12A, 2hrs 14mins
With cinemas finally back open, I'm thrilled to have a selection of new and exciting films to see and review, and I kicked things off with Disney's latest live action adaptation, villain origin story 'Cruella'. Cruella De Vil is not the first of Disney's iconic animated villains to get the live action treatment, but with Oscar winner Emma Stone at the helm it has been eagerly anticipated. While I hadn't been majorly excited for the film's release, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. The performances are strong, it's incredibly watchable and entertaining and the stunning fashion coupled with one of the best 60s/70s soundtracks I've heard makes the film a very worthy watch.
Before there was the villainous Cruella, there was Estella, a young and gifted woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Orphaned at a young age and believing it to be her fault, Estella strives to stay on a good path and fight the angry and violent side of her personality (which her mother had called 'Cruella'). With her companions Jasper (Joel Fry), Horace (Paul Walter Hauser) and two of the best and cutest dogs you've ever seen Wink and Buddy, the group steal, plot and scheme together in London, before Estella's talent lands her a job at the coveted fashion house helmed by the wicked and unforgiving Baroness (Emma Thompson). After learning of the Baroness' connection with her late mother Estella plots to ruin her and her empire from within by continuing to work for her, and allowing her alter ego Cruella to upstage her at lavish events.
As the whole, the film is very entertaining and enjoyable. There is enough mystery and intrigue within the plot to hold your attention, and it is well acted and often incredibly funny. At times I felt that Emma Stone's British accent came off as a bit too over the top, but it works for the characterisation. The stars of the film however are the costumes and the soundtrack. Scenes of incredible fashion are set against some of the most recognisable pop, rock and punk songs of the 1960s and 70s which will undoubtedly leave you head-bobbing and shoulder-shimmying in your seat!
The film will be available in cinemas for another week and can be accessed for a fee on Disney+ now, but if you can I'd encourage you to go and see it in the cinema. Something which really stood out to me when seeing it last night was how amazing it is to be back in cinemas, and just how different the experience is to being at home. Sure, the pandemic made new films more accessible from the comfort of your own home but nothing compares to that cinema going experience. I've already planned my second visit for later in the week, and can't wait for a summer full of great films and popcorn!
Comments