01-05-2015, 01:32 PM
We walked to the Del Mar to catch this as a family. The Del Mar is a beautifully restored historic theater downtown that usually plays artsy flicks. S & T loved it. I was amused as I do so love a good musical, but I might have been biased after reading your 'meh' review here, Greg. I've never seen ITW before, but it was so Sondheim it hurt - that stereotypical counterpoint singing style of his, particularly in the title track. Nevertheless, iIt made me want to see the play.
As for the story, I've seen sooooo many fairy tale mash-ups. This was just another one in that regards. I'm happy that it went back to the original Grimm stories, particularly with the blinding of the prince and the foot-clipping of the evil stepsisters. Poor Lucy Punch. She is destined to play evil stepsisters but she's so damn good at that role - she embodied it with Ella Enchanted.
As for the singing, Johnny Depp can't sing but we knew that from Sweeney Todd. I'm not sure that Meryl can sing either. I think she's just such a good actress that she can act like she can sing. Emily Blunt was a revelation. Who the heck is James Corden? The kids, Jack and Red Riding Hood, were great - classic Broadway voices. And Anna Kendrick, well, we've known she's got great pipes since Pitch Perfect. Amy Adams? WTH? Do all white chicks look alike to you, Greg?
I totally agree with you on Chris Pine. He's such a great over-actor, nailed this role and stole the show. I think it all rubbed off on him from playing Capt. Kirk. I think that had the same effect on Scapino too.
I was bummed there wasn't a sword fight, but at least they had swords. HP factor: 1 - Giantess = Madame Maxine (T figured that one out).
As for the story, I've seen sooooo many fairy tale mash-ups. This was just another one in that regards. I'm happy that it went back to the original Grimm stories, particularly with the blinding of the prince and the foot-clipping of the evil stepsisters. Poor Lucy Punch. She is destined to play evil stepsisters but she's so damn good at that role - she embodied it with Ella Enchanted.
As for the singing, Johnny Depp can't sing but we knew that from Sweeney Todd. I'm not sure that Meryl can sing either. I think she's just such a good actress that she can act like she can sing. Emily Blunt was a revelation. Who the heck is James Corden? The kids, Jack and Red Riding Hood, were great - classic Broadway voices. And Anna Kendrick, well, we've known she's got great pipes since Pitch Perfect. Amy Adams? WTH? Do all white chicks look alike to you, Greg?
I totally agree with you on Chris Pine. He's such a great over-actor, nailed this role and stole the show. I think it all rubbed off on him from playing Capt. Kirk. I think that had the same effect on Scapino too.
I was bummed there wasn't a sword fight, but at least they had swords. HP factor: 1 - Giantess = Madame Maxine (T figured that one out).
Shadow boxing the apocalypse