Into the Woods MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall. MAIN ACTORS: Meryl Streep, Lila Crawford, Anna Kendrick, Daniel Huttlestone, Mackenzie Mauzy, Emily Blunt and James Corden.

FILM SYNOPSIS:Little Red Riding Hood (Crawford), Cinderella (Kendrick), Jack as in the Bean Stalk (Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (Mauzy) with her golden hair will delight only children old enough to understand make believe and magic have nothing to do with their world. This imaginative Disney musical stars versatile Meryl Streep as the witch. She promises the baker (Corden) and his wife (Blunt) they will have a child if they if they go into the woods and bring her a red cloak, glass slipper, white cow and a lock of golden hair.

PREVIEW REVIEW: The baker and his wife experience many adventures and some danger as they search the woods. Plenty of action eventually brings these classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters together as their paths cross. With music by Broadway legend Steven Sondheim, Into the Woods, originally appeared on Broadway in 1987. Almost an operetta, the movie will compete in the Golden Globe Awards for best actress and best supporting actress. Expectations are high for one or more Oscar nominations as well. Certainly 124 minutes is a very long time to sit still, especially if you are not familiar with the fairy tales. For others, however, the humor, music and action will make Into the Woods a worthwhile experience.

Parents, be forewarned that the hideous, wicked witch and darkness of the woods may frighten young children. Casting spells and practicing witchcraft will understandably upset families. Yes, there are some positive messages woven into the story, but they are too subtle for youngsters to grasp, especially when they are witnessing scary situations. Because of the film’s darkness and witchcraft, a PG-13 rating would help guide parents with young children. Just because Into The Woods has no sex, nudity or offensive language it has a PG rating.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Disney