A Feminist's Take on: "Into The Woods".

This is not your run-of-the-mill, straight off the conveyor belt, musical. This family reunion of all our favorite Disney fairytales could have easily been another, long drawn out infomercial-- a hit and run of sorts-- that would have inundated one's senses with all the nuances we have come to know and love from the mouse factory. However, Muses be warned, this musical isn't for the faint of heart. And, for that matter, I wouldn't suggest bringing any child under the age of 13 to this film unless you expect to have a lot of explaining to do!

Steven Sondheim's dark retelling of all the Brother's Grimm classics is just that: dark, moody and wrought with humor that would make your fairy godmother cringe. Evil stepsister's chopping off their heels to make the glass slipper fit? Check. Prince Charming hitting on a happily married, and newly-minted mother/baker's wife/main female protagonist? Double check. With those familiar with the real stories the Disney animated films are based off of, all of this is just as it should be... and even provides a few laughs along the way. For your 8-year-old daughter, however, it's the stuff of nightmares and maybe even therapy. Pop in the Frozen DVD instead. Trust me.

Meryl Streep brings a sympathetic glow to what could have easily been another evil witch role: making the greasy-haired and long nailed she-creature both independent and bitingly honest. The witch does what she has to in order to survive... moral compass be damned. Johnny Depp is at his character-actor best; wearing a full-fledged wolf suit complete with matching cuff links. He gnaws at his lines for a demure 15 minutes or so...just long enough to not out stay his welcome.

All in all, I liked this film more than I thought was possible. The singing was actually enjoyable and the off-kilter humor fit right in with my Tim Burton-esque leanings. It showcases the debilitating obsession this society has with beauty. Not to mention the undo pressure this obsession puts on women in general-- even those that exist within this fairytale-esque world-- the effects are clear. We
will do whatever it takes to fit in at the ball, and yet is it worth the risk? Especially if Prince Charming has the IQ of a moss covered rock and a straying eye, Sondheim asks? The answer is clear as the characters struggle to stray from their respective paths in order to defeat the witch, slay the giant-- and then continue on their merry way towards their "happily ever after" ending.

I would highly suggest this musical for anyone who is a fan of Sondheim's original stage play. Or, any adult looking for a modern retelling showcasing all these classic characters at their comic best.