First Cruella reactions praise Disney origin story: 'Like a Disneyfied Devil Wears Prada '
Cruella de Vil, Cruella de Vil: a movie that "slaps" with a soundtrack that "kills."
Such is the first word on Cruella, the Disney-villainess origin story starring Emma Stone as the iconic One Hundred and One Dalmatians character. Critics' first reactions hit social media on Friday, praising the movie as "wickedly fun" and "absolutely divine," with several comparing it to The Devil Wears Prada.
Rotten Tomatoes' Joel Meares went further, writing, "If Devil Wears Prada meets The Witches meets Death Becomes Her sounds like your jam, see it."
I generally have 0 interest in live-action remakes and/or villain origin stories but... have seen #Cruella and it’s SO FRIGGIN GOOD. Slaps so hard my face is still beet-red a day later.
If Devil Wears Prada meets The Witches meets Death Becomes Her sounds like your jam, see it. pic.twitter.com/CqPsOHAJnG— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 14, 2021
The reactions particularly praised the performances of Stone and Paul Walter Hauser (who plays Horace, one of the thieves hired by Cruella), the film's soundtrack, and the extravagant costumes. ("Costume designer Jenny Beavan deserves 3rd billing," critic Courtney Howard wrote.) Multiple writers also noted that the film features a "totally unambiguous" LGBTQ character, which marks a major step forward for Disney's representation of the community on screen.
#Cruella is the spiritual successor to THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Audaciously reshapes the infamous villain’s narrative. Nods to the animated classic are FUN. A punk glam attitude courses through the picture, from technical aspects (POPS on the big screen!) to character construction. pic.twitter.com/mmnWj8FIWD
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 14, 2021
Also big thanks to #Cruella for giving us a totally unambiguous in-your-face LGBTQ+ character that will piss people off / delight the shit out of more / makes little old me very, very happy.
— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 14, 2021
Cruella follows an aspiring fashion designer named Estella (Stone) in 1970s London, who clashes with Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson), the ruthless leader of a fashion house. Estella later hatches a plot to steal the Baroness' Dalmatians, combining a thirst for vengeance with a desire to dominate the fashion world.
Disney will release the film May 28 in theaters and on Disney+ via the "Premier Access" strategy used for Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon, with the film available to subscribers for an additional $29.99. Check out more reactions from critics below.
#Cruella is a wickedly fun watch w/ amazing costumes & an epic soundtrack. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are exceptionally evil & hilarious, and they make the movie memorable. Also, Paul Walter Hauser steals scenes, as he tends to do. It's like a Disneyfied DEVIL WEARS PRADA pic.twitter.com/dUSjlVlgsu
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 14, 2021
Emma Stone is excellent. #Cruella is a brilliant origin story with lots of heart. You won't be able to get enough of Emma Thompson's Baroness and Stone's #Cruella. pic.twitter.com/mUSBDHsxEe
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) May 14, 2021
Cruella is definitely not for kids which is so refreshing to see from Disney. While I’m not entirely sure who Cruella is for, I do know that the film will build a cult following. It completely stands out on its own from all the other Disney live action films thus far.
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) May 14, 2021
I’ve seen #Cruella...
Now THIS is the kind of #DisneyPrincess I can get behind, darling 💋💅
P.S. We have the 1st officially out and proud 🏳️🌈 #Disney character in her gang!
P.S.S. I’m rooting for Cruella ❤️ Jasper
Embargo lifts 5/26 pic.twitter.com/muefKIC8ER— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) May 14, 2021
#Cruella is one of Disney’s strongest live-action remakes that gives an updated origin story for a new age whilst showcasing breathtaking fashion.
Emma Stone is wildly entertaining in the titular role as she fully commits to the villain persona in a fearless & bold performance. pic.twitter.com/cK583U6Ow5— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 14, 2021
CRUELLA tells the origin story of one of Disney’s greatest villains with a 70s punk rock style, a splash of DC comic book madness & a lot of camp. Emma Stone & Emma Thompson tear into their roles with wicked charm while the costumes are to die for! The de Vil Wears Prada indeed! pic.twitter.com/E28Lhnup3s
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 14, 2021
CRUELLA is spectacular fun. A bit long in the tooth at 2h 15m but loved Emmas Stone and Thompson chewing and gnashing at the scenery with glee. Gorgeously costumed by Jenny Beaven, an exciting score by Nicholas Britell and Paul Walter Hauser is absolutely hilarious. #Cruella
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) May 14, 2021
#Cruella ! Love! So much fun! Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. The Emmas! The costumes. The everything. And for the love of Goddess, please have a Cruella challenge on Drag Race.
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) May 15, 2021
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