, you could say changes. Cause you just made a ton of people extremely wary of the Disney brand now. And rightfully soo. Very disappointed.… Expand
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6
NShep53Apr 12, 2015
Into the Woods definitely has it's flaws, mostly due to pacing, but overall, the movie's performances (especially Streep, Corden, and Blunt) make this a solid movie from Disney.
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1
MightyThorMar 31, 2015
This movie is awful. It was advertised as a kid's movie but it's clearly not. The plot makes no sense from a kid's movie perspective, it's disjointed and the second half is dark. It started off kind of fun and I thought maybe there will beThis movie is awful. It was advertised as a kid's movie but it's clearly not. The plot makes no sense from a kid's movie perspective, it's disjointed and the second half is dark. It started off kind of fun and I thought maybe there will be some Robin Hood men in tights kind of parody going on here but that quickly fizzled out and turned into a mess of half baked philosophical musings about human desire, right and wrong and fairy tale wishes.

The problem is this film needed to go all kid's direction, happy fun stories with cool musical numbers (but apparently that wouldn't follow the source material at all), or just grab a pg-13 or R rating and go completely dark the other way. As it is it sort of hints and some deeper meanings but fails to really make a point. I walked away confused and my 2 year old didn't like it either. Not really sure who the audience is, maybe middle school psychology students? It's not mature enough for adults and not fun enough for kids.

I gave it 1 star just cus the singing is superb and some of the acting is pretty good. A lot of the musical numbers are very tight and well sung. Unfortunate that the script was so awful, this cast was pretty good.… Expand
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10
vsheldon94Mar 28, 2015
Absolutely fantastic!! I believe that Into the Woods gave actors like Meryl Street the opportunity to shine, while not in an overwhelming way. What I mean by this is that her role, gave way for other actors to be noticed, such as little redAbsolutely fantastic!! I believe that Into the Woods gave actors like Meryl Street the opportunity to shine, while not in an overwhelming way. What I mean by this is that her role, gave way for other actors to be noticed, such as little red riding hood, or jack. At the same time, it added to the repertoire of budding actors like Anna Kendrick, and the fabulous James Corden… Expand
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5
lasttimeisawMar 26, 2015
As a much anticipated movie adaption of a famed broadway musical, INTO THE WOODS struts in its “dark treatment” of the classical fairytales, namely: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk, and panders to aAs a much anticipated movie adaption of a famed broadway musical, INTO THE WOODS struts in its “dark treatment” of the classical fairytales, namely: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk, and panders to a more adult-leaning demography. As a matter of fact, it turns out to be really dark, but only because the happenings occur inside the ill-lit woods most of the time, as to the story itself (or maybe pregnancy is a bit too un-fairytale-sy and killing off a main character is a bold move), the noted outlandish elements are conveniently compromised by its PG rating, a well-expectedly avaricious manoeuvre from the money-seeking corporate to cash in from as many viewers as possible at the expense of the project’s artistic essence. Altogether, Rob Marshall’s newest star-studded musical is a ragtag mess fails to connect with audience who are not the devotees of its theatrical archetype.

to keep reading my review on my blog, please google: Cinema Omnivore, thanks!… Expand
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6
BloodyRandyMar 25, 2015
I thought the boy actor was excellent, you can sense that from the first bit where he starts singing vs the baker's wife. He gives the movie energy. Too bad the story is super lame after 2/3rds in. It has a twisted scene that shoots theI thought the boy actor was excellent, you can sense that from the first bit where he starts singing vs the baker's wife. He gives the movie energy. Too bad the story is super lame after 2/3rds in. It has a twisted scene that shoots the whole story in the foot. No wonder Disney quickly had a Cinderella followup in theaters just in case they would upset their fanbase. Anna Kendrick was a strange choice and I'm not sure she fit in as a gorgeous Cinderella, not saying she's not pretty, but not the best choice for this role. Emily Blunt was a bit boring when she sang and she's giving me the eye every other scene she's in. She's supposed to be a baker's wife and she gives off too many looks and signals to the audience, not the best acting that I've seen her do. The witch and the Repunzel had some strange lyrics to their songs. She is not her daughter, and that dragged out more than it should have. The misunderstood witch was frustrating rather than having her be good or evil, they kept her in the middle pretty much saying she's just really selfish. It's a real shame, almost thought we finally got a good Newsies followup, but instead we got a misunderstood evil movie with some liberal agenda themes. A lot of the actors and actresses were really good apart from most of the well known ones. It almost gets annoying to see so many well known actors and actresses show up, would have preferred a brand new cast. And the new actors and actresses killed it, but the well known ones didn't.… Expand
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9
lamonddoreeMar 22, 2015
A most entertaining movie adaptation of a most artistically satisfying stage musical. It blends darkness and humor seamlessly and succeeds on all levels. Most of the performances are first-rate, even from those actors who are notA most entertaining movie adaptation of a most artistically satisfying stage musical. It blends darkness and humor seamlessly and succeeds on all levels. Most of the performances are first-rate, even from those actors who are not necessarily known as singers. I can't think why this is not getting a higher average score.… Expand
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5
Armin_AbbasiMar 22, 2015
Into the Woods mixes all the favorite stories to make a boring sophisticated musical film. Watching the movie, there are times when you WISH it to come to an end which finally becomes granted after a two-hour endurance.
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7
marcmyworksMar 21, 2015
Although this film is interesting and filled with an array of stars, after the first half its starts to fizzle and feel rushed, almost as if there was an inability to keep the actors themselves interested in the story they were portraying.
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7
vikesh2206Mar 19, 2015
Fairy tales crossover 'Into the Woods' works for around 2/3 of it's running time as a well acted, funny, melodic musical before taking a jarring tonal twist in the final act which felt like a whole different movie.
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1
dicedadoMar 17, 2015
Although this is considered a musical and the singing is not bad, i think in the beginning there's just too much singing, I started getting desperate and praying for the actors to calm down and start talking for a bit. Couldn't understand theAlthough this is considered a musical and the singing is not bad, i think in the beginning there's just too much singing, I started getting desperate and praying for the actors to calm down and start talking for a bit. Couldn't understand the strange twist on the storyline in the last 30 min, everything collapse, I just wanted this to end and go to sleep.… Expand
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7
MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015
Well you're not the only one who thought that this was going to be the next Les miserables just by judging on the trailers and early Oscar buzz.

The story is about a baker and his wife, looking to life a curse, visit the woods and theWell you're not the only one who thought that this was going to be the next Les miserables just by judging on the trailers and early Oscar buzz.

The story is about a baker and his wife, looking to life a curse, visit the woods and the witch who lives there: she spins a tale involving many beloved fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.

I remember very well back in November 2013, that this movie that wasn't coming until like a year and it was already getting so much Oscar Buzz and it's really crazy when you think about. People where already predicting the categories for the movie even when their haven't even seen it yet. Everybody wouldn't shut up about this movie and when the reviews came out for this movie it was a bit mix for some but still good through, but not has good as people thought it was going to be.

Into the Woods for me was a okay movie. This isn't in anywhere near has good as Les Miserables. But the movie was way over hyped by a lot of people and this is what happens when you over hype things, it will lead to disappointment.

This movie has a pretty big cast and some of them do really good and I have to say that all the actors in this movie sing really well. Nobody did a crap job of singing. Nobody did the Russell Crowe of singing, no they all do fantastic singing.

Meryl Streep to me stole the show. That was just something about her character in this movie that just stood out to me and I just loved her body moment and the tone on her voice that was just spot on with her character. I may have made jokes about Mery being a Oscar magnet, but she really is a flawless actress that I always knocks my socks off every time I seen her.

For problems and I have a lot: Johnny Depp is in this movie and you probably think his just playing a goofy and weirdo that Depp always is, but no in this movie he comes off a bit creepy and really unsettling or and Depp pretty much plays Depp and nothing special. I know this is base on a popular on the Broadway show but I can't help to say that the sets in this movie looks like it's a Broadway play more then a full feature film. The movie is way too long, because I thought the film was rapping up on a good note but the film kept going and going and good god it went on for every.

Overall Into the Woods is for people who love musicals or Broadway. But for me movies like this isn't my kind of thing but I always watch them to see if it dose surprise me or not, and this movie is just okay.… Expand
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0
descontenteMar 2, 2015
Simplesmente o pior filme da Disney! Impossivel de ver, confuso e sem ligaçao entre as cenas.
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0
Sebe2012Feb 23, 2015
Yet another badly written and poorly acted film ( yes even merryl Streep ) such film should have never occupied the award season. The film keeps going when you think " thank God it's ended" , for further 25 min with a speed of a snail. TheYet another badly written and poorly acted film ( yes even merryl Streep ) such film should have never occupied the award season. The film keeps going when you think " thank God it's ended" , for further 25 min with a speed of a snail. The last giant women storyline was totally unnecessary.No kids or adults in the audience were laughing. I guess it says it all.… Expand
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3
HonestReviews9Feb 18, 2015
i loved the whole cast and their singing potential but that was about it. the first hour and a half was unnecessary and boring. the last twenty minutes was literally the whole movie. i would have appreciated the movie more if they had actorsi loved the whole cast and their singing potential but that was about it. the first hour and a half was unnecessary and boring. the last twenty minutes was literally the whole movie. i would have appreciated the movie more if they had actors playing multiple roles to express the duality of characters but without that it lost the artistic value of the original performance. i was overwhelmingly underwhelmed.… Expand
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5
DokaluFeb 14, 2015
Into the Woods doesn’t stand out in any particular field. There has passed much time since I saw a nice musical-movie, and that’s something to give it credit for. I think it’s original the idea behind it of reuniting all of those famousInto the Woods doesn’t stand out in any particular field. There has passed much time since I saw a nice musical-movie, and that’s something to give it credit for. I think it’s original the idea behind it of reuniting all of those famous children-story characters, and I also think that the music and lyrics are pretty well made and nice to listen; but besides that and the famous actors in it, I didn’t like the film that much. It started pretty well, with a nice all-characters-introduction song, but from there, it just went down. Though the acting is good, the scenarios, the special effects, the characters, it all really looked very unreal, and the originality needed to make that movie should have been a lot more. If the film would have ended in its first half, it would have been awesome. The nice, maybe clichéd, happily ever after ending, where everyone gets what they want; but sadly, it continued, stopped being a Grimm’s mashup and started being Disney’s, and all that was just awful, they ruined the story. I was bored almost during all the second half.
As I said, music is really fine, lyrics as well, and it was beautifully shot, but the story is ridiculous and some of the scenarios look really fake. Children are going to like this very much, but I guest most adults will be pretty disappointed.
Real score: 5.5… Expand
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5
soccerjess21Feb 14, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The movie Into the Woods was not horrible, but not one of the best movies I've seen in my life. The story is both bland and dark. Giving the story book characters a bit of a twist from the original story. The movie was definitely not what I had expected. I am surprised by the director's and the writer's creative integrity in the original story, but I being a favorite of the original story I prefer the original story over this one. The characters acting wasn't bad. It shows not oly the good in the character but also a darker side to them. The prince being self-centered and the other characters having a darker and self-centered side was a huge twist in the story. I honestly liked the story being original but didn't like the ending or the way the characters were written. Storybook characters are written to inspire people to do the impossible and over come all odds but the whole prince cheating on Cinderella thing wasn't something that should be taught to younger kids. Overall I give the movie a 5. The story is original, bland, and changes the original story completely.… Expand
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8
joshcthomasFeb 14, 2015
Despite Into the Woods having a plot of imperfections and an unnecessary extra hour, this movie is still everything you loved about fairy tales as a child. You didn't care about the extraordinary style and you didn't care about how bogus theDespite Into the Woods having a plot of imperfections and an unnecessary extra hour, this movie is still everything you loved about fairy tales as a child. You didn't care about the extraordinary style and you didn't care about how bogus the stories were. Seeing all of these folklore legends in one film, singing catchy songs and almost never getting out of trouble, was definitely something enjoyable that did bring up an unexpected sense of nostalgia. Dion Beebe's cinematography, however, was my favorite aspect of the film. His eye for color and movement is superb, and should be appreciated more than he has been in the past. Yes, he has a deserved Oscar for Memoirs of a Geisha, but I think he deserves recognition for more than just that film and Chicago (another musical collaboration with director, Rob Marshall).… Expand
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2
dougfarreFeb 9, 2015
Wobbly plot, confusing morals, and 30 minutes too long. Will leave you and your child with a headache. Every song sounds the same. Would not recommend.
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5
pruzFeb 8, 2015
Into the Woods was great until the end. I get it that everyone wants their work to be different, but the end made no sense really. The character changes toward the end were along the lines of immaculate conception--it would not have happenedInto the Woods was great until the end. I get it that everyone wants their work to be different, but the end made no sense really. The character changes toward the end were along the lines of immaculate conception--it would not have happened naturally. Great movie for people with low IQs. If curious, rent it. Although the acting was great, it is not worth the cost of a movie ticket.… Expand
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5
ECWFeb 3, 2015
"Into the Woods" is a very funny movie but a not so funny adaptation.

The entire action revolves around the witch who's well characterized and interpreted by Meryl Streep. Sometimes she's nice, comic and even vulnerable and in other"Into the Woods" is a very funny movie but a not so funny adaptation.

The entire action revolves around the witch who's well characterized and interpreted by Meryl Streep. Sometimes she's nice, comic and even vulnerable and in other moments philosophical and terrible.
This mark that both the heroes and villains alike have their own problems and daydreams highlights the universality inherent in this work and therefore makes it special. "I was raised to be charming, not sincere." said by the prince is the best note.

Despite being only 5min Johnny Depp doesn't cease to deserve our congrats on his wolf role.
As for the soundtrack, I think "Agony" is the most excels. A good duet and a waterfall in the background.
However, the last part is a disappointment. The dark present throughout the work simply disappears. One feels that something is missing, that is incomplete, lost.

In this world, where a happy ending is a utopia, I think "Into the Woods" is a pleasant sight.… Expand
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8
MovieFan123Feb 2, 2015
Into the Woods is an interesting film. It does what many other fairy tales never even think off. It does not have a happy ending but that's because it is not suppose to have a happy ending. The theme of the film is hope even in the darkestInto the Woods is an interesting film. It does what many other fairy tales never even think off. It does not have a happy ending but that's because it is not suppose to have a happy ending. The theme of the film is hope even in the darkest time. Sure some of the characters are killed off awkwardly and the tone is uneven but the acting especially by Meryl Streep is incredible and the soundtrack is awesome. Overall this film soars.… Expand
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8
WDS_ConnectionsFeb 1, 2015
Individuals cursed in this forest where everything lives in stories and tales.
persecuted by the defeat where other beings do social charges, tales and fables in these interactions that are made siege to charges.
through the woods inIndividuals cursed in this forest where everything lives in stories and tales.
persecuted by the defeat where other beings do social charges, tales and fables in these interactions that are made siege to charges.

through the woods in force for inspiration conversations in interactivity and lonely demonstrations to undertake other forest creatures.
thieves and corrupt the search for dead places to live, this economy in thought while executioners these trails.

into the woods enchanted and persuaded tell the tales of this curse in the scenario hungry for new stories.

Characters following conflicts be passing illusions own dialogues to the siege of all live this gossip. nightmares of this curse are other economy.
in terms of trade taxes.… Expand
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6
cascadaJan 31, 2015
The first half of the film is AMAZING! The probably then becomes the second half... You literally feel like the film is 5 hours its so boring. I recommend seeing this film just because Meryl Streep plays the Witch so well. But you may want aThe first half of the film is AMAZING! The probably then becomes the second half... You literally feel like the film is 5 hours its so boring. I recommend seeing this film just because Meryl Streep plays the Witch so well. But you may want a sleeping bag for the second half.… Expand
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7
pjcriticJan 31, 2015
Into The Woods es un muy buen musical pero sólo recomendable para los amantes de este género ya que se pasan casi toda la película cantando. Tampoco es una película para niños, sobretodo la última media hora que es menos de cuento, menosInto The Woods es un muy buen musical pero sólo recomendable para los amantes de este género ya que se pasan casi toda la película cantando. Tampoco es una película para niños, sobretodo la última media hora que es menos de cuento, menos divertida y más oscura. La primera parte es magnífica, con un prólogo fantástico, la presencia de todos los personajes de los cuentos y un tono ameno y divertido. Lo malo es una moraleja final que se alarga mucho y tiene bastante menos gracia. Meryl Streep y Emily Blunt están estupendas. Recomendable para los amantes de los musicales y los cuentos que no son lo que parecen.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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5
wornoutspinesJan 30, 2015
I thought I was the musicals loving kind but turns out I'm not. I could barely sit through Les Misérables and the only reason I sat through Into The Woods was its comedic aspects. It was almost a parody at times, they didn't seem to be takingI thought I was the musicals loving kind but turns out I'm not. I could barely sit through Les Misérables and the only reason I sat through Into The Woods was its comedic aspects. It was almost a parody at times, they didn't seem to be taking themselves too seriously, so it was funny. Not laughing out loud funny but it put a smile on my face.

There is a wonderful combination of all the famous fairy-tales in one story. They've incorporated the drama, the comedy of these tales, and obviously added a music into the new story. They've humanized our fairy tales characters, adding a little more edge to them, making the story is somewhat interesting but not enough for me to be invested in it.

Although the singing was good - I'm talking quality here - I wasn't
blown away by the songs, I didn't once want to sing along and I can't remember a particular song I like, except maybe the Merryl Streep one from the trailer.

It's a nice ensemble of a cast, they've picked the right people for the right roles. Depp is right in his wheelhouse but he's not on long enough to be annoying. Streep struggled to get me on board with her character but by the end I was in. James Corden & Emily Blunt are a lovely pair, they were great together and Blunt really impressed me - mostly because her and musicals, I mean singing, didn't ring true - she was good and really stood out for me. One last thing about the cast, I liked Pines in the movie ONLY because he delivered my favorite quote from the film "I was praised to be charming, not sincere."

@wornoutspines… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
thetaboosunJan 27, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am not going to say this was the worst movie I have ever seen, because at no point was I compelled to walk out on it. However, I am going to have to negate most of the posts praising the cast for good acting. I do not think it is necessarily her fault (I blame the director), but Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood was unbearable to watch. She appeared as a soulless singing robot - like a jukebox with legs. Then again, so did many of the characters. Meryl Streep's performance was missing something. I have seen community theatre performances with a more lively and captivating witch. That being said, the movie missed the opportunity to make Prince Charming and the Wolf the same person, which I have seen a number of times on stage, which adds a layer of complexity. Instead they threw a dumptruck full of money at Johnny Depp for a three minute scene prominently featured in the preview to get unsuspecting movie goers into the chairs. James Corden was by far the most interesting person to watch in this movie and Tracy Ullman as Jack's Mother was fun. If you have seen Into the Woods on stage, you will be disappointed. If you are not a die hard fan of musicals, you will be disappointed. If you ARE a die hard fan of musicals, but somehow missed Into the Woods, you will still be disappointed. Go watch a bunch of nobodies do this on stage, and I can almost guarantee it will be more captivating.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
moviefanatic123Jan 27, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie had great actors. If it had ended when they were all happy it would have been great. But it wouldn't end. Crappy ending. It just wouldn't end...and then it got worse and worse. What a disappointment. Waste of time and money. I can't express how disappointed I was by the storyline, sexual content, and length of the movie.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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5
royphishoohJan 26, 2015
Fairly entertaining, with some good performances apart from Anna Kendrick's Cinderella - I have no idea how this actress got this part as she cannot hold down a tune. As review Devax2 noted the film is much too long and loses its charm wayFairly entertaining, with some good performances apart from Anna Kendrick's Cinderella - I have no idea how this actress got this part as she cannot hold down a tune. As review Devax2 noted the film is much too long and loses its charm way before the end.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
michael1208Jan 26, 2015
With a creative dark curse, Disney is brilliant to combine the fantasy of Cinderella, Jack the Giant Killer, Rapunzel and little red riding hood into one film with some surprising plot development and ended with an inspiring note - to makeWith a creative dark curse, Disney is brilliant to combine the fantasy of Cinderella, Jack the Giant Killer, Rapunzel and little red riding hood into one film with some surprising plot development and ended with an inspiring note - to make our wish to come true, it needs efforts. However, the first half of the story is well connected based on its rich materials but the second half shows some pacing issues and the existence of questionable moral etiquette stops it from becoming a classic of the genre as compared to Les Miserables. The great musical elements, the spirited performance of the superior cast, stunning visual effects and a number of heartfelt moments do help the film stands as an enjoyable musical flick, even if it doesn't work entirely as a whole.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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0
RegularGuyRevuJan 25, 2015
Worst. Movie. Ever. To say that it crawled is an understatement. My 11-year-old daughter mentioned that she thought it should have ended about 4 times. I wish it had never started. Absolutely TERRIBLE.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
muddfootJan 25, 2015
This move is so impossibly terrible that I felt compelled to join this website in the hopes of saving others from wasting their money and two hours of their lives. It just refused to end! Entirely awful. Didn't Depp think his song sounded aThis move is so impossibly terrible that I felt compelled to join this website in the hopes of saving others from wasting their money and two hours of their lives. It just refused to end! Entirely awful. Didn't Depp think his song sounded a bit pedophile-ish? Go see anything else. Go to the thesaurus and look up the word "bad." This movie is all of those words.… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
duncan1964Jan 23, 2015
This big screen adaptation of Sondheim's classic musical softens the edges somewhat, and loses a few songs but is still great fun with a cast of big hitters (and James Cordon) on great form. Bringing together all your favourite fairy taleThis big screen adaptation of Sondheim's classic musical softens the edges somewhat, and loses a few songs but is still great fun with a cast of big hitters (and James Cordon) on great form. Bringing together all your favourite fairy tale characters into a post modern retelling of their stories is clever and fun, but your enjoyment may depend on your fondness for the music… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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1
wadewilliamsJan 22, 2015
shoe rhymes with blue rhymes with who rhymes with knew (or new)---that about wraps up the songwriting abilities of the composers. The story is haphazard, the character development is non-existent. I couldn't wait for it to end. I lovedshoe rhymes with blue rhymes with who rhymes with knew (or new)---that about wraps up the songwriting abilities of the composers. The story is haphazard, the character development is non-existent. I couldn't wait for it to end. I loved Maleficent---I loathed this one.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
Joelsanders13Jan 22, 2015
This movie shows what film was really made for. It takes us through the genres and the art of the world we live in. And just gotta say, most lessons teaches in this film.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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0
kinoralphJan 21, 2015
So boring. A mash up of fairy tales and songs. This is terrible but johnny Depp is beyond bad. He is impersonating a wolf or a pedophile or maybe a wolf- pedophile?
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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2
adammwilsonJan 20, 2015
This movie was a massive disappointment. I went with three other people and none of us liked it. The songs were okay. None were particularly memorable except for the humorous song with the princes. It was way too long of a movie. The lastThis movie was a massive disappointment. I went with three other people and none of us liked it. The songs were okay. None were particularly memorable except for the humorous song with the princes. It was way too long of a movie. The last half hour of the movie was terrible (after the wedding). It consisted of things happening with no reason or explanation, no emotion shown by any of the characters, a BS line of morality drawn by multiple characters about how decisions don't matter and there is no wrong or right. That is a dangerous message to send to kids in my humble opinion. I am fine with no happy ending but this movie creates an unhappy reason simply just to say it did and that happy endings don't exist. Meanwhile, the acting was stale and boring. James Marsden was the closest to a decent character. The rest simply lacked a soul. I have no clue how this movie has so many positive reviews. A brilliant musical is Les Mis, this on the other hand was forgettable drivel.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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2
nicholasbertJan 19, 2015
This bungled mash-up of fairy-tales has some interesting insights - Prince Charming is not so charming at all, for instance, and Cinderella's step-sisters get what they deserve in the original way - but it's just so messy and accompanied byThis bungled mash-up of fairy-tales has some interesting insights - Prince Charming is not so charming at all, for instance, and Cinderella's step-sisters get what they deserve in the original way - but it's just so messy and accompanied by such poor acting performances that in the end it results to be almost unbearable. The songs (or THE song?) sounded all the same and their lyrics weren't clever: no rhymes, no nothing. Actually, Disney could use some good songwriters as of now (remember the 90s).

How did they drag Meryl Streep into this, I don't know. Johnny Depp, I can imagine. People say to watch the theatre production, but unfortunately that would require me to get on a plane. The film wasn't good - maybe the musical is.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
foxgroveJan 19, 2015
Being extensively marketed for kids, it is good to find that Sondheim’s musical has been neither dumbed down nor Disneyfied. Taking four well-loved fairy tales complete with linking device and setting them to music is actually quite a boldBeing extensively marketed for kids, it is good to find that Sondheim’s musical has been neither dumbed down nor Disneyfied. Taking four well-loved fairy tales complete with linking device and setting them to music is actually quite a bold concept which, for the first ninety minutes at least, works very nicely. In fact, the visuals compliment the score no end which, if listened to cold, is actually fairly resistible without its context. Only one song can truly be considered a hit outside of its theatrical origins and that is ‘Children Will Listen’, but other songs are still impressive. It helps that most of the cast make a good stab at singing even if one recognises their limitations. Meryl Streep, however, is in a class of her own both musically and dramatically. Notching up her 19th Oscar nomination for her ‘witch’ she eclipses everyone with impressive ease. Chris Pine surprises as Prince Charming and he belts out one of the best staged songs, ‘Agony’. Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Emily Blunt as The Baker’s wife and James Corden as the Baker all have their moments to shine as does Johnny Depp as the Wolf. His rendition of ‘Hello Little Girl’ (which shows that Disney have certainly moved with the times, since Snow White sang ‘Someday my Prince will come’) is certainly open to suspect interpretation!
The film looks good in production and costume design and is photographed in a convincingly cold light as befits its dark tone.
The film begins to fall apart, however, after its perceived happy ending is suddenly tossed aside with the introduction of a female giant. This is not only dramatically misguided, but also throws the spotlight onto some appalling special effects work. Hitherto the visual effects have been impressive, but the giant played by Frances De LaTour looks cheaply conceived and unconvincing. It is a shame really that what could have been a consistent of a piece musical is undermined by a final act that should have been thrown out along with Jack’s beans.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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6
haggiemJan 18, 2015
Great 2/3rds of movie then after witche's spell broken and grand parade, all went on a bit too long, got a bit morose, too deep and meaningful for my two 8 year olds. In my opinion a good movie in my book will leave the audience sitting inGreat 2/3rds of movie then after witche's spell broken and grand parade, all went on a bit too long, got a bit morose, too deep and meaningful for my two 8 year olds. In my opinion a good movie in my book will leave the audience sitting in their seats for 30-60 seconds to reflect on the movie however the whole cinema couldn't wait to up and leave.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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5
StevesitzJan 14, 2015
For anyone that has not seen or know anything about the musical, just know that this movie gets quite depressing! Disney really did capture the musical as it was right from the stage, which is good but also leaves you wanting more out of aFor anyone that has not seen or know anything about the musical, just know that this movie gets quite depressing! Disney really did capture the musical as it was right from the stage, which is good but also leaves you wanting more out of a film adaptation. The fact that there are very few spoken lines in this entire movie (since everything is literally sang from beginning to end) it does leave a bad taste in the mouth of anyone that isn't a hard-core musical fan. The blending of the stories was great, the acting was amazing but the music does start to pain your ears after a while. I would only recommend this movie to older Disney fans or (of course) fans of the on stage version, because that is exactly what you are getting.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
BHBarryJan 11, 2015
"Into the Woods" is the musical adaptation of the Brothers' Grimm fairy tales interwoven by writers James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim in this film directed by Rob Marshall. The film stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and Anna"Into the Woods" is the musical adaptation of the Brothers' Grimm fairy tales interwoven by writers James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim in this film directed by Rob Marshall. The film stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and Anna Kendrick with music and lyrics by Mr. Sondheim. I saw the Broadway production of this property and felt then, as I do now, that Mr. Sondheim wears a crown a little too big for his 'music and lyrics" title and talent. He is a wonderful lyricist but unlike Messrs. Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Frank Loesser, he fails to succeed as a composer of memorable or even hummable tunes. Take away "Send in the Clowns" and "You Are Not Alone" (from the subject film) and you are left with a one dimensional writer. Just as Richard Rodgers needed Messrs. Hart and Hammerstein, so, on the other end of the spectrum, does Mr. Sondheim need Leonard Bernstein, Jules Styne or some other fine musical composer. As far as the film is concerned, and as clever and witty as the lyrics are, the numbers are too long and, as a result, create a movie experience that causes the viewer to wish it would end at least 30 or 40 minutes before it actually does. One must also recognize the obvious intention of the producers to "get their money's worth" from Ms. Streep who is over utilized and, as in her role in Mamma Mia, is at her best in a non-musical setting. This is a film where the exceptionally gifted cast is placed in a vehicle not really worthy of their respective talents. I give the film a 6 rating and cannot, in good conscience recommend it.… Expand
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6
beingryanjudeJan 11, 2015
With the charm of Rob Marshall, this musical adaptation stays true to its source work and remains truly devoted to Sondheim. Over time, Into the Woods does lose its way but it is difficult to deny the triumph of Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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3
la_chicaJan 9, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I gave 3 to this movie only because the place and the costumes and effects are great! And the witch is the only enjoyable part, even if this was the most hated character in the movie. Meryl does an incredible job and she almost saved the movie from being a total disaster. First if you are going to destroy our childhood fairy tales, make it for an adult audience with good sarcasm, not super cheesy comedy that was so random it was confusing. It was like the directors/producers were mocking themselves! This movie sucks let's make fun of it! The songs were soooooooooo long I had to close my eyes at times. I don't know why they have to bring a British accent to make it more appealing, but yeah even that got annoying. The end was terrible, it dragged on forever. I saw a person looking at their cell to see when it was over as I was too. They really ruined a great opportunity to make a great movie because again the effects and the woods are incredible, but the plot super boring. Good singing but again not even the angelical voices can make me watch this one more time!… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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3
csw12Jan 9, 2015
Into the Woods is better than other musicals I've seen, which isn't saying much. Rob Marshall failed to connect the characters to one another and they all seemed separated. The movie ended at the 75 minute mark and then became an awful dragInto the Woods is better than other musicals I've seen, which isn't saying much. Rob Marshall failed to connect the characters to one another and they all seemed separated. The movie ended at the 75 minute mark and then became an awful drag for the last 30 minutes.… Expand
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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3
slappyciderJan 8, 2015
I... was not aware that this film was a musical until I had already agreed on going to see it. I will say, I'm not fond of musicals so this review may be a bit biased... but man, I did not like this film at all. Meryl Streep was phenomenal,I... was not aware that this film was a musical until I had already agreed on going to see it. I will say, I'm not fond of musicals so this review may be a bit biased... but man, I did not like this film at all. Meryl Streep was phenomenal, but everyone else was just... bland. Little Red and Jack were both obnoxious as hell, the princes were over the top and just lame, and Johnny Depp had less than 4 minutes of screen time...

Also, the film should have ended about half way through its actual runtime... but nope, it KEPT GOING. The third act of this film was one of the most boring third acts of any film I've ever seen. It added nothing to the film that couldn't have been shown in a 5 minute scene rather than a whole 45 minutes.

Overall, Meryl Streep is phenomenal. That's it.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
ajarias96Jan 8, 2015
Into the Woods is just as you would see it on Broadway. The songs are catchy, the morales still stick, but the run-time is a little long. Incredible performances by Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep carry the film to be much betterInto the Woods is just as you would see it on Broadway. The songs are catchy, the morales still stick, but the run-time is a little long. Incredible performances by Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Meryl Streep carry the film to be much better than it would be. The scenes with the Wolf and Little Red do come off a bit awkward, due to the casting of the latter, but overall the film is one I would recommend if you enjoy musicals of course.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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8
HaithamBJan 7, 2015
I don't usually give straight "A" reviews to musicals, I enjoy them and I appreciate the hard work but never fall in love with them, indeed, I didn't fall into one since "Chicago", I enjoyed "Into the Woods" and I appreciated all the hardI don't usually give straight "A" reviews to musicals, I enjoy them and I appreciate the hard work but never fall in love with them, indeed, I didn't fall into one since "Chicago", I enjoyed "Into the Woods" and I appreciated all the hard work, but most of all, I fell in love with it.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
Trev29Jan 7, 2015
Quite a few of the songs are fantastic independent of the movie.The movie is visually beautiful and entertaining but it doesn't mesh as well as I would have liked. Character motivations and development feel very condensed. The movie wouldQuite a few of the songs are fantastic independent of the movie.The movie is visually beautiful and entertaining but it doesn't mesh as well as I would have liked. Character motivations and development feel very condensed. The movie would have worked better solely as a drama or a comedy, but it is neither.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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7
heathermJan 7, 2015
This is definitely not a movie for people who don't like musicals; some of the trailers didn't make it clear that there would be a lot of singing, so if you didn't already know that Into the Woods is a musical it could be a bit of a surprise.This is definitely not a movie for people who don't like musicals; some of the trailers didn't make it clear that there would be a lot of singing, so if you didn't already know that Into the Woods is a musical it could be a bit of a surprise. There were some plot elements that didn't quite make sense and left me with major questions, but overall I found the plot engaging and quick. It was familiar enough from the storybook elements that it was comforting, but contained enough twists and unexpected collisions of storyline that it was fresh (for someone like me who walked in not knowing anything about the stage production). There was enough character development that it felt like most characters ended their story arcs in reasonably satisfying ways.

Possibly my favourite part of this movie was just how beautiful it was--the sets and the costumes and the effects were all absolutely gorgeous, and it was just a pleasure to watch in theatres and see all the care and beauty that went into making the movie. The entire cast is beautiful, of course, and the costuming combined with fairly natural/neutral makeup effects (except for the witchy Meryl Streep) added to the fairy tale feeling.

Overall, I quite enjoyed the movie, but it's definitely just for people who are already into fairy tale musicals.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
AaronMJan 6, 2015
This movie was almost amazing! The first 2/3 of the movie were almost perfect, then it drags on to tie up a couple of loose plot holes that were unnecessary. This movie could have been a funny, delightful, and refreshing take on fairy tales,This movie was almost amazing! The first 2/3 of the movie were almost perfect, then it drags on to tie up a couple of loose plot holes that were unnecessary. This movie could have been a funny, delightful, and refreshing take on fairy tales, but it loses it steam and everything that could have made it great. With so many new releases around the holiday, there are better movies to invest your time with.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
BikerjamesJan 6, 2015
The cast of Into The Woods is very enthusiastic, and that is what carries the film. All the actors carry off the singing with no problems but make no mistake, the star is Meryl Streep. The best part of the entire movie for me was Meryl'sThe cast of Into The Woods is very enthusiastic, and that is what carries the film. All the actors carry off the singing with no problems but make no mistake, the star is Meryl Streep. The best part of the entire movie for me was Meryl's performance towards the beginning of the film when she sang to the couple indoors. The word play was terrific. I also have always liked the song "Children Will Listen", especially the version Barbra Streisand does on one of her CDs. The rest of the songs, however, were not very catchy or memorable, and that is the one issue I had with the film. Some of these songs might translate better live on a stage. Chris Pine was also a standout for me, and he has an excellent singing voice. I like Emily Blunt in everything she does. The few children that were in the theater were antsy and fidgety, although there were moments when they were quiet and paid attention, particularly when Meryl Streep was on the screen. The film's look (sets, costumes and makeup) is stellar. If the songs were better I would rank it higher.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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1
sc0TTiJan 5, 2015
Mindless, aimless, plot points and inane moralizing songs strewn together at random, for what seemed like 4 hours. One of the stupidest movies I've seen in years. Please don't waste your time.
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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4
Ansatsu83Jan 3, 2015
This film tried to tie four classic series together with a story that no one had heard. It tried to tie Little red riding hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and jack in the bean stalk, together... but... only 10 minutes of The Little Red Riding HoodThis film tried to tie four classic series together with a story that no one had heard. It tried to tie Little red riding hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and jack in the bean stalk, together... but... only 10 minutes of The Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel were really shown, the rest is trying to tie in both Cinderella and Jack in the Beanstalk, while the little red riding hood and Cinderella are kept in the background with minor roles. The film is a musical... these can be good to a certain point... however two hours in and you will be wishing and praying for spoken dialogue instead of singing. The film cast quite a few b-list actors and Johnny Depp as the big bad wolf (only a-list actor in the movie). The film obviously had an incredibly high animation budget but an incredibly low casting budget... with the exception of Depp. This having been said, Depp played the big bad wolf, his entire performance lasting less than 10 minutes. With a massive animation budget they could have easily created an animated wolf and cut the middle man, saving their budget, which leads me to believe they only had enough money for him to briefly appear. All in all I would recommend you watch it on netflix.... or not at all... and save your money.… Expand
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10
anneke14Jan 3, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A movie with a group of well-known characters played by well-known actors and actresses, they were not just picked because of their fame. Each actor had to have the ability to sing, for this was a Broadway musical. Some, such as Daniel Huttlestone, Lilla Crawford, and Anna Kendrick, had already worked on a musical, and Kendrick had been in Broadway musicals before. Kendrick being cast as Cinderella with brunette hair was a huge surprise because Cinderella has always had blonde hair, at least that’s what the Disney version had. The original Grimm story never stated her hair color, which is what the film was basing the plot on. Also, in the fairytale, Cinderella did have a golden slipper, as does the Cinderella from the movie, and that shoe is used in the potion, a key ingredient to the plot.
Other costume pieces had to be used in the film for the potion, such as the red cape, the long hair, and the witch’s ugliness. With Little Red Riding Hood with the cape and Rapunzel with the hair, the potion could be made. The witch needs to be a truly hideous monster in order to intimidate the other characters. The costume was great for lots of movement, because the witch had to move in many fast agile ways. The long, curve gross fingernails would have frightened me, as well as the mess of blue-gray hair. When turned beautiful, her dress matched with her now-stunning blue pile of hair. The shoulders on the arms were very unique. Most of the costumes seemed to be straight from a fairytale. Cinderella’s pure gold dress, a huge contrast from her servant clothes, was stunning. The poorer characters, such as the baker’s wife, wearing a random mush of fabric sown together, and Jack’s mother, a dreary off-white and brown dress, could easily show their lack of wealth, but it was not shown the same. The baker’s wife was more colorful, and both seemed to fit a different time period. All the costume looked like they could be in a different time period, with the step sister’s hair definitely a Lady Gaga or future hairstyle compared to the wolf’s zoot suit from the late 1930s, but the characters all went well together despite being so different.
“He was robbing me, raping me, rooting through my rutabaga, raiding my arugula,” This line just by its self is full of passion, but the way the witch shrieked and thundered it out, the audience could feel the resentment and the pain through her voice and words. She held herself up with the doorframe, and was spiraling all over the room in anger, nicely exaggerated movement to draw the audience in. When the baker had his breakdown after hearing that his wife had died, he did honestly seem like a person that had lost a special thing. Every character was so well played, that you forgot they these were not people, but actors. The lighting suddenly darkening added a frightening mood to the scene.
The Prince’s fight over who was in more pain was a bit more comical, with Rapunzel’s Prince saying, “Agony! Far more painful than yours, when you know she would go with you, if there only were doors.” Our theater laughed at that. The song then continued the bickering, getting louder as they try to prove their point, until they both agree that they are equally in agony. You could feel the pain they are going through, they needed those girls whom they loved. Along with the powerful singing, the dialogue also helped the story, with the story ending with the beginning thanks to the narrator in the end being the baker. “Once upon a time in a far-away kingdom,” the film starts with. Later, the baker starts to tell the story to his son, “Once upon a time in a far-away kingdom.”
With it being filmed in the UK, most characters had an accent, but this added more to the unreal effect of a fairytale. The woods in the "It Takes Two" scene had two trees just the right length apart with a hill for the baker to roll down. The trees were like poles for it to be easy to dance around. Lots of trees were specially made for a dance, like the tree for Cinderella’s mother. The story had introduced all the characters by song at first, and song later showed what they wanted and had. The ending had much less song and more action, a faster more intense part of the production. Mostly it was slow, with every time the bakers spotted a piece from the instructions, the piece was hard to find, hard to acquire, or hard to keep. I don’t think that this is a great movie for kids, besides the violence. There is more need to understand and have more patience with the characters. Kids won’t be able to sit through this movie. It is a darker fairytale, but the Grimm stories normally are. I loved how it was a change from the pretty-perfect fairytale world we know. The songs were not just thrown in; they were sown into the story to help it along. I loved this movie and would definitely have my friends, even if they aren’t into musicals.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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7
WheelzFourReelzJan 3, 2015
The first two thirds of Into the Woods are chocked full of great songs, memorable characters, and a beautiful world with a really captivating story. The final third of the film, however, is executed in a sloppy way, making the entire movieThe first two thirds of Into the Woods are chocked full of great songs, memorable characters, and a beautiful world with a really captivating story. The final third of the film, however, is executed in a sloppy way, making the entire movie feel disjointed, tainting an otherwise great film.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
PistonHondaJan 3, 2015
OH MY GOD, THIS FILM IS BASED ON A MUSICAL.
BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT BEFORE I WENT TO SEE IT.
Cue automatic score of 0. Seriously, people. This film is not bad for what it is - a faithful adaptation of one of the most interesting stageOH MY GOD, THIS FILM IS BASED ON A MUSICAL.
BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT BEFORE I WENT TO SEE IT.
Cue automatic score of 0.
Seriously, people. This film is not bad for what it is - a faithful adaptation of one of the most interesting stage performances in recent history.
Yes, it is 90%+ music and… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
alecvl08Jan 2, 2015
This movical has a stellar first act, but loses its drive after the first hour. The music is absolutely extraordinary, and there is moment after sweet musical moment throughout the movie. The singers bring the voices, but the pacing is unevenThis movical has a stellar first act, but loses its drive after the first hour. The music is absolutely extraordinary, and there is moment after sweet musical moment throughout the movie. The singers bring the voices, but the pacing is uneven and the film loses its muster after the first half is finished. The first act is filled with constant singing, but towards the end the movie seems to want to rely more on dialogue and therefore begins to bore the heck out of the audience. Good overall, though.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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2
jeyden1956Jan 1, 2015
Very disappointing. My 10 year old grandson wanted to leave about half way through the movie along with the two other family members. I was actually ready to leave before then but I could only think of the $40 I so willingly handed over toVery disappointing. My 10 year old grandson wanted to leave about half way through the movie along with the two other family members. I was actually ready to leave before then but I could only think of the $40 I so willingly handed over to treat my son and his family (failed miserably). It was the first time I've ever gone to the movies and actually wanted to ask for a refund. It was painful but we sat through it in hopes that it would get better because we didn't think it could possibly get any worse. Watching Depp and Streep was clearly the highlight. They are brilliant actors and the only saving grace for this waste of my time.… Expand
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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7
emkadvJan 1, 2015
This is a good adaptation of the Sondheim musical. Most of the lyrics are intact and well-articulated so that you can understand them. The performances are generally strong in both acting and singing. The story line may get harsh, but no moreThis is a good adaptation of the Sondheim musical. Most of the lyrics are intact and well-articulated so that you can understand them. The performances are generally strong in both acting and singing. The story line may get harsh, but no more so than the Grimm fairy tales on which it is based.
It's not as much fun as seeing the show live on stage, but it's a much better screen adaptation than A Little Night Music or Sweeney Todd.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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