Into the Woods – Out Friday – Musicals Coming to the Big Screen

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

Everyone's favourite childhood adventure, The Sound of Music transformed the much loved musical to the big screen. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and directed by Robert Wise, this 1965 film tells the story of Maria von Trapp, a young woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become governess to the seven children of a grumpy naval officer widower.

The picture garnered huge critical acclaim, and along with its five Academy Awards, it is preserved in the National Film Registry as it is deemed ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.

CHICAGO (2002)

Hugely acclaimed and with an all-star line up, musical comedy Chicago opened at cinemas in 2002 and delighted fans of the hit musical.

Chicago tells the story of Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Roxie Hart (Renée Zelwegger) as two competitive and fame-hungry women in jail awaiting trial for murder. Velma, a vaudevillian, and Roxie, a housewife, battle it out for the fame that may save them from the gallows, with the help of lawyer Billy Flynn (Richard Gere).

The film, which was directed and choreographed by Into the Woods Director, Rob Marshall, won six Academy Awards and became the first musical to win Best Picture since Oliver! in 1969.

ANNIE (1982, 2014)

This classic musical comedy-drama has become a firm family favourite since its release in 1982. Starring newcomer Aileen Quinn as the title character, an orphan who finds herself taken in by America’s richest billionaire, Oliver Warbucks (Albert Finney).

Although met with mixed reviews from critics, the film won numerous awards and remains a popular story today.

Following its success, 2014 saw the musical revived once again in a contemporary adaptation of the same story.

Starring Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz and Produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z, the film promises audiences an exciting new Annie adventure.

LES MISERABLES (2012)

This epic romantic musical drama, which is based on the musical of the same name, hit our screens in 2012 and was a huge hit.

Starring Hollywood greats including Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Redmayne, it tells the story of Jean Valjean (Jackman), an escaped convict determined to turn his life around. He becomes owner of a factory in 19th century France, and when one of his workers (Hathaway) blames him for her being cast into a life of prostitution, he promises to take care of her illegitimate daughter.

The film was a great hit critically, but also on the awards scene. It was nominated and won a multitude of awards, most notably eight Academy Awards nominations with three wins; four Golden Globes nominations with three wins and nine BAFTA Awards nominations with four wins.

WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

This highly praised romantic musical drama film, released in 1961, was adapted from the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

It tells the story of two young men from rival gangs in New York City who fall in love, but meet with tragic ends as a result of their rivalry.

The film broke the record for the most Academy Award wins for a movie musical, winning 10 out of its 11 nominations, including Best Picture.

INTO THE WOODS (2015)

And last but certainly not least, we couldn't forget this exciting new addition to our favourite musical adaptations. 

Into the Woods combines some of our favourite stories, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the beanstalk to name a few, and links them all together in this musical sensation with a twist. Already picking up awards buzz on the circuit, this exciting title looks set to be one to watch.

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INTO THE WOODS IS COMING TO UK CINEMAS 9 JANUARY