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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.


Into the Woods
Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, and Johnny Depp
Synopsis: Full disclosure — I have never seen the musical stage version of “Into the Woods.” The show, which features music from Stephen Sondheim, first debuted in 1986. It’s been a staple on the stage ever since for its rich themes, classic characters and the way it turns the story on its head. This cinematic version — produced by Disney, directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”) and released as a family holiday film — no doubt watered down some of the more unsavory elements of the stage production. After all, in a holiday film where you’re aiming for a PG, you can’t go too dark or too adult with your narrative. I understand that angers some purists who were hoping to see a more faithful adaptation. But you have to evaluate a film for what it is, and if you’re being honest, “Into the Woods” the movie achieves its aims. It has a great cast, beautiful production values and it feels like an interesting and well-made film for families during the holiday season. This is not only a fairytale story, it’s a classical form musical. Dialogue is put to music and characters frequently break into song. “Into the Woods” joins a line of musicals that have made somewhat of a renaissance the past few years, and it joins a long list of popular Broadway shows that have made it to the big screen. Marshall is no stranger to adapting a classic musical. With “Chicago” in 2002, Marshall helped bring a famous show to the Big Screen and saw it win Best Picture. “Into the Woods” likely won’t achieve that kind of success, but here Marshall plies his skills well again, crafting an enjoyable and beautifully told adaptation of this classic and beloved story. Some may quibble over the changes made to the film. It follows, essentially, the same major beats as the play, but softens some of the more unsavory plot elements. James Lapine, who wrote the book for the original stage musical, does the adaptation for the film, and does a nice job of making it more family-friendly while maintaining the spirit of the original work. This is a story that works on a couple levels. There is a straightforward narrative that is engaging and fun to watch, but this is also a work that has a lot of underlying themes about family, wishes and happy endings. It’s a work that still wants to look at our fairy tales, and how their telling impacts the young who hear them. That makes it fascinating and provides depth. In addition, “Into the Woods” is blessed by some great performances. Blunt, whom most wouldn’t think of as a musical star, shines as the Baker’s Wife, a role that’s earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Streep, too, does a great job as the witch, similarly earning Golden Globe recognition. Two of the unsung heroes of the film — though they do quite well singing in the film — are Kendrick and Corden, who carry a good deal of the plot, are involved in some of the most emotional moments and both help add to the comedic moments as well. “Into the Woods” is a fun holiday film. For fans of musicals or just fans of a good story, it’s a film not to be missed this holiday season.
Rating: PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Interview

Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Lizzy Caplan

Synopsis: This is the movie that wasn't supposed to be seen. It caused fervor and led to a hack of Sony studios. It's Christmas Day release was cancelled, then it was suddenly put back. Only now it's hardly available in theaters, but it's readily available on Pay-Per-View and On-Demand. That is actually how I checked out the movie. I was mildly interested in this comedy before the hack and the attack on Sony. But after it was nearly censored from American audiences, it became a must see. The result is a movie that will undoubtedly be offensive to North Korea. But Rogen and Franco are equal opportunity offenders. "The Interview" doesn't paint the United States government or the CIA in a great light, either. And there are doubtless other individuals and groups that will be offended by the jokes and the characterizations in the film. That's the nature of these kind of movies. The real problem is "The Interview" isn't as interesting or clever as it wants to be. Many of the best jokes are in the trailer, and many of the gags in the movie go too far. The performances are fine, and "The Interview" is entertaining. But it's not a classic, nor is it a movie to be taken seriously. In fact, were it not for the controversy, this would likely have been a movie that came and went without much fanfare at all.

Rating: R for pervasive language, crude and sexual humor, nudity, some drug use and bloody violence. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Life Itself

Synopsis: I can't really be impartial about this film, which is one of the contenders for Best Documentary at next month's Academy Awards. We'll find out if it gets nominated next Thursday, but I believe it will and it should be. "Life Itself," from filmmaker Steve James, is about Roger Ebert, the late, great film critic, and is based on his memoir of the same name. Ebert was probably America's movie critic for decades, and I think he did a lot to advance the love of films and the nature of criticism over a glorious career. He was also a critic that people could relate to, he didn't seem to take himself too seriously, and he championed evaluating movies for what they were and for their intended audience. He didn't hold an animated film to the same scrutiny as an art film because they were different films made for different audiences. Growing up I loved Ebert — I loved watching him on TV and reading his reviews. Personally, he greatly influenced my love of film and my passion as someone who thinks critically about films and TV. This documentary is a loving tribute to him and his work, but it's also a glimpse into the life of the man behind the public persona. The beautiful interviews from directors, co-workers at the Chicago Sun Times, and his family serve to tell you all you need to know about Ebert. Like the way he viewed the gift of life, "Life Itself" is a beautiful movie about a man who is missed by his family as much as the public that revered him.

Rating: R for brief sexual images/nudity and language. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, January 9 — "Selma," "Taken 3," "Inherent Vice"

Friday, January 16 — "American Sniper," "The Wedding Ringer," "Blackhat," "Paddington"

Friday, January 23 — "Strange Magic," "Mortdecai," "The Boy Next Door," "Black or White," "Black Sea"

Friday, January 30 — "Project Almanac"