Movie Review: Cruella
“The World Was Such a Wholesome Place Until…” Cruella
The live action Disney adaptation genre continues to grow and impress audiences. Focusing on the perspective of a classic Disney villain and told as an origin story set in 1970s London, the film follows aspiring fashion designer, Estelle Miller, as she tries to make it in the profession she has always dreamt of, eventually leading her to become the infamous and notorious Cruella DeVil who’d go on to be the main antagonist of the 101 Dalmatians franchise.
Disney films have been entertaining audiences for many years with creative storytelling, unique characters, and fascinating world building. Cruella can be argued to be a new direction for the Disney films, giving it a fresh take for audiences of all generations but respecting the past source material, while also embracing its new approach.
Even with the dark overtone, the film is a fun, enjoyable experience from start to finish, with an amazing soundtrack and superb acting where you can feel the chemistry between everyone on screen. Acting buffs will no doubt see the joy from all the actors performing these roles. Emma Stone brings a combination of innocence, heartbreak, hilarity, intimidation, and scary, but all around a brilliant portrayal of the classic villain, Cruella De Vil.
Of course, the most important aspect of the film that cannot be ignored is its visual appeal. The costumes, done by Jenny Beavan, are extraordinary, as well as the set design, done by Alice Felton. Both give off a 70s British punk rock feel to it, along with a slight Victorian spin.
Cruella may be intense for some younger viewers due to its darkness, however overall it is an enjoyable experience.
Cruella is rated PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements.
TIP JAR
Manuel Ruiz is a film maker from Ridgecrest. He has been working on Big Hollywood films such as Django Unchained and The Lone Ranger for more than 10 years.
