ITW Movie

[TBFL]

Posted: 12/31/14 at 4:23pm

I thought it was wonderful - even better than i hoped it would be. I saw it in the huge Ziegfeld Theatre with a very appreciative audience on Christmas Day!

It's very faithful to the original stage version and you can understand why certain cuts were made. As much as i love No More, it would have stopped the flow towards the conclusion. its still used to underscore the scene and sounds beautiful - as does the whole score. Such a huge lush sound from the huge orchestra. I thought all the performances were good - some great. Johnny Depp was Johnny Depp, but thankfully hes not around for long. Joanna Riding sounds glorious in her tiny role as Cinderella's mother. As good as Meryl Streep is, the film belongs to Emily Blunt. Stunning. Moments In The Woods is fantastic.

My only gripe was that i felt the ending was thrown away slightly. Lament/Children Will Listen makes such an impact on stage, it has an important story to tell, that its abridged version in the film seems wasted, especially the way it is done in the film. I think it deserves more focus. A minor gripe but it was always a moment that really moved me in the theatre, but not so much in the film. maybe the visuals detract from what is being said.

That said I hope it does huge business here.

[Enjolras15]

Posted: 1/13/15 at 6:28pm

I too really missed "No More" as it's my favourite song in the show. Agree with the ending. The whole film is just incredible. A great job with a great Sondheim show.

[devonian.t]

Posted: 1/17/15 at 8:18am

I enjoyed the film more than I expected.

For me 'No More' is the darkest before the dawn- and the moment of epiphany when the Baker decides not to be like his father.

I would have liked the Witch to reappear in some form in Cghildren Will Listen too.