Into the Woods

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Into the Woods Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Sondheim's fairy tale musical is dark, complex, sublime.

PG 2014 124 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 91 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 115 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Into the Woods is a beautiful, clever, frequently funny, sometimes somber, and ultimately uplifting take on classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales, based on the beloved musical by Stephen Sondheim. Its presentation of characters like Cinderella, Prince Charming, and more as very flawed people may be confusing or upsetting for younger kids; there's lots to think about here, but it's pretty emotionally complicated stuff. A lascivious wolf preys on a young girl, children lose and are separated from their parents, sympathetic characters die, handsome princes aren't all they appear to be, and there's no promise of happy ending for anyone. Meryl Streep's wicked witch might terrify younger kids, and giants wreak havoc upon the land and terrorize its residents -- but for the most part, the scares are mild. There's no strong language to speak of (though some of the brilliant lyrics are tricky to follow); characters do kiss, and there's an illicit tryst between a couple who are married to others. But teamwork is valued, family is found in unexpected places, and characters tackle moral dilemmas in ways that will resonate with viewers.

Community Reviews

LauzFaye
LauzFaye Adult
April 2, 2022
age 12+

It's very entertaining [in a good way].

I think it's a really good movie but it's a bit scary in some places and features inappropriate jestures.
1 person found this helpful.
Mrs B
Mrs B Adult
March 11, 2022
age 16+

One of the worst films we have ever seen

This is a terrible movie! It is inappropriate for children and should be rated much higher. The songs and dialogue include words such as "rape" and "abuse." The themes are extremely dark - for example, the wolf stalks the young girl and the fact he is a man, not a real wolf, actually makes it scarier. There is a creepy pedophile/sexual predator overtone to what he says about her and her "flesh." I couldn't believe it got through censors. When the wolf is in the bed pretending to be granny he looks super scary, like a zombie or a corpse. My 8-year-old son, who has seen scary films like Jurassic Park and been totally fine, asked me to fast forward, and he is not scared of anything. There are lots of other scary moments of witches suddenly dropping out of tress etc but worse are the really dark scary themes of murder, kidnapping etc. One other shocking moment is when the stepmother cuts off the toes and heels of her daughters, with a knife! This is definitely not a scene for a children's movie. The characters call Jack "dim witted" and it's very mean and sends a message that kids who are not academic or intellectual are stupid and a nuisance to others. The characters do a lot of immoral and exploitative things - tricking others, lying, stealing, adultery... the list goes on. Not only is the film inappropriate and scary, but even if you are an adult who wouldn't be bothered by that, the songs are soooo long and boring and stagey. The music is really annoying. I can't understand who this film is for. It's not for kids, because it's super inappropriate, dark and scary. But how can it be a film for adults? It's about fairy tales. To give context we have watched other "dark" films that we liked, such as Nightmare Before Christmas, and this is very different from that - a much poorer quality film, and far more adult content. Do not watch this!!! Can't believe Disney approved it and all these famous actors were in it. It's a massive flop.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 91 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In a magical kingdom far, far away lives a baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt). Unable to have children, they strike a bargain with the witch next door (Meryl Streep), who sends them on a mission to find a handful of objects that will help them break a curse. Meanwhile, Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) desperately wants to go to the ball hosted by the prince (Chris Pine), and a young girl in a red cape (Lilla Crawford) is on her way to her grandmother's house when she encounters the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp). Then there's young Jack (Daniel Huttlestone), who has to sell his cow and winds up trading her not for money but for magic beans, which ultimately leads to a big problem for the whole kingdom. They all converge as they head INTO THE WOODS.

Is It Any Good?

Fans of Stephen Sondheim's beloved musical have nothing to fear from this finely tuned and beautifully rendered cinematic version. The set will draw you in; the music, as expected, will leave you at once melancholy and thoughtful; and the acting will surprise and please. The weakest link, if he can be called that, is actually Depp, who could have benefited from a touch of understatement. But almost everyone else is a delight: Streep, especially -- despite having been in scores of memorable movies for decades -- reminds us that she has the power to morph into something we've yet to see. She amazes. And Pine proves he has a gift for comedy in the hilarious song "Agony."

But best of all is Sondheim's music: It's complicated and compelling. This is no run-of-the-mill children's musical. Though it may sport a stylized (and gorgeously rendered) set, the music grounds Into the Woods in a truly human -- and humane -- scale. Musicals don't often teach nuanced life lessons. But if, as one song goes, "children will listen," they'll hear plenty of words to guide them here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about fairy tales. How does Into the Woods play with the standard formula? Do any of the characters actually live happily ever after? Is that OK?

  • What audience do you think this movie is intended for? It's about fairy tale characters, but is it for kids? Do you think young children can understand the nuances of Sondheim?

  • Are the characters role models? Can you relate to their dilemmas and problems? What do they learn over the course of the movie? What choices and mistakes do they make, and how does that affect their story?

  • How are parents depicted? Are the mothers and fathers in the movie good parents? What does it take to be a good parent?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

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    Adorable fairy tale is a fabulous family flick.

    age 6+
  • Once Upon a Time Poster Image

    Once Upon a Time

    Fresh take on fairy tales is moody fun for families.

    age 12+
  • Maleficent Poster Image

    Maleficent

    Visually beautiful but dark retelling of classic fairytale.

    age 8+

For kids who love musicals and fairy tales

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