Into the Woods

My mother took my sister and I to see a stage production of Into the Woods when I was a teen. I loved it! It was a fun and fantastic twist on several of my favorite fairy tales. When I heard that Disney was filming their own production, I was ecstatic, especially once I heard who was to star in the film. We went to see this new film recently, and loved it as well. I will warn you, this post does contain spoilers, but if you're familiar with the fairytales Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood, most of it will not come as a surprise.

There are many characters in Into the Woods, and the title song introduces many of them. There's Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and her wicked stepmother (Christine Baranski) and stepsisters (Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch). Anna Kendrick, who rose to fame in the Twilight movies,  is quite a wonderful Broadway style singer, as is Christine Baranski, who did a fantastic job singing in another musical film, Mama Mia. Lucy Punch was also the wicked stepsisters in another Disney film, Ella Enchanted. We also meet the Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt). He played the much abused servant Planchet in the most recent Three Musketeers, and she was the voice of Juliet in Gnomeo and Juliet, among other roles. Meryl Streep is incredible as the Witch, and although I absolutely adore her in Mama Mia, she does a much better job of singing in Into the Woods. Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford in her debut screen role), Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) and his mother (Tracy Ullman) round out the group that must enter the woods, either to solve a problem or visit someone far away. Daniel Huttlestone previously appeared as Gavroche in the lavish film production of Les Miserables.  Tracy Ullman, who has been making me laugh since Robin Hood: Men in Tights, also lent her voice to characters in the Corpse Bride and Kronk's New Groove.

As there adventures play out in the Woods, they meet each other, as well as other characters. The Baker and his wife must find the things that the Witch requires so that they can have a child. The Witch requires four things: the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, the slipper as pure as gold. Jack must sell his best friend, his cow Milky White. Cinderella must find a way to attend the Prince's (Chris Pine) Ball. And Little Red Riding Hood must make her way to Grandmother's house. On the way, she meets the Wolf (the delicious Johnny Depp who is absolutely wicked in the role, especially when he sings "Hello Little Girl"). As the Baker and his wife split up to better continue their search, she sees Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) and her Prince (Billy Magnussen) meeting in a tower.

Through a series of wild and ridiculous misadventures, everyone works to toward their own goal. The Baker and his wife manage to find and lose and find again the items that they need. Cinderella continually evades the Prince, who, along with his brother, Rapunzel's Prince, sings the hilarious song "Agony" to explain their misery at falling in love with girls who are distant, each in their own way. Cinderella's Prince finally comes up with a wily way to catch the mystery maid, but succeeds only in catching her shoe. Rapunzel's Prince is caught by the Witch and cast out into a wall of thorns. Jack, who traded his cow to the Baker for "magic beans", has gone up the beanstalk and robbed the giants, and even killed one. Eventually, everyone gets what they think they desire, only to discover that the giant's mother (Frances de la Tour, who played another giantess in Harry Potter) has come seeking revenge for the death of her son. Back into the Woods, everyone must go to find a way to set everything right. I won't spoil the end for those who haven't seen it, but it is quite unexpected.

In all, I quite enjoyed the film. While it isn't exactly like the stage musical, it was still a good adaptation. (And the songs will be stuck in your head for days. We ended up buying the soundtrack because of this.) If you have the chance, see Into the Woods. You may end up loving it, too.

D23 Live Action Movie Update

All images: Disney

I wish I could have gone to the D23 Expo this year; there was a lot of amazing news shared these past 3 days. However, I'd like to share what I think will be the most fun: the live action movies. Here's a little preview of what you can expect in the next few years.

First up was Thor: The Dark World. I love Marvel movies in general, and I can't wait to see this one. The second film in Phase Two of the Avengers Initiative, this film will see the return of all of the great actors that made the first film such a success. Thor returns to Earth to see Jane Foster and bring her to Asgard. Together, Thor and his companions must risk everything to face an enemy even Odin and the Asgardians cannot defeat. Thor: The Dark World arrives in theaters November 8th.

Next up was Into the Woods. I saw Into the Woods on stage when I was about 13. It wasn't entirely appropriate, but a lot of the inuendo was over my head at the time. I must say I'm a little concerned that Disney is making this film. After all, this particular Sondheim musical is a very dark take on classic fairy tales. By the second act, you realize that no one has had a happily ever after, and all of the characters are completely miserable. All that aside, this film is an example of some really amazing casting. Actors include Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince, Christine Baransky as Cinderella's Stepmother, Johnny Depp as the Wolf, and Meryl Streep as the Witch who is trying to teach them all a lesson. It should be fun! Into the Woods arrives in theaters in December 2014.

Directed by the legendary Kenneth Branagh, Disney's next adventure is the live action Cinderella. This version is expected to follow the traditional story, so it will be up to the casting to set this film apart. The cast includes: Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine (Cinderella's wicked stepmother), and Stellan Skarsgard as the Grand Duke (an adviser to the king). Lily James (Lady Rose on Downton Abbey) and Richard Madden (Robb Stark on Game of Thrones) round out the cast as Cinderella and her Prince Charming.  Disney's Cinderella arrives in theaters in March 2015.

We've now arrived at what may be the most intriguing of these live action films: Maleficent. Following the story of Maleficent, rather than Aurora, this is an interesting spin on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Starring Angelina Jolie in the title role, Maleficent will show us what events led up to her becoming evil and ultimately caused her to curse a tiny baby, the Princess Aurora. Maleficent arrives in theaters on July 2, 2014.

Next up was Muppets: Most Wanted. As with all Muppet movies, this one looks to be a wild ride. Following that great Muppet tradition, this film will star all your favorite Muppets alongside great guest stars like Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey. I'm not sure what this one will be about, other than pure Muppet madness, but I'm sure it will be a blast to watch! Muppets Most Wanted arrives in theaters in Spring 2014.

For more Marvel fun, we have Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In this film, Cap will once again be battling against injustice, cynicism, and intolerance in defense of the American dream. Teaming up once again with Black Widow, he will have to fight a friend from his past in order to save the future. Captain America: The Winter Soldier arrives in theaters April 4, 2014.

Next up is Saving Mr. Banks. The film stars Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as PL Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. It is the story of how Walt promised his daughters that he would turn their favorite book into a movie, without knowing how hard PL Travers would fight to prevent it. In two short weeks in 1961, Walt does his best to change her mind, with the help of the Sherman brothers and their amazing songs. However, it's not until he thinks back on his own childhood that he begins to understand the ghosts that haunt her and how they can work together to create something amazing. Saving Mr. Banks arrives in theaters December 20, 2013.

Other project, which I will admit I know very little about, include Tomorrowland, a science fiction film with an unknown story, and Bears, a Disney Nature film. Tomorrowland stars Britt Robertson (Angie on Under the Dome) as the film's heroine, George Clooney as an inventor, and Hugh Laurie as the villain. Tomorrowland arrives in theaters on December 12, 2014. Bears, a film about the lives of a group of Alaskan bears, arrives in theaters on April 18, 2014. I look forward to seeing these films and will be sure to pass along additional information as I find it.

Cinderella and Frozen Fever

I finally had the chance to see Cinderella and Frozen Fever last night. They were both so good! I loved the Frozen short. The story, although brief, is a great addition to the original story, and the Snowgies are so cute! Elsa is preparing to celebrate Anna's birthday, but an unexpected cold puts a kink in her plans. As you can probably guess, laughter ensues.

Cinderella was also fantastic, and truly a beautiful production. (Caution, major spoiler alert, although if you know the tale of Cinderella, none of this will come as a surprise.) They did a wonderful job of retelling this classic tale, while staying true to the original story. Lily James is amazing as Cinderella. The story begins as you'd expect with Ella being the center of her parents world. Although this could have caused her to be conceited or proud, Ella grows up humble and kind to human and animal alike. When her mother falls ill, she gives Ella the best advice she can, "Have courage and be kind." Young Ella takes these words to heart, even when her father died unexpectedly and she is left to live with her wicked stepmother and two vain stepsisters. Although they treat her horribly, Ella decides to stay in her family home, to honor her parents memory. However, one day she fears that she can take no more abuse, and rides off alone toward the woods. There she meets a handsome stranger named Kit, and impresses him with her kindness and wisdom. She decides to return home, and soon after discovers that the King has decided to throw a ball to find his son a bride, and the Prince has insisted that every eligible maiden is invited. With a bit of help from her Fairy Godmother, the amazing Helena Bonham Carter, Cinderella is able to go to the ball. It's at the ball that she meets Kit again, and realizes that he is the Prince.

They begin to fall in love, but Cinderella must flee when the clock strikes midnight. Fortunately for the Prince, she loses a shoe on the steps. In a slight twist to the story, the King dies soon after the ball, but not before telling his son that he should marry for love and not political advantage. This leads the Prince to search for his mysterious Princess, whoever she may be, highborn or low. Unfortunately for Cinderella, her stepmother has discovered her remaining glass slipper and attempts to blackmail Cinderella into promoting her after she marries the Prince. This time, however, she's gone too far; Cinderella refuses to allow her stepmother to harm either the Prince or the Kingdom. Cinderella's household is the final stop in the Kingdom for eligible maidens try on the glass slipper. Her stepsisters' feet are too large, so the Prince's men are preparing to give up the search and leave, when they hear Cinderella singing. The Prince, who has hidden among his soldiers, insists that they find this girl and allow her to try on the slipper. When Cinderella enters the room, he recognizes her immediately, and they promise to accept each other as they are, just as soon as the shoe fits. Of course, the wicked stepmother and stepsisters get their just desserts, and Cinderella receives what she deserves: her own happily ever after.

I loved the message throughout the film that kindness and courage are both important and powerful qualities. I also loved the way Ella embraced who she was, although she saw the world not as it was, but as it could be. This world would be a happier place if we could all embrace such qualities and make them a part of our everyday lives. I also loved the way the Prince fell in love with her not just for her physical beauty, but for the beauty of her kindness and wisdom. Finally, I adored the costumes! While Cinderella's dress was the same for much of the film, it was beautiful and deceptively complex for such a simple gown, and her ballgown was simply stunning. If you have the chance, be sure to watch this latest version of Cinderella. You'll be glad you did.

Tinker Bell: The Secret of the Wings

Disney

After several delays and a name change, the next Tinker Bell movie is finally set to be released October 23, 2012. The Secret of the Wings is the final seasonal story in the Fairies collection. Tink and her fairy friends journey to the forbidden Winter Woods and discover a secret that will change them forever. Along the way, they meet Periwinkle, a new winter fairy.

Disney

The Bluray/DVD set will feature tons of new bonus features, taking you deeper into the world of the fairies. To celebrate this new film, Disney has debuted a new Facebook page where parents can find the latest Fairy news and activities for the whole family. Become a Disney Fairies fan now to stay up to date on everyone's favorite fairy. To view clips of the film and for more information, stop by Disney's site The Secret of the Wings.

No One Is Alone - Into the Woods

Disney

I love the music from Into the Woods.

Christmas Movies for Kids 4

Here are a few more of my favorite Christmas movies for kids.

Disney

Prep and Landing - When Prep and Landing Elves arrive in a child's home, their job is to get everything ready for the arrival of Santa. But when Wayne the elf is passed over for a promotion, he decides not to do his job, with disastrous results. However, after seeing how much his new partner Lanny and a little boy named Timmy love Christmas, he has a change of heart.

Disney

Prep and Landing: Naughty vs Nice - There are two types of Elves that visit homes on Christmas Eve: Prep and Landing Elves who visit nice kids, and the Coal Elf Brigade who visit naughty kids. This year, Wayne must work with his Coal Elf baby brother Noel to stop a naughty kid from ruining Christmas for kids everywhere.

Disney

Nightmare Before Christmas - I can never quite decide if this is a Halloween movie or a Christmas one. While walking in the woods near Halloweentown, Jack Skellington stumbles across doors that lead to other holidays. Intrigued, he decides to bring Christmas home with him. Then he thinks that the citizens of Halloweentown should be the ones to provide gifts and holiday cheer this Christmas. The results are disastrous, and it's up to Jack, his wise friend Sally, and Santa to save the day.

Rankin Bass

The Year Without a Santa Claus - This is another Christmas classic from Rankin Bass. When Santa wakes up with a cold in December, he decides he won't deliver gift this year. In an effort to change his mind and show him that he's truly needed, Mrs Claus sends two elves, Jingle and Jangle, to Southtown. They get into all sorts of trouble along the way, meeting the Miser Brothers and Mother Nature before finally convincing Santa to take his annual Christmas ride.

Rankin Bass

Nestor The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey - This is another Rankin Bass classic. Poor Nestor has ears that cause him to be picked on by the other donkeys. But his mother loves him no matter what, and even gives her life to save him from a storm. After talking to a cherubim named Tilly, he wanders through the desert until he meets Mary and Joseph, whom he helps on their way to Bethlehem. In the end, his long ears make him a hero, and an important part of the Christmas story.

If you need a few more ideas for what to watch this Christmas, check out my other favorites:
Christmas Movies for Kids Part 1
Christmas Movies for Kids Part 2
Christmas Movies for Kids Part 3
A Christmas Carol

Children Will Listen - Into the Woods

Disney

Words to remember... "Children Will Listen."