LAMORINDA WEEKLY | 'Into the Woods'


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Each year Disney releases a holiday film; last year it was "Frozen," which earned two Oscars (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Let It Go"). This year Disney presents "Into the Woods," a family musical based on the Broadway play which has already received three Golden Globe nominations - Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy; Emily Blunt, Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy; and Meryl Streep, Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Rob Marshall, who previously received an Oscar nomination for the 2002 box office hit "Chicago," has directed his second musical. The witch, portrayed by Meryl Streep, is in full pursuit to reverse a family curse with the help of magical items from several classic fairy tale characters. She uses the Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) to attempt the curse reversal. The all-star cast also includes Anna Kendrick (Cinderella), Johnny Depp (The Wolf), Chris Pine (The Prince) and Christine Baranski as the wicked stepmother.

"Into the Woods" is a beautifully shot film and takes the moviegoer to a faraway place, making it a great family movie event this holiday season. If you are a fan of musicals you will truly enjoy this movie. The entire cast does an outstanding job in the singing category. "Into the Woods" is rated PG and runs slightly over two hours with a total running time of 124 minutes.

Derek can be heard each Saturday morning at 8 a.m. on KEST 1450AM discussing movies and entertainment in the Bay Area.