Disney’s Cruella debuted across the United States to unofficially kick off the 2021 summer movie season. Featuring Academy Award winner, Emma Stone, this all-new-live-action film reveals the origin of one of Disney’s most hated villains.
How’s the story?
Given that a torrential rainstorm washed away my family’s outdoor activities this weekend, we forged ahead to see a movie; no small choice given it would mark our return to a movie theater since the pandemic began in March 2020. As a lifelong Disney fan, I can confidently state that most moviegoers have never held a deep desire to see an origin story featuring Cruella De Vil. At the very least, I hoped the film would not mirror the cringe-worthy level storytelling of Disney’s The Descendants. The result? We viewed a highly stylized imaginative origin story filled with heists, fashion, physical comedy, mild violence, plot twists and animal hijinks. Set primarily in London in the 1960s, the wildly entertaining tale is fast-paced coupled with an appropriately groovy soundtrack.
How are the special effects?
I’d imagine the stunt crew was quite busy for this production since there were numerous chase scenes. Yet there were points in the movie in which the use of CGI was obvious. Still, given the strong performances by the lead actors, it didn’t necessarily detract from the movie.
The movie has a PG-13 rating. Can I take my kids?
The narrative contains some intense situations (theft, mild violence, abandonment, etc.) that younger children might find troubling. Overall, the film is darker than the average Disney movie. The protagonist is more a rebellious anti-hero displaying a level of selfishness and indifference that can be jarring to innocent young minds. If you must take your kids, think middle school age and up rather than elementary school.
Are there any ideal moments for Bathroom Breaks?
Although the movie is over 2 hours in length, it’s a fast-paced film. If nature calls, wait until the scene in which Estella begins working as a cleaning lady for a high end fashion clothing store.
Final Thoughts
Much like Writer/Director Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins presented a plausible origin story, so too does this version of Cruella de Vil. A tremendous amount of credit goes to Emma Stone fleshing out a living, breathing, iteration of the villain rather than depicting a caricature. Expect to be entertained.
Overall Grade: A-
Recommended for kids ages 10 and up.
Pros: Disney delivers an unexpectedly edge take on the origin of one’s of its best known villains. Emma Stone, playing the lead role, delivers. Hats off to Emma Thompson as well as the antagonist.
Cons: Although fast-paced, there were a few scenes that could have been edited down or left out completely. But that’s just nitpicking.
Official Movie Trailer
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