Thoughts on "Into the Woods"

(for those of you who have not seen Into the Woods yet - don't worry, this is spoiler free!)

Nice is different than good.
Charming does not mean sincere.
Wishes come true, not free.

After seeing the trailer for Into the Woods, I knew that this film would be just my cup of tea. It's a musical, it's Disney, it's retellings of fairy-tales, it's Chris Pine. What more could I ask for?

I was not disappointed.

I wish.

More than anything,

More than life,

I wish.

The music was gorgeous. Some songs are beautiful and chilling ("Stay With Me" and "Giants in the Sky"), some are just plain hilarious ("AGONY"), and some make me tear up ("No One is Alone"). Visually, the movie was stunning. Minimal CGI, for the win. It makes a big difference to use real locations instead of a green-screen room. The acting was great (not surprising with a cast like that!), and I also appreciated that the film was "Disney-fied"- much of the inappropriate content found in the original stage production was left out.

What surprised me, though, was that this movie turned out to be more than just a fun, fluffy movie. It was darker, deeper, and more thought-provoking than I expected.

You see, in my opinion, good stories make you think. They ask you hard questions and force you to ponder them even after the credits are finished rolling.

In this film, unlike in the age old tales we've heard a hundred times before, the characters get what they wish for, but it doesn't give them a happily ever after. Into the Woods presented a more accurate representation of what happens so often in the world we live in. Things aren't always what they seem. People make big, terrible mistakes. People get what they want but are left unsatisfied.

Princes wait there in the world, it's true.
Princes, yes, but wolves and humans, too.

As I said, the film poses some interesting questions, but it doesn't answer them - or at least, it didn't give answers that I agree with. As a Christian, though, I know that the answers can be found in the God's Word.

I appreciated that this film was more then just entertaining. I found it to be impactful and emotional as well as being completely enjoyable.

People make mistakes.

Father, Mothers.

Holding to their own,
Thinking they're alone.

You are not alone.

Usually after seeing a movie - even a great one - I'm not all that eager to see it again right away. But this time, I'm pining for the DVD. Waiting is..."AGONYYYY!" *rips shirt*

Did you go see Into the Woods? What did you think? If you haven't seen it yet...well, I think it's worth the six euro movie tickets.