I'm still working on getting the full Nerd News back up and running, but I'd be remiss not to mention this.
Into the WoodsWARNING: Possible spoilers ahead.
I love musicals. (See: My excitement over Galavant.) But I don't often see them in the actual theater (i.e., live action), so I have to wait until they're adapted for film. And then, it's a bit of a crap shoot whether they'll be good adaptations or poor ones. I'm not sure where the film version of Into the Woods falls on that spectrum—if you've seen the musical live, do speak up!—but I know that it was a pretty fun time at the movies, regardless.
Into the Woods features a spectacular cast who, surprisingly in some cases, can sing quite well. Meryl Streep was fantastic, and dang did she look gorgeous as the prettier version of the witch. (Love that blue hair!) I adore Anna Kendrick, and am always glad when she sings in a role. Emily Blunt and James Corden, as the baker's wife and baker, respectively, played off of each other nicely. As Mr. Wolf, Johnny Depp once again the creepy type a little too well. (But he's still sexy doing so! Even in wolf makeup.) And Chris Pine was hilariously smarmy as Prince Charming. I did not, however, enjoy Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood. There's just something about her/the way she acted in the role that rubbed me the wrong way.
I would have liked more humor in the movie, however. There was a bit—the song between the two princes was particularly awesome—but the rest of the movie was more serious than I was expecting, especially after how over-the-top many of the characters were. The movie also drug on a little; I actually thought it was over before the whole giant business began.
I'm all for more musicals hitting (film) theaters, though, so the more power to this movie to do well.
You guys. Do you like musicals? Do you like silly musicals, a la Monty Python's Spamalot?
Did you watch Galavant's premiere last night? (If not, you can do so here.)
I freely admit to being excited about the prospect of the show prior to last night's premiere, but it met and exceeded all expectations. It's ridiculous, entertaining, and I really wish it was going to be on for longer than four weeks.
In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's a trailer:
