ScreenWize

The benchmark for animated fairy tales has been set so high with the two Shrek movies that low-budget newcomers to this neck of the woods really have to find something a little different if they are to succeed. Despite a fresh idea, Hoodwinked sadly chops itself in the foot from the start and is neither smart enough for adults nor entertaining enough for children – judging by the yawns from those around me.

Reworking Little Red Riding Hood into a contemporary film noir-ish detective story told from the three perspectives of Red (voice of Anne Hathaway), the Wolf (Patrick Warburton) and Granny (Glenn Close), Hoodwinked relies on an impossibly energetic, and often ridiculous collection of flat characters to distract attention from a lackluster plot and some poor comedy writing. We might forgive a cynical, karate chopping Red Riding Hood, but when Granny turns out to be an extreme sports addict we know all is lost!

In addition to the traditional characters from the fairy tale, co-writers/directors Cory and Todd Edwards have added a host of extras to liven up proceedings, including the three little pigs as cops, a hyperactive squirrel, and the frog Detective Nicky Flippers (David Ogden Stiers) who is the only character with any charm and wit. Accompanying the frenetic action and sarcastic parody is a series of original songs, some of which raise a smile but most of which seem outdated and misplaced.

It’s a shame to see the basic idea of a revisionist animated fairy tale told in flashback wasted, but nice to know that small independent production companies can get an animated feature to the big-screen. Some animation connoisseurs may quibble over the quality of the visuals, but it isn’t this that ultimately let’s the film down. There’s just too much of nothing of substance. The best thing to do is watch the trailer – you’ll see all the choice cuts and not get disappointed.

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Filed Under: Reviews by Simon