Cruella, the film starring Emma Stone, became available to all Disney+ subscribers earlier this week. The film had originally planned to have a premiere and huge opening, but following the outbreak of Covid, that idea was quickly cancelled.
Not wanting to lose on their investment but also maintain the hype around the film, Disney+ decided to release the film during the pandemic at a small fee to their subscribers-should they wish to watch the film. Unexpectedly the small fee helped Disney recoup the costs and turned a profit for the film during the midst of the global pandemic.
Following the unexpected successes a subsequent sequel is being panned with Emma Stone set to star in the planned sequel of Cruella.
Was Cruella worth all the hype??
In short, yes. It is a spectacular prequel to the 1996 live version of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.
Cruella gives the backstory to Cruella DeVil and her life before she became the evil character of the famed cartoon movie. Estella as she was known as a kid, grew up as a difficult child, finally getting expelled from school. She relocates to London with her mother, in hopes to set up a new life, but tragedy strikes, leaving Estella homeless and without her beloved mother. Estella finds a new life for herself with friends Jasper and Horace.
Loosely based on the novel by Dodie Smith, Cruella is an interesting take on making what is essentially an evil character good. Giving the audience an understanding of what made a bad character turn but also making the viewing public sympathetic towards this character, similar in essence to the Joker franchise.
Directed by Craig Gillespie, Cruella is a fascinating take on the life of Cruella De Vil. The creative themes of the film flashes between fantasy and dream and that is what makes the film such an enjoyable experience. You can see the director enjoyed using his imagination when creating this film.
The sets and costumes of this Disney film are astounding. They are a visual feast. Watching Estella slowly become Cruella and her development as a fashion designer is a beautiful creative journey that you cannot help but enjoy.
Watching Emma Stone spar with Emma Thompson is pure genius. Emma Thompson is playing The Baroness, an evil and self-absorbed fashion designer who is determined to keep her notoriety and fame no matter the cost. The ongoing struggles and tension between both characters in the film is a lot of fun and a creative pleasure as two strong women battle it out on screen.
Emma Thompson as the Baroness was a nice surprise, she is such a great actress and you can see she relished in playing this truly awful character.
Emma Stone as Cruella is devilishly good. She is captivating on the screen as this role. It is a little over the top but so much fun.
If you are wanting something fun and surprising and a visual feast for the eyes, Cruella on Disney+ is the film for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pxya2DGj-k