Movie Review
Title: Hoodwinked
Type: Kids
Genre: Comedy/Animated
Release Date: 1/13/2006, available on DVD May 2, 2006
Main Stars: Glenn Close, Xzibit, Anthony Anderson, Andy Dick, Anne Hathaway, Jim Belushi, and Patrick Warburton
Director: Cory Edwards
MPAA Rating: PG
Runtime: 81 minutes
A classic fairy tale turned on its head, Hoodwinked is the tale of Little Red Riding Hood (Anne Hathaway), the Big Bad Wolf (Patrick Warburton), Granny (Glenn Close), and all the woodland creatures that inhabit the forest. Investigating a disturbance of the peace call, Chief Grizzly (Xzibit) goes to Granny’s house, a “goody” making mogul, and discovers that nothing is as it seems.
Flippers the frog (David Ogden Stiers) is a special investigator brought in to weed out the tangled web of forest mayhem. The underbrush thickens with the disappearance of recipes throughout the forest and subsequent closings of all the “goody” makers. It becomes apparent that a plot is underway to unravel the forest’s Goody industry, by the Goody Bandit.
Flippers must ascertain the identity of the bandit by questioning each of our characters; Red, the Wolf, Granny, and the Woodsman (Jim Belushi). Evil European skiers, a singing goat, and even a cute ubiquitous bunny named Boingo (Andy Dick) round out this motley cast. Everyone is a suspect in this hilarious new take on an old fairy tale.
For all you parents looking to save your sanity by not having to watch Shrek 2 or Magascar for the hundredth time in a row, Hoodwinked is your answer. The writing is crisp and witty not relying on over used cliche and the story will keep both you and your children rooted in the living room.
Not working with a Pixar budget, Cory Edwards does a fantastic job of making a movie that your children will enjoy, won’t bore you to tears and all without sacrificing quality.
The soundtrack is completely original and will make the kids bounce around the room. Don’t be surprised to find yourself mouthing the words and humming the songs while you do the dishes. The voices are well cast and the animation is a modern throw back that will surprise you with its three dimensional detail and clarity.
The only bad branch in this film is the paltry 81 minutes that leaves you wanting more. Not such a bad thing, but I could have used a couple more wise cracks from the Big Bad Wolf.
Hoodwinked is straight up fresh, furry, and funny. Your children will love it and so will you.
Hit or No Hit: Coach Mike gives Hoodwinked a triple, bouncing a long fly off the wall, this one misses a homer by mere inches.
