I’ve fastidiously avoided Disney’s “Origin Story” films on a moral basis, so when I heard of Cruella, their latest release, I naturally rolled my eyes and pursed my lips in disgust, weeping for the future of Le cinéma. And, indeed, I figured I wouldn’t even admit to having seeing this, let alone posting about it in my movie thread here. But positive reviews, and recommendations from some of the few people I trust to give such recommendations, got me away from DVRed Judge Judy shows and out to “the show” to see this on the big screen, and I’m happy to report that I had a rip-roaring good time at this. Far from being simply an “origin story” (though there are hints along the way for those who must, as well as a board-to-the-head mid-credits epilogue), this is mostly a sweet Devil Wears Prada knock-off, urged along excitedly by a crackerjack screenplay, some inventive set design, and, especially, performances by Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, who take their paydays absolutely seriously. Teetering dangerously close to scenery-chewing, they instead reign it in justenough to keep things from going ridiculously off the rails. The fun use of popular songs and some most certainly computer-generated whiz-bang camera moves kept me interested, and reminded me that if, after 20 minutes, you still have my attention, that Something Special is happening. The ubiquitous CGI is kept to a merciful minimum. This is also streaming on Disney+ (for an extra charge? If so, not for long). Check it out.
