Comments on: Movie Review: INTO THE WOODS

By: Eirego

Eirego — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 06:44:07 +0000

I have a strong theater background and have been exposed to a number of musicals, Gus, but I have never heard of anyone calling Into the Woods a brilliant musical. I agree that the 1st act is really fun and unconventional, but the 2nd has problems and a lot of theaters even cut the Prince/Rapunzel story line. Until you have seen the movie version, I suggest you give way to the opinion of someone who has.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 22:22:18 +0000

While I don’t know much about musicals, which I made clear in the first paragraph, I worked in production at Disney Studios for five years, during which time I read and covered many scripts. If anything, I tend to be overly critical of movies because I know too much about what a good script should be, not because I “know nothing.”

By: Gus

Gus — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 19:44:58 +0000

There is nothing worse than people who nothing of a particular medium of art trying to write a critique of it. Into the woods is a brilliant musical that takes familiar fairy tales and explores the psychological and sociological currents which are at their heart. Far too many people who critique the film industry have only a superficial understanding of script writing, and are incappable of bringing themselves to something that is deeper and actually provokes thought and contemplation. They are so used to the obvious being pre-digested and placed in their lap, that they are unable to actually analize an intelligent script. It’s like trying to feed a five course meal from a three Michelin star restaurant to a person who only eats fast food. They just don’t get it, and are unable to appreciate it.

By: Naomi Johnson

Naomi Johnson — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:14:47 +0000

I’m going to pass on Into the Woods. I enjoy Sondheim’s music (a LOT), but other than his lyrics in West Side Story, I’ve never felt his stage productions have translated well to the screen. Didn’t like the film versions of Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, or Gypsy. I liked A Funny Thing HOTWTTF when I was a kid, but find it hard to sit through now. When I want Sondheim, I dial him up on the iPod.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:45:14 +0000

My goal is always to get your butt in the seat. Next time.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:44:22 +0000

I also saw that L.A. production, with Vanessa Williams as the witch, right? I think both the stage and movie versions could’ve ended sooner because the messages didn’t need to be repeated and hammered home.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:36:36 +0000

You said you adored musicals growing up—do you still like them? I did like WEST SIDE STORY when I saw it as a kid.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:34:58 +0000

Yes, the second act gets much darker. My friend loved the stage version and she really liked the movie, too, so I think that’s a good sign for you!

By: lauren

lauren — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:35:38 +0000

I like musicals (Hello, Oklahoma! *jazz hands*), but had no inclination to see this. Not a huge fan of the fairy tale, I guess. Some of the actors and performances you mentioned give me a little tug towards seeing it, but ultimately don’t think this one’s in my wheelhouse. Great review, though. Even with your issues, you almost got my butt in the seat, which is saying something. 🙂

By: Eirego

Eirego — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:33:26 +0000

I’m usually on the fence when it comes to musicals. Some work and some don’t. Like you, I will probably show up for the cast. I saw a touring production in Los Angeles years ago and had the same trouble with the plot. I also felt the 2nd act feels added on at the last minute, but the first act alone doesn’t have much of a message.