Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Musical fairy tale sticks to the authentic, grim story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 6, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : April 6, 2004
- Cast : Amelia Shankley , Craig T. Nelson , Isabella Rossellini
- Director : Adam Brooks
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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