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.