Cruella

 

  

     What a pleasant surprise. I was not expecting much from this fabricated "origin" story of one of Disney's most despicable villains but the film far exceeds expectations.  

      The film stars Emma Stone as the adult title character who we meet as a five-year-old named Estrella (played by Billie Gadsdon). Jump ahead to the 12-year-old Estrella (played by Tipper Seifert-Cleveland, she is now orphaned and living off the streets of London. She meets two other orphan boys, Jasper and Horace and the three form a bond stealing what they can to survive. Along the way, Estrella befriends a stray dog she names "Buddy", who gets along with Horace's one-eyed dog, "Blink". The dogs are adorable.

      Jumping ahead 10 years, we now find the three as adults with Estrella an aspiring fashion designer still living with Jasper( now played by Joel Fry) and Horace (now played by Paul Walter Hauser). From that point on, it's comic misadventures and a revenge plot that fuels the story as Estrella morphs into Cruella. Co-starring in a pivotal role is Emma Thompson as Baroness Von Hellman. The film also features Mark Strong and John McCrea.

      The story is actually a lot of fun with many sight gags and funny lines. It is also suspenseful and surprising. What really elevates it though, is a wonderful soundtrack with every song perfectly placed and absolutely fabulous costumes. And of course, what would the film be without Dalmatians? In this case, three who also play important roles.

      The film is in theaters and also available on Disney + as a premium add-on.  It's fine family fare (although there is one death scene that may be too intense for small kids) and even satisfying just for adults. Stay for a surprise extra scene, mid-credits.

In The Heights

          

      A joyous celebration of family, community and Latino heritage that can still appeal to a broad audience and is the perfect film to celebrate the return to the movies as we emerge from a post pandemic world.  Filled with colorful visuals, big dance production numbers and the energy of New York's Washington Heights neighborhood, the film is an upbeat breath of fresh air for the summer. 

      Based on the Broadway show written by Quiara Alegria Hudes with music (and co-written) by Lin Manuel Miranda, the film version is directed by Jon M. Chu with minor changes to the story. Anthony Ramos stars as Usnavi, a bodega owner in the "Heights" who dreams of one day returning to the Dominican Republic. He acts as the story's narrator as the film opens with him relating his history to a gathering of small children at a beachside bar. Mr. Ramos is magnetic with true star quality. He runs the bodega with his younger cousin Sonny, played by Gregory Diaz IV who is also an appealing young actor who should have a great career ahead of him.

      The film also stars Melissa Barreraas as Vanessa, Usnavi's love interest, Corey Hawkins as Benny, his best friend, Leslie Grace as Nina, Benny's love interest, Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario, Nina's father, Olga Merediz as "Abuela" Claudia, the neighborhood matriarch, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela, the owner of the neighbor beauty salon and in a small role, Mr. Miranda as the Piragua (Shaved Ice) vendor. 

     While there are some wonderful production numbers and an appealing story, the film is not perfect. There are some flat scenes that slow things down. The film could definitely have been shorter ( it runs almost two and a half hours). There are some loose ends that don't quite get tied up. And of course, we see only the "fairytale" side of Washington Heights. The closest thing we get to crime is a graffiti artist.  But the over-all obvious labor of love and joy throughout makes up for any minor flaws.

      For anyone who has seen "Hamilton" or heard its soundtrack, you can definitely hear the origins of those songs here as Hamilton's seeds of brilliant music and rap were organically planted here by Mr. Miranda. There are even one or two surprise Hamilton moments scattered through the film "In The Heights" is available on HBO MAX but if possible and if you comfortable with the idea, it should be seen on a big screen with theater quality sound to really appreciate it.