Oooh…. I haven’t done a film review in ages, have I? Well, here’s one for CRUELLA, which I popped along to see at Picturehouse Central last night. It was pretty much exactly what I expected – but done with some panache. Emma Stone, as a young Cruella de Vil, makes for an engaging lead and she’s terrific in the role. But Emma Thompson – playing her villainous counterfoil The Baroness – absolutely steals every scene she’s in, playing a character that’s like Diana Rigg channelling The Devil Wears Prada.
It’s a lush looking movie. Plenty of cash was spent, and the costumes are truly spectacular. I’m sure it’ll get nominated for Costume Design in the next Awards season. The soundtrack was pretty good too.
As a film, it’s perfectly acceptable entertainment. Moderately amusing in places, with a few little twists that you’ll see coming a mile away. It’s very Panto – I’m sure Disney will prob turn it into a musical for stage at some point. It’s filled with cartoonish and broadly drawn characters, which limits the depth of the story. And ultimately it’s no Paddington (or Paddington 2!)
Still, if you feel like something light, this might just be the (fashion) show for you!
