Opened: December 25, 2014

Directed by: Rob Marshall

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, Christine Baranski, Johnny Depp, Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone, MacKenzie Mauzy, Billy Magnussen, Tammy Blanchard, Lucy Punch, Frances de la Tour, Richard Glover, Joanna Riding, Annette Crosbie & Simon Russell Beale

Though your favorite fairytale characters are on screen and the film is produced by Disney, don’t fool yourself into thinking things will end happily ever after.

Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) wants to go to the Prince’s (Chris Pine) ball. Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) needs to sell his cow. Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) is going to grandmother’s house. And the Baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) are gathering ingredients to reverse a witch’s (Meryl Streep) curse.

Those familiar with the original Stephen Sondheim musical know that the plot gets quite dark in the second act. Unfortunately, Disney robs the film of some of its stronger emotional points by avoiding certain moments.

While the cast is excellent, it’s Emily Blunt whom stands out the most. She balances the comedy and drama expertly.

Final say: A transporting story. ★★★★☆