Sunday, May 30, 2021
Cruella
It’s “The Devil Wears Prada” meets “Oliver Twist” meets “Snow White” meets Fashion Week parading to the sounds of the sixties in this Disney villain origin story. Disney has already done an animated & a live action version of the 101 Dalmatians story but now they have given villainess Cruella (Emma Stone) the princess treatment. Young Estella is unique, clever, & mischievous. With the lost of her mother Catherine, Estella becomes a grifter in London who joins up with 2 wayward boys, Horace & Jasper, who are pickpockets & thieves. Aspiring to be a fashion designer, Estella eventually comes to work for the Baroness (Emma Thompson). Both Emmas are fabulous & perfectly cast. Estella dons the alter ego of Cruella de Vil as she decides to take down the arrogant Baroness. Fans of the Disney originals can look for the many Easter egg nods. It’s a delightful tale of revenge but stay seated for one more mid credit surprise.
Alien gives it 3½ “born brilliant, bad, & a little bit mad” stars out of 4.
