Rob Marshall's screen presentation of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical, a mishmash of fairytales which was purportedly aimed for adults on the stage but watered down for the big screen, is a dreary and lifeless excursion featuring forgettable songs, uninspired set pieces, and Meryl Streep in a throwaway role that inexplicably earned her an Oscar nod. Minor saving graces come from Emily Blunt and amusing supporting roles from Johnny Depp and Chris Pine.
** out of ****
