thoughts on Into the Woods

James Corden and Emily Blunt star as the baker and his wife, who learn that the reason that they haven't been able to conceive a child is that a witch (Meryl Streep) has put a curse on their home.  To reverse the curse, they have to go into the woods to get a cow as white as milk; a golden slipper; a red cape; and hair as yellow as straw.  This provides the set-up for a story that weaves together characters and plot details from Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, ultimately culminating in the main characters trying to save their village from the wife of the giant at the top of the beanstalk.

It's all incredibly well-done, with songs and the baker and his wife providing the connection between the separate stories.  All of the actors give solid performances, with Chris Pine stealing the show as Prince Charming.  It's a well-acted, magical twist on familiar fairy tales.