Although entirely too long, Cruella was more enjoyable than expected. The story is narrated by Estella/Cruella from her birth to adulthood. Born with half black and half white hair (think Sia) and an angel/devil personality to match, her single mom tried to teach her unusual, intelligent, precocious daughter Estella to keep her feisty, impulsive, intolerant "Cruella" personality in check. As Estella's life takes a turn and she struggles through tough circumstances with cunning, unprincipled persistence she finds herself clawing her way up, to try and land her dream job in the fashion industry to work for icy fashion icon, The Baroness...think Devil Wears Prada. The movie is dark with some shocking scenes that might be a bit much for the very young, and plays more for pre-teen to adults, and Cruella is no role model. There are definite flaws in the film but the acting is on point by all, with each actor fitting their role perfectly. Costumes are amazing. The soundtrack is filled with favorites from the 60's 70's 80's. There are some plot holes that won't jive with the Cruella from Disney's 1961 animated classic, 101 Dalmatians film (or the Glenn Close's 2000 version), but there is a scene in the closing credits that ties this prequel into that film, albeit a racially diverse version. Cruella is a decent origin story, that should have shed 30 minutes, but worth the watch IMHO. FYImom 2021.
Review of Cruella
