An automatic hit, Cruella opens in theaters around the country making it another Disney wonder, it’s “D’Vilish”. Starring Emma Stone as Estrella it tells the story of the teen who would rise scratching and clawing to the top of the fashion world. A heartfelt story early on, the film turns villainous showing Estrella’s true colors as she develops from thief to designer in the household of the most iconic fashion creator, the dynamic Baroness (Emma Thompson) of London.
When Estrella starts digging into her past, the film takes a turn that will set the teen on a path that will define her future. Director Craig Gillespie moves his film along at a fast pace as Estrella grows into her fashion career. Then he changes directions putting the teen in danger and revealing her wild side that’s hell bent on revenge.
The acting is terrific with excellent performances by the whole cast. Some of the standouts include Tipper Seifert-Cleveland as 12 year-old Estrella. When arriving in London she meets two teens, Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser), who take her under their wing. The trio put on a great show with their antics and help to provide a lot of adventure.
Both Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are on their game showing the unscrupulous ways of Estrella/Cruella and The Baroness. High fashion adorns Baroness and she demands only the finest workmanship. She’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants. As the waif who was saved from the street by a stroke of luck, Stone makes Estrella and then Cruella a top character to beat when it comes to honors in 2022.
Many of the Disney animated films have been made into live action movies, but Cruella is one of the first to be a movie prequel with actors performing the characters. In the year 2000, the live action sequel “102 Dalmatians” starred Glen Close as Cruella DeVil. The film made over $55 million and because it was released late in the year it rolled over into 2001 and picked up another $9 million. It has been a very good franchise for Disney and I can see why they chose to make this very good adventure.
Cruella has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence and thematic elements. However, most mature pre-teens should not have a problem with any of the content. The film is excellent in my book and I enjoyed every minute even though it may be a tad predictable. Make sure you stay through some of the credits for some extras and see the film on the Big Screen.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Mark Strong, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, John McCrea, Tipper Seifert-Cleveland
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements
Running Time: 2 hr. 14 min.
Opening Date: May 28, 2021
Distributed by: Walt Disney Pictures
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
