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Cruella
(Walt Disney Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
Many movies in recent years have been origin stories of famous villains none of us asked for. Yet, the Oscar-winning success of “Joker” reinforces it into another direction as a template for other studios to try to replicate. Case in point, Disney’s attempt to deliver a new take on their animated classic “101 Dalmatians” by giving us one of their most memorable villains’ own ascension towards evil. “Cruella” comes to us from director Craig Gillespie of the Oscar-winning “I, Tonya.”
In 1970s London, Estella (Emma Stone) is a young orphan, but gains a family with two would-be thieves Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser). Her dream is to be a popular fashion designer, bringing her own sense of style to the cynical fashion industry. Her luck changes when she’s hired to work for the powerful mogul known as The Baroness (Emma Thompson), whose cold and calculated demeanor helped her earn her reputation. Though she liked being under her boss’ wing, Estella’s mood changes when she discovers her wearing the necklace that belonged to her late mother.
With the help of her cohorts and a rock star designer named Artie (John McCrea), she begins a crusade of style and showmanship as her new alter-ego Cruella De Vil. Her growing popularity catches the attention of reporter Anita (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who knew Estella since childhood. But the Baroness doesn’t want to be upstaged by a new face, so she has some of her lackeys including her valet John (Mark Strong) try to find a way to get rid of her. Soon enough, Cruella’s thirst for revenge puts her on the path to her true destiny.
As far as Disney’s live-action movies based on their animated classics go, this is truly one of the better ones to come along in a while. It manages to bring something stylistic and colorful to an already beloved story and give it new life. At the same time, the story did a great job giving us a younger Cruella De Vil we can sympathize and root for beyond simply being a cartoonish villain. In the end, its dark wit and laughter is what gives it some substance unlike other Disney remakes.
Another secret to its success is the amazing display of costuming and hairstyling/makeup that helps bring to life its over-the-top, retro-style fashion world. The amount of wonderfully designed dresses is both astounding and great to look at that you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen. This is the kind of movie, which the Best Costumes Oscar was invented for. The soundtrack also consists of popular rock/pop hits of the time that offer some foot-tapping fun to this fabulous experience. Songs by Nancy Sinatra, Rolling Stones, ELO and many others will have music lovers old and young rocking in their seats.
Stone leaves a lasting impression in her portrayal of the character with her beauty, comedic timing, and her fierce personality. Her version of Cruella De Vil can be seen as a cross between Madonna and Michelle Pfeiffer from Batman Returns. Another standout is Thompson, who manages to steal the movie with her own edginess and sense of humor. Both Fry and Hauser also bring their comic relief as the lovable thieves, while Strong does bring some importance to his supporting role and still did a fine job.
Once you enter the world of “Cruella,” you won’t want to leave the second the film ends. Fortunately, a sequel is already in development, which means you’ll be happily looking forward to see what the young De Vil will do next. For now, grab your dog, dress nicely, and enjoy the madness that is “Cruella.”
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for some violence and thematic elements)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.75 Stars (Out of Four)
