Movie of the Week: Red Riding Hood (2011)

Red Riding Hood 2011

PG-13

Were you like me and wondered how they were going to make a film out of a short fairytale. Some of the key pieces of this film that made it attractive are:

1. Catherine Hardwicke is the director.

I've been in love with her work since Thirteen with Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed. I think Hardwicke learned a lot from directing the first Twilight film, but still is able to hold on to the intimacy of indie films. She is able to share teen angst and translate is well on screen.

2. Cast of actors.

The film has a wonderful cast of seasoned actors and a few new comers to keep your eye out for in the future. Gary Oldman was a key factor in getting the Bf to watch this movie. The story centers around young Valerie played by Amanda Seyfried. Billy Burke, Viginia Madsen, Lukas Haas, Max Irons, and Shiloh Fernandez will be familiar faces or soon well be for you. The cast breaths life in this retelling of an old story. 

3. The story.

Do people still read fairy tales and fables to their children? The enjoyment in watching this film stems from the familiarity of the story. It's a wonderful adult interpretation of the story well read or we were read to while growing up. The film is filled with different human dynamics, between young loves, deceitful adults, two-sided friendships, and fearful mob mentality.  

Like all good fairy tales, it isn't for the faint of heart. The film is rated PG-13 and appropriately so. The Bf wasn't surprised that at the end of watching the film, I said that I loved it and can't wait to own it for myself to add to our collection.