Ray J's Review - "Cruella"

“Cruella” is a stylish, and fierce film that honestly exceeded my expectations👍🏻👍🏻 I wasn’t sure how this movie was going to shape out. I was optimistic, but I really think Disney came through with this villain origin story! I know that there were worries that the film would try to redeem Cruella of her 101 Dalmatian evil doings (fear of similarities to the Maleficent movies) but I can confirm that is not the case😄 There are some similarities to “The Joker” movie, but 10x better, still dark (but about 5 times less) with a fashionista twist!

I am going to try to make this review as spoiler free as possible in case you haven't seen it yet😅

Literally born with half black/half white hair, the film revolves around the infamous Disney villain Cruella de Vil, (played by Emma Stone), whose birth name is actually Estella. Ever since she was a young girl she's had a wicked sense of fashion, and a mind packed with genius ideas! After a tragedy occurs, young Estella runs away, where she meets a duo of thieves, Jasper, and Horace (older versions played by Joel Fry, and Paul Walter Hauser), who are both on their own also. Flash forward some years, and many uncaught burglaries in the past, Estella is now a grown woman, who still has a passion for fashion, but doesn’t have a way to get her foot in the door🤔 Thanks to some sly work from Jasper and Horace, Estella gets a job at one of London’s finest fashion department stores, but as a maid😬 After a few persuasive attempts to turn some of the drab in the store to fab, Estella gains the attention of London’s most renowned fashion designer, Baroness Von Hellman (played fabulously by Emma Thompson) and is ultimately offered a job at her design studio. However Estella, or should I say Cruella, has an ulterior motive in regards to the Baroness, as they go way back😉

As I mentioned above, “Cruella” exceeded my expectations greatly, and I’m so glad it did🙂🖤🤍 ⚫️⚪️🎬 I also thought the film had some really nice cinematography and visuals, which helped keep me engaged throughout, as well as fabulous acting performances from Emma Stone, and Emma Thompson👏🏻👏🏻

Set in 1970’s London, "Cruella" has the most stellar soundtrack, which fits in perfectly🔊🎶 Including songs such as “One Way Or Another” by Blondie, “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash, “Come Together” by Ike & Tina Turner, plus a new twist on the Cruella de Vil theme titled “Call Me Cruella” performed by alternative group Florence and The Machine.

I most definitely think this film is worth your time😄 I will warn you, that it is a bit long clocking in at 2 hours and 14 minutes. It is also rated PG-13, and may be a bit on the mature side for some younger kids. It’s not inappropriate, it just has kind of a dark tone to it!

Consensus: "Cruella" is a dark, and groovy live action take on one of Disney's most infamous villain's, featuring fierce performances from Stone, and Thompson, and a perfectly picked soundtrack!

The Ray J's Reviews Rating is:

5 out of 5 lime green hearts

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