Synopsis: Animated story giving the untold version of the Little Red Riding Hood fable from the point of view of several different characters. Directed by Cory Edwards. Voices of Anne Hathaway, Jim Belushi, Glenn Close, Andy Dick, David Ogden Stiers, Chazz Palminteri.
Picked up this DVD and read the cover that proclaimed it the "funniest animated movie in years". Don't know about that, but Hoodwinked is a good film. I'm going to tell you right off the bat that its not as good as Shrek or Toy Story, but what difference does that really make? Just because the hamburger you're going to order tonight is not going to be as good as the steak you had after your sister's wedding last year, doesn't mean you aren't going to enjoy that burger tonight. ( I pormise not to use that analogy ever again)
The plot of this movie is cute, with all the main characters in the Little Red Riding Hood fable is told from the vantage point of all of the main characters as they are interrogated by the humorous police force investigating the crime at Grandmas.
In addition to this, there is the added benefit of an additional twist on the "crime" angle, with there being a nefarious recipe thief afoot in the woods. Further, there is a modern element to this movie, as we see cabs, cops, and cable cars in the woods, not to mention some biting satire on modern society.
Its a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy, although its message isn't necessarily timeless like Shrek , it is a good time. Anne Hathaway is the voice of the modernized, self assured "Red" and she does a good job although its not the waifish Red Riding Hood we remember and picture from our youth. David Ogden Stiers is the best as "Flipper", the erudite frog who heads the interrogation of the main characters.
If you're looking for something that is going to se the new standard for animation, or make you forget Monsters, Inc or Toy Story, skip this one. If you are looking for an enjoyable flick that you can maybe watch with the kids, have a good time, and not be overly ciritical of a animated fairly tale, you will enjoy it and you've made a good choice.
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