Cruella (2021) Review -No Spoilers

If you know me you know 101 Dalmatians (the Disney 1961 animated film) is my favorite movie and Emma Stone is one of my favorite modern actresses. I've been excited; but nervous, to see this movie for the last 5 years since they announced Emma Stone as Cruella. Was it worth the wait? 100% Yes! Simply put, I was blown away! 

The movie had plot twists that made my jaw drop. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. My friend Bethany commented on my expressions during the movie. (By the way, make sure you stay for the mid-credit scene). 

The movie is a prequel to the live-action 1990's 101 Dalmatians and the mid-credit scene sets it up nicely. The movie is set in the 1960/70's. 

You first get introduced to Estella, a young girl who tries to be good. Like all children she is not perfect; however, Estella tries to please her single mother. Estella soon meets Horace and Jasper. They form a friendship, turned family and this is where the story truly begins. In this adaptation you will also meet Roger and Anita. 

The acting was great. The dynamic between Emma Stone (Estella, later Cruella) and Emma Thompson (The Baroness) are amazing. (The other cast are all great as well. I have no complaints.) Both Estella and The Baroness are hard-working, talented in the fashion field; but, you wanna stay on the good sides of these two ladies. The Baroness is Estella's cut-throat boss, later turned nemesis. 

The Baroness is a rockstar in the fashion world and Estella's Idol. This brings me to the costuming.  

The costuming has to win some awards. It was truly a work of art. As a guy who knows basically nothing about fashion it made me wish I did: because I felt like I would have appreciated it more. It was truly impressive especially the one scene with Cruella's train blowing in the wind. (When you see it you'll know what I mean!) 

You know how the original 'Cruella' song says "to see her is to take a sudden chill' I did get a chill from Emma Stone a couple of times. Speaking of the original song let me talk about the music. 

The soundtrack has all 70's songs. Most of these songs aren't huge hits but not obscure songs either most of the songs you will know. Many of the songs chosen are not originals, but remakes. There are some original songs in the film as well. Band 'Florence and the Machine' has a song titled "Call Me Cruella".

The music was used to convey a lot of emotion and used very well for the dark cinematography which starts out in black and white. Which is perfect! It is PG-13 I wouldn't recommend for children because it is a bit dark.  

How does Emma Stone compare to Glenn Close? I'm not sure! Emma Stone is supposed to be the same version that leads into Glenn Close. As I'm writing this I'm watching Glenn Close to compare and I can't pick. I think they are both great!  

What else can I say? This is definitely a woman empowerment movie. You may feel a little sad for Cruella; yet, you will still think she is evil! You will admire Estella for her hard work. It is over 2 hours in length and is much better than 2014's Maleficent.

Lastly, I highly recommend this film! On a scale of 1 to 5 I definitely give it a 4.5. 

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