Review: ‘Into the Woods’ captures the feel of watching a live play on stage

Posted on January 2, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

Following “Annie,” the second musical adaptation of this holiday season is “Into the Woods,” based on the Tony Award-winning production created by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Structured around many well-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters, the musical weaves a story, which at its core, is about the journey we all must travel through life.

Unlike “Annie,” which felt like it was never truly comfortable  being a musical, “Into the Woods” feels very much like a stage production which happens to be on film. It also helps that its main cast can actually sing well, with the songs sounding like the characters are singing them rather than lip-syncing to studio recordings (which I’m sure they were, but they do a good job of making us believe otherwise). There are a few pacing issues, especially in the second half, that make the film feel its full 124-minute runtime, but overall, this the kind of musical adaptation fans of the genre have been looking for. Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, with a unique look at the fairy tales we all grew up reading, a collection of catchy songs and a wonderful cast to sing them, “Into the Woods” is one of the better wide releases of December.

I said in my review of “Annie” that despite its flaws, the film was not a bad introduction to musicals for younger audiences. For those whose children are a bit older, “Into the Woods” may serve the same purpose, and do it better. Sure, the woods here may be a bit darker and threatening than the candy-filled adventures of “Annie,” but the tension feels more immediate and the morals ultimately have more resonance because of it.

“Into the Woods” is one of the better musical adaptations I’ve seen, featuring one of the best ensemble casts of the year, and should entertain just about any musical fan, and perhaps those who don’t know it yet that they are fans.

The film is rated PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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