A Villain That Rocks It: Cruella Movie Review. That probably summarizes how I feel about the latest Disney live-action film. She is so good being bad. Making a villain become the star of its prequel is a touch of Disney genius. Using fashion as the main weapon in a plot for vengeance has to be simply devilishly trendsetting. This is a brilliant wild ride that works In anticipation of its premiere on Disney + Premiere Access and theaters everywhere on May 28th here are my thoughts on the film.
Cruella Movie Review
Cruella is definitively a creative go getter that deserves to be seen….on the screen. Undoubtedly, Cruella delivers one punk edge punch after another. If nothing else the set decor and the outfits are a must see. Fortunately, those are not the only thing. Indeed, there is more. Naturally, with a production such as this one, there are several things that jumped at me. Of course, Emma Stone and Emma Thompson steal every scene they are in. And, they are delight to watch. Never did I think I would say that a little bad would be so very good. Nevertheless, it is wickedly over the top fabulous
Fashion
The inspiration seems a cross between Vivianne Westwood and Alexander McQueen set in London’s 70s style. It is sublime! I might venture to say Emma Thompson’s outfits have a vintage Dior feel that simply adds to the explosion of coolness. I think the fashion sings to creativity and pursuing ones passion loudly. Let yourself listen closely!
Emotions
They are strong and powerful. This movie does not shy away. As a matter of fact, the characters do not tame down their will to overcome, hold on to, succeed and do what it takes to ensure they have what they want. Cruella does set us on a rollercoaster of sadness, anger, vengeance and “coming into age” a la Cruella. The Baroness, shows us no mercy to grab on to what she has. 
The Emmas
Neither of the Emmas disappoint in their characters. They are both fantastic. I love how they bring to life the struggles and strength of both Cruella and the Baroness. To see Emma Stone make Cruella explode in her creations and become fantastic in her devilish way is a treat. Through the twists, we see two women who own their power and do not shy away from what in their minds, needs to be done.
Emma Thompson is spectacular in her nacissitc role and does steal the spotlight…as any Baroness would love to.
More on the Cast
The supporting cast brings it in! In particular, Artie. To break the darkness we get to watch some humor delivered by Horace and Jasper.
The Music
Perfection. At every turn the beats hit the note. A great mix of familiar songs help the story move with you.
Cruella Movie Review – Overall
This film definitely edgy, trendy in its way, and punchy. Eye-popping spectacular make up, hair and costumes are but the visual appetizer to a witty and darker Disney twist on twist kind of story. It is a great punk rock combo that shows us how Cruella grows into her shoes. Definitively, this is a very different was to see Disney villains. Not your typical Maleficent! It does have some slow parts, and I would have loved to see more development of some side bars. At some point, besides the humor they bring to the table that diffuses a bit the darkness, Jasper and Horace seem to deserve a bit more of spotlight. Despite, Cruella having a reputation for wanting dogs only for her coats, the pups in the film are going to have you going “awwwwww”. Just like the dog actors did in Disney’s The Lady and The Tramp live action movie.
A Little Mad
In this case, there really is no comparison to the beloved 101 Dalmatians. The tone, the story, and the twists are far from the classic this movie is a prequel to. This movie stands on its on in a powerful way. While Evil can be scary when it is not explained, in Cruella we see a natural progression to it. It is overblown in fashion, somewhat chaotic, and it will speak to the more devilish side that we might all carry inside. Except, Cruella accepts it and owns it in a deliciously wickedly mad way that makes it exceptional.
About Cruella
Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
More Cruella
Asking yourself: Is Cruella Kid-Friendly? We have our parental guide out for you. Also, if you are wonderful how both Emma Thompson and Emma Stone feel about working in Cruella, read our Cruella Press Junket article now!
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