DVD Review: Cruella

Cruella

(DVD YA Cruella)

 

I’ll have to admit, after seeing both Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and this new film, Cruella— I just don’t understand the Disney company’s need to do live-action explorations of their animated villains’ backstories. Attempting to “humanize” such unrepentant evil characters from classic films puts a bit of a tarnish on the originals.

 

I’m a huge fan of both Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, which was enough to make me check out this DVD. Cruellaexplores the formative years of young orphan Estella, she of the shockingly distinct black and white hair. She blames herself for misbehavior that ultimately led to her mother’s tragic death. A life on the streets of London working with Pascal and Horace, as successful pickpockets and small-time thieves, ultimately leads her to a job in the fashion industry, her life-long goal. But the major hurdle to her own success is the amoral, narcissistic Baroness (Emma Thompson), head of the company Estella is employed by. Baroness is alternately Estella’s mentor and nemesis, until a secret is revealed and Estella must abandon her “good girl” persona to become “Cruella”, a “bad girl” personality she had growing up, as part of her elaborate plans for revenge.

 

The performances in the film are good to great. The production design, and particularly the musical backdrops of the film are spectacular. Unfortunately, Cruella, on the whole, is merely an exercise in style over substance — it is swimming in style, but ultimately has little-to-no substance to speak of. I just felt a little empty after watching it, no matter amazing some of the imagery was.

 

Your mileage may vary. Particularly based on how much you enjoy Emma Stone.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Maleficent, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil or 101 Dalmatians)

 

( Internet Movie Database entry for this film )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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