Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun-packed fairy-tale parody challenges stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
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Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs
What's the Story?
Loosely based on Snow White, RED SHOES AND THE SEVEN DWARFS tells the story of the "Fearless Seven" -- a group of vain but heroic princes -- who have been turned into green dwarfs by a spurned fairy. Their only hope to break the curse is a kiss from a beautiful princess. Cut to the plump and mousey Snow White (voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz) whose father, King White (Nolan North) has disappeared at the hands of her wicked stepmother, Regina (Gina Gershon). After a pair of magic red shoes turn Snow into a "beautiful" princess she sets out to find her father, arriving at the house of the Seven, and swiftly renaming herself Red Shoes. Knowing that her kiss could break their curse, the dwarfs pledge to help her -- with Merlin (Sam Claflin) determined to win her heart. Using a combination of teamwork, ingenuity, and the dwarfs' magical powers, the heroes must defeat Regina to save the King and -- perhaps -- return to their original forms.
Is It Any Good?
This high-spirited, engaging family comedy is a tale of mistaken identities that challenges stereotypes and reassures us that it's ok to be different. There are some genuinely funny moments and wise-cracking remarks in Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs that will entertain tweens -- and parents -- as well as plenty of silliness for younger kids. The story is clever and fast-paced, with a strong cast of characters. Red Shoes is warm but feisty, Merlin is amusingly narcissistic, and the odious and pretentious Prince Average (pronounced "Ah-vu-rahj") is a classic cartoon villain. Meanwhile Patrick Warburton -- aka Lemony Snickett in the brilliant TV adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events -- is deliciously entertaining as the evil but hapless Magic Mirror.
At times you might question the clarity of the message -- does highlighting a character's physical appearance debunk or exacerbate the stereotype? But ultimately this is a smart take on Snow White that's full of heart and good humor. And by the end, it's crystal clear that beauty does indeed come from within.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs challenges stereotypes. Does the movie succeed in breaking the stereotype of classic fairy tale characters? If so, how? How else does the movie challenge gender stereotypes? What are the dangers of stereotypes?
The character of Snow White, aka Red Shoes, shares some similarities with Princess Fiona in Shrek. Talk about how they are both presented and what makes them good role models.
Talk to your kids about empathy and the concept of putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Which characters in the movie experience this and how do they deal with it?
The original marketing campaign -- that suggested that an overweight Snow White wasn't beautiful -- was denounced by star Chloe Grace Moretz. Why do you think she did this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 18, 2020
- Cast : Chloe Grace Moretz , Sam Claflin , Gina Gershon
- Director : Sungho Hong
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Next Entertainment World
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some action/peril
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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