‘SO FRIGGIN GOOD’: Critics share first reactions to Cruella starring Emma Stone
The first critic reactions are in for Cruella, the new Disney movie starring Emma Stone.
The 101 Dalmatians prequel and Cruella De Vil origin story follows the iconic villain in Seventies London.
Critics’ first reactions dropped on social media on Friday (14 May), with several comparing it to The Devil Wears Prada.
Rotten Tomatoes editor Joel Meares tweeted: “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.”
He added: “If Devil Wears Prada meets The Witches meets Death Becomes Her sounds like your jam, see it.”
The performances of Stone and Paul Walter Hauser (who plays Horace, one of the thieves hired by Cruella) received high praise, as well as the film’s soundtrack and costumes.
“Cruella is absolutely divine,” wrote critic Courtney Howard. “Deliciously devilish, wonderfully wicked, undeniably outrageous. Emma Stone & Emma Thompson are truly an iconic pairing & they play it to the hilt. Costume designer Jenny Beavan deserves 3rd billing. Plus, it’s got a killer soundtrack.”
Many also noted that the Disney film features a “totally unambiguous” LGBTQ character.
#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 could be the biggest surprise of the summer. Bold, dark, & wonderfully anti-Disney. Emma Stone is perfection as Cruella. Hair & Makeup, Production Design & Costume Design are sure bets for Oscars noms. Paul Walter Hauser is terrific and Winks the dog is adorable. #Cruella pic.twitter.com/zPCdFXSGL3
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) 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 ! 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
Cruella also stars Joel Fry as Cruella’s other henchman, Emma Thompson as the Baroness, Emily Beecham as Catherine, Jamie Demetriou as Gerald and Mark Strong as John the Valet.
The villain was first portrayed by Glenn Close in the 1996 live-action film 101 Dalmatians and its 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians.
Cruella is currently scheduled for release on 28 May 2021 in the US and in the UK.
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