 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Red Riding Hood
- Review Date: December 16, 2010
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1987
Common Sense Media says
Musical fairy tale sticks to the authentic, grim story.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this musical version of the Red Riding Hood tale has some grim moments: the wolf does eat a girl, and he is cut open so that she can be retrieved, though no blood is visible. There's also a bit of harassment when a male character kidnaps a female character when she protests becoming his wife.
What's the story?
Linet (Amelia Shankley) believes in fairies and elves. But what she doesn't know is that her evil uncle Godfrey (Craig. T. Nelson) practices black magic, having given his heart to a wolf (Rocco Sisto) who can change into a man. When Linet's mother (Isabella Rossellini) refuses to marry Godfrey, because her husband Percival (also played by Nelson) is away at war, Godfrey concocts a scheme to get rid of a certain grandmother who possesses magical abilities, as well as a girl in a red cape named Linet.
Is it any good?
True fans of the Red Riding Hood story will appreciate this version, since it provides a little more intrigue than the my-what-big-teeth-you-have standard. But the cheesy synthesizer score, as well as the realistic 18th century peasant scenes, might be a turn off for modern kids who are looking for a little more glitz.
Isabella Rossellini is a graceful, beautiful mother to the girl in the red cape. And Craig T. Nelson impresses with his booming voiced villian. But the drab scenery and stagey musical numbers will leave most kids a little bored.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the difference between familiar fairy tales and the real Brother Grimm's stories. What differences do you notice? Why do you think these stories have been changed over time? Which do you prefer and why?
How are women portrayed in this movie? Are they heroes or victims? Is there anything unusual about they way they're portrayed compared to other films?
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AGE
Love it! I thought it was a really well filled out story and very well done. My spouse and I both loved it!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Adam Brooks |
| Cast: | Amelia Shankley, Craig T. Nelson, Isabella Rossellini |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 81 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 6, 1987 |
| DVD release date: | April 6, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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