Little did I know that when we went to see the acclaimed “Into the Woods” at the theatre near our home that it would leave the impression it did.

Going in, I was aware that it had previously been performed on Broadway, was a musical and was about 3 hours long with an intermission in the Broadway version. Thankfully, the movie was reduced to 2 hours because my pre-menopausal, borderline hypertensive middle-aged bladder just can’t go much past that time frame without relief!

My poor husband didn’t expect that a show on Broadway was also going to be a musical at the movies. God love him.

My motivation was that we needed to go see some movies that had been nominated for the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards before the award shows air so we can be ‘in the know’ as to what the fuss is all about.

I’m still not totally sure what the fuss is all about, to be completely honest. Never having seen the Broadway production, my expectations were that several fairy tales woven together along with an original story line would result in a happy ending for all. And in some back handed way, I suppose that did occur.  Not to be a spoiler, but maybe not for all.

Early in, a very sexy and seductive Big Bad Wolf, executed so perfectly by Johnny Depp, stole the show for me. I admit, after he was eliminated early in, my attention stalled for quite a while, looking for him and wishing he could return in some form.

The story progresses with its integration of fairy tale classics Jack in the Bean Stalk, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella and the new tale of the Baker and His Wife.

About 2/3 of the way in, I was a little shocked and somewhat dismayed at the behavior of one certain, Prince Charming, amorously portrayed by the handsome and also charming, Chris Pine. He was, some will remember, the same young Captain Kirk of Star Trek fame.

All I can say is, a fairy tale, which for a few minutes turned almost house-wife porn, left me speechless.

And to think I thought this movie was for kids 13 and up!

Captain Kirk would be ashamed at his behavior, which he explained, “I was raised to be charming, not sincere.” (blushes at the thought!)

Into The Woods stars Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, Kris Pine, James Corden, Lila Crawford, Tracy Ullman, Christine Baranski, MacKenzie Mauzey, Daniel Huddleston, Lucy Punch, Frances de le Tour and Tammy Blanchard ….and is nominated for Best Motion Picture/Musical/Comedy, Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress by the Golden Globes.

Of which it won, drumroll please…nada.

I can’t wait for the Oscars!

Respectfully reviewed by,

Nadine Bodine

Your very BEST friend in the whole entire world!