Cruella

Story: Prequel to Disney’s live-action film ‘101 Dalmatians,’ ‘Cruella’ tracks back the origins of Cruella De Vil (Emma Stone). After ending up an orphan on the streets of London, a 12-year-old Estella, teams up with thieving novices Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser). A decade later, when she accidentally makes the signature piece for an up and coming rock star, she catches the eye of the fashion world and becomes a force to reckon with as Cruella De Vil.

Review: Set in the 1970s, director Craig Gillespie captures the essence of that era in ‘Cruella,’ using two powerhouse performers, who share their first names. Both the Emmas are marvelous in their respective roles. Emma Thompson nails it as one of the most vicious Disney villains - the competitive and self-absorbed Baroness, who shows little mercy to her opponents. And standing tall against her is the young and vivacious Emma Stone, who makes Estella a formidable rival. Rooting for her is easy, as Stone plays a young, punk version of the classic Disney villain – the stylishly wicked Cruella, who lives up to her name. She joyfully carries her character and costumes with all the required sass and irreverence.

The narrative draws its strength from Emma’s performance, who dominates every scene and even manages to outclass the Glenn Close version of Cruella. Between the two Emmas, the rest of the actors get little opportunity to shine. Still, Fry and Hauser provide good laughs as Jasper and Horace, respectively.

This prequel truly reflects the soul of ‘Cruella De Vil,’ and is one of the darker Disney movies. It depicts the harsh realities of today’s world - from body-shaming to cut-throat competitiveness and domination in the fashion world. The screenplay is well strung together with scenes that progressively intensify the face-off between its two leading ladies. In doing so, writers Dana Fox, Tony McNamara and Aline Brosh McKenna, also lay bare the ugly side of the fashion industry.

The ingenious costumes (Jenny Beavan) deserve a special mention as every signature piece of fashion is suitably unconventional and disruptive. Cruella’s dark theme is enhanced by its delectably devilish score. The film also has its share of action – from thrilling car chases on busy London roads to devastating crashes. After ‘I, Tonya,’ director Craig Gillespie proves his versatility with varied genres.

Cruella’s review is incomplete without the mention of the puppies. It’s a treat for every dog lover. What with some really cute pooches featured in the film, especially Cruella's partner-in-crime Wink, a brown chihuahua and a terrier named Buddy.

Taking off from the characters that remind you of ‘Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Harley Quinn,’ this origin story of Disney’s enigmatic supervillain is designed to entertain, even if you’re not a fan or a follower of this famed franchise.