Into the Woods (2014)

[TheSequelOfDisney]

I have an extra Digital Copy/DMR code for Into the Woods if anyone is interested. PM me for details.

[Disney's Divinity]

I finally saw the film last night. I was mostly ambivalent to it. I wouldn't say it was bad, but it was probably a mistake for me to watch the recorded show of the original cast not long ago. I tried to keep my expectations lowered going in, but I couldn't help comparing the two versions.

I thought the first act was well-done, but it fell apart in the second half. Meryl Streep nailed the witch in the scenes before her transformation, but I thought she was pretty bad in "Last Midnight" and played the scene where she sees Rapunzel and the Prince again in a way I didn't care for. She really missed the Witch's self-realization and not to mention the humor of the "I was just trying to be a good mother...!" line. But even some of "Stay With Me" lost a little of the emotion--"You're ashamed of me, you don't understand..." didn't come off as well as I would've liked. "LM" just doesn't work with a weak voice, imo, and I couldn't even hear her over all the effects/noise at the end. I absolutely hated how it and "Your Fault" were slowed down--ruined the whole thing to me, and it was what I was most looking forward to seeing. Still, I loved her entrance at the beginning with the door blown off the hinges--something about it reminded me so much of the Wicked Witch of the West's entrance in smoke in The Wizard of Oz. Besides that, I thought she wasn't ugly enough before or pretty enough after (I hated the way her dress looked in the 2nd act). I can't remember right off everything about "Stay With Me" since I saw the original show about a month ago--but it seemed to make less sense here than it did there? The Witch seems to have got what she wants with Rapunzel embracing her and laying her head on her shoulder, but then she banishes her anyway.

At first, I didn't like who they'd cast for Cinderella, Jack, or Red Riding Hood--mostly because the latter two were children now and the former wasn't pretty enough--but they grew on me as time went on. Jack's mother was more hateful in this to me, more cruel, but I did like her last scene arguing with the Giantess. For some reason, I thought Jack was mentally-challenged or something in the musical, but it doesn't play that way in the film with the way Jack and his mother act differently. The girl playing Red did a good job, but it was hard to live up to Ferland's (imo) fantastic performance. "I Know Things Now" feels rather pointless to me in both the film and the original show. With those two being so young, "No One Is Alone" fell flat for me. But Corden as the Baker was my least favorite, overall, which I didn't expect. Introducing his father so late and cutting "No More" were mistakes, imo. I thought Emily Blunt did a good job, although I don't like the song the character has before she dies (which has nothing to do with Blunt); I also thought Corden's performance weakened her character, because the Baker was less irritating here so I didn't understand her temptation as much. Everything about the story felt rushed, but what I missed most in the film adaptation was the humor. The funny moments make the dramatic ones more powerful, and this thing was almost completely humorless. "Agony" and Red's "You talk to birds?" line are the only moments the come to mind.

What I did like was Chris Pine as Cinderella's prince; "Agony" was one of the best scenes. I also liked how they portrayed Cinderella's mother entwined with the willow tree, Cinderella's number on the stairs, the Witch's transformation, Jack singing as he's climbing the beanstalk, and the scene with the stepfamily when the prince comes to their house. Cinderella's stepmother was well-cast--loved all her moments. And I liked the way they created the crowd scene at the beginning of the second act when the Giantess has arrived and the castle pillar collapses. I didn't mind the changes to Rapunzel, with her living and leaving the Witch being the crutch of the witch's lament. The only thing I didn't care for about that was it made Rapunzel's prince seem nicer than he was. I didn't feel either way towards Johnny Depp.

Oh, I almost forgot--I adored the ending. Meryl Streep on "Children Will Listen" was gorgeous, so at least it went out on a very high note despite the mess of the second act. If I had to rank it, I'd give it a 6 or 7 out of 10, personally

[Disney Duster]

Glad you finally saw it! I was wondering your opinion. I forget, or maybe yu never told us, but how did you like the taped stage show on it's own? I LOVE it and must say it is superior to the Disney film version, though not superior to fantastic things like the children actually being young teenagers on the wake of puberty, and some of Meryl Streep's acting, as well as Emily Blunt's, and James Corden's (he cried!), and the costumes!

She really missed the Witch's self-realization and not to mention the humor of the "I was just trying to be a good mother...!" line.

In the stage show Bernadette Peters doesn't have "a moment of realization" there either.

Still, I loved her entrance at the beginning with the door blown off the hinges--something about it reminded me so much of the Wicked Witch of the West's entrance in smoke in The Wizard of Oz.

INDEED! Some members of Broadway World forum said so too!

Besides that, I thought she wasn't ugly enough before or pretty enough after (I hated the way her dress looked in the 2nd act). I can't remember right off everything about "Stay With Me" since I saw the original show about a month ago--but it seemed to make less sense here than it did there? The Witch seems to have got what she wants with Rapunzel embracing her and laying her head on her shoulder, but then she banishes her anyway.

Yes, she isn't ugly enough before or pretty enough after, but they make it work as they bets could and I think the results are still pretty great. I was rather surprised by how pretty they were able to make her. And no, I think her post-transformation dress is awesome!!! I think it's the best costume! As for "Stay With Me", go ahead and watch the stage show version here and judge, but in both endings Rapunzel does feel for her mother and listen to what she's saying, yet, the Witch feels she needs to learn a lesson, and so sends her away until she comes back to get her.

At first, I didn't like who they'd cast for Cinderella, Jack, or Red Riding Hood--mostly because the latter two were children now and the former wasn't pretty enough

Yes, poor Anna Kendrick isn't as pretty as Cinderella should be, but I kind of like that a more plain looking girl got to be considered pretty and snag a handsome prince. Maybe that sends a good message? Though there was a scientific study that females who are more attractive than their male partners are happier, probably because they hold more power as the males will be nicer as they wouldn't want their partners to leave them.

Yes, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince is excellent, yes Cinderella's mother in the tree and stepfamily's foot-fitting are fantastic, as was the Witch's transformation (except they should have showed her transform from old to pretty, not cut from her old, then to young) and no, Rapunzel still should have died to have the same dramatic weight for the story and motivations for the Witch! And as for Rapunzel's version, in this film, it seems he actually was meant to be nice.

I give the film an 8 out of 10. I think it's still pretty good.

[Disney's Divinity]

I loved the stage show, although it has its flaws. I definitely prefer it to the film. In most ways. But the film's pretty, not bad, but I wouldn't buy it. I'd read that Sondheim wanted Red and Jack to be kids, but I don't mind saying I prefer them older.

In the stage show Bernadette Peters doesn't have "a moment of realization" there either.

I guess we'll have to disagree there. *shrug* Bernadette makes it sound (and looks) as if, after hearing her actions read back to her, that she understands how much wrong she's done to Rapunzel. In the film, she just sounds fake because she's desperate to keep Rapunzel from leaving.

And no, I think her post-transformation dress is awesome!!! I think it's the best costume!

I think it's hideous. It makes me think of Dr. Seuss.

You know who I would've liked to have seen in the role? Ed Sanders aka Toby from Sweeney Todd (who, funnily enough, is 20. Man, I really let Hollywood influence the way I see kids, don't I?).

That would have been excellent casting. And he held some pretty long notes in Sweeney Todd.

I was looking back through this thread now that I'd seen the film and saw this--I have to say, I completely agree. Would've loved him in the role.

[Lady Cluck]

I didn't care for the way "I Know Things Now" was presented in the film but it's far from pointless. Very layered and meaningful song, like many of the others that seem to over people's heads. I'm not surprised

Disagree about the appearance of Anna Kendrick and Streep. They looked great, and Last Midnight was very well done.

[Disney Duster]

In the stage show Bernadette Peters doesn't have "a moment of realization" there either.

I guess we'll have to disagree there. *shrug* Bernadette makes it sound (and looks) as if, after hearing her actions read back to her, that she understands how much wrong she's done to Rapunzel. In the film, she just sounds fake because she's desperate to keep Rapunzel from leaving.

From what I remember it was just the funniness of the line she got. I'm not going to bring out my copy and skip and fast forward enough to find that part but I'll trust your opinion could be right, too.

That would have been excellent casting. And he held some pretty long notes in Sweeney Todd.

I was looking back through this thread now that I'd seen the film and saw this--I have to say, I completely agree. Would've loved him in the role.

Toby as Jack?! I dunno...he didn't impress me that much from what I remember of Sweeny Todd.

I didn't care for the way "I Know Things Now" was presented in the film but it's far from pointless. Very layered and meaningful song, like many of the others that seem to over people's heads.

I think if "I Know Things Now" was done in a way that it actually looked like the wolf devoured her and she was in a real wolf's stomach it would've been better, but I don't think there could have been a much better way they did it. Aside from that, I agree.

[Disney's Divinity]

I felt bad at first for thinking Kendrick wasn't "pretty enough," but on the other hand I don't since I was comparing her to Kim Crosby, who I found much more beautiful and vibrant. As for Streep, I blame the costume/hair since I've seen her look better in other films.

I didn't mind the changes to Rapunzel, with her living and leaving the Witch being the crutchcrux of the witch's lament.

I'm a little detail-obsessed, sorry. There's a few other things I could edit, but that one bothered me the most.

I was also thinking about "Stay With Me" and I believe the difference is Rapunzel has a little dialogue, which I don't remember in the film. I suppose the flaw (imo) is also present in the stage version, but it seemed more pronounced in the film.

[Lady Cluck]

There's a few other things I could edit, but that one bothered me the most.

oh brother

[Disney's Divinity]

oh brother

Sorry?

[Disney Duster]

I see, Disney's Divinity. And I am detail-obsessed too, lol. I must agree, I always saw that element of "Stay With Me" as flawed that the Witch is like "I want you to stay with me", then Rapunzel huges her, then the Witch banishes her. But I understand it as the Witch saying "Stay with me", Rapunzel being reminded she does love her and the Witch loves her, but the Witch then says, "You must learn the lesson that you should stay with me."

[Lady Cluck]

I thought Emily Blunt did a good job, although I don't like the song the character has before she dies

Wow, this is one of the most meaningful and poignant songs in the whole production, not to mention its lyrical and melodic beauty. A true Sondheim gem. Without it, you lose a big chunk of the major themes. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't like this song would ever love Into the Woods for the right reasons.

It's important to remember that not everything is literal. The masses who expect just another mindless fairy tale romp were either disappointed or miss the point. The Disney label and the way it was promoted didn't help I guess.

[Disney's Divinity]

I can't imagine anyone who doesn't like this song would ever love Into the Woods for the right reasons.

That's too bad. But since you liked the way "Last Midnight" was performed in the film, I wouldn't expect us to line up on much of anything in regards to ItW.

I don't hate "Moments in the Woods," of course, only something about the song feels insincere following an affair she's just had on her husband. And most of it's just too on the nose for me. "Now I understand!!!"

Anyway, sorry to others, I don't mean to dominate this thread since I know my opinion isn't definitive. I guess that's what happens when you see things long after everyone else.

[Lady Cluck]

I don't hate "Moments in the Woods," of course, only something about the song feels insincere following an affair she's just had on her husband. And most of it's just too on the nose for me. "Now I understand!!!"

It's supposed to be that way The entire song addresses the affair so I don't see what's so insincere about that fact. The affair mainly serves as a metaphor for life's adventures, good and bad, and her "and/or" dichotomy is challenging the rigid barriers of absolute right and wrong so often seen in traditional fairy tales, even though the audience is prone to believing she's done something morally wrong. We all know nobody's perfect and we all have "moments in the woods," but I know it's hard for some people to watch a woman cheat on her husband and actually be reflective about this random event that took her by surprise, what it means for her life, and what she could learn from it. Her "on the nose" epiphany and justification for her actions makes her immediate death all the more unsettling. It's a subversive, poignant, and beautifully written song, and most Broadway/Sondheim buffs list it among their favorites, especially from Into the Woods. There's a reason there was SO much outcry when it was rumored to be cut from the film. It's an absolutely critical song to include because of its message.

I don't know what my opinion of Last Midnight has to do with this, but I don't necessarily prefer it to other ways it's been performed, but it does work for the tone of the film and the portrayal of the witch. I would have been disappointed if it was anything but a dramatic scenery-chewing moment for Meryl Streep and it fully delivered on that promise. I adore the Broadway cast, but comparing every little thing to them is silly. Let's face it, this is far from perfect and some of the changes and cuts weren't for the better (though many were just to keep things movie-length), but it was a lot more faithful than anyone could have expected when DISNEY announced they'd be adapting it.

[Disney's Divinity]

It's supposed to be that way The entire song addresses the affair so I don't see what's so insincere about that fact. The affair mainly serves as a metaphor for life's adventures, good and bad, and her "and/or" dichotomy is challenging the rigid barriers of absolute right and wrong so often seen in traditional fairy tales, even though the audience is prone to believing she's done something morally wrong. We all know nobody's perfect and we all have "moments in the woods," but I know it's hard for some people to watch a woman cheat on her husband and actually be reflective about this random event that took her by surprise, what it means for her life, and what she could learn from it.

I find it insincere because she might as well be singing about having broken her diet with all the weight she gives to what happened with the prince. She doesn't even seem remotely distressed after she remembers why she loves her husband that she's cheated on him or wonder what she'll say to him. But maybe it is because I see adultery as morally wrong that I'd expect most characters to be at least a little concerned in that situation and less ho-hum, that was fun, time to move on. Besides this song, I like the Baker's wife, but for some reason the response to her affair makes her seem almost as self-centered as the princes in the story. The only thing I do like about the song is that it acknowledges how boring/difficult daily life is in a relationship with someone, and how a "moment" with someone else can seem attractive because of it.

and most Broadway/Sondheim buffs list it among their favorites, especially from Into the Woods.

That's very nice for them. I'm not sure why I should care.

I don't know what my opinion of Last Midnight has to do with this

I suppose not. Far be it from me to question your opinions, when you find something so wrong with mine.

I adore the Broadway cast, but comparing every little thing to them is silly.

True. But that wouldn't make me like the way "Last Midnight" is in the film anymore than I do, or make me find Meryl Streep's voice on this any less underwhelming. It doesn't come anywhere close to capturing the song, imo.

[Lady Cluck]

[Disney's Divinity]

[Disney Duster]

Well Disney's Divinity, you bring up some very good points about "Moments in the Woods" and how a person would feel after cheating on their spouse. However, I still don't find fault with the song. I imagine the time for the Baker's Wife to feel very guilty and remorseful and sad would happen when she finally told her husband about the moment in the woods. I see why you think it should happen much sooner, and in the song, but I have a differing opinion.

Here, here, on the song and film and show, Lady Cluck!

[Disney's Divinity]

However, I still don't find fault with the song.

I don't expect you to. My opinion won't change either.

[Matt]

I needed two tylenols after watching this!
It would have been better without them singing every 5 seconds. I enjoyed the few seconds they didn't sing lol. I know I'm gonna get attacked for saying this but it's my opinion.

[Vlad]

I got the movie on DVD, and I saw it yesterday for the first time, from start to finish, as I didn't get the chance to see it in theatres. I definitely liked it, the music was awesome, though it pales in comparison with Les Misérables (I have a soft spot for that one, and I can't not compare recent movie musicals with it ). I loved Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Lila Crawford and Anna Kendrick. I found the character of the Baker very likeable, but for some reason, I don't like the actor. Johnny Depp had 10 minutes (more or less) screentime, but his song was one of the best.

I never heard of the Broadway musical prior to this, so the story was completely new to me, but I do think the idea of combining all these classic fairy tales and adding so many mature and dark elements to them was amazing.