"Red Riding Hood" is yet another Cannon Movie Tale released in the eighties. Although, once again, the story has been stretched to the breaking point, but it's not bad. Linnet (Amelia Shankley) and her mother, Lady Jeanne (Isabella Rosselini) live near the edge of a forest and wait for Lady Jeanne's husband (and Linnet's father,Sir Percival (Craig T Nelson) to return to them. In his absence, his brother Godfrey, (Nelson again) has become Lord Of The Province. But he is evil and lusts after his brother's wife, while abusing the rest of the populace. He has also gained the power to transform his friend Dagger (Rocco Sisto) into a wolf. From here, the story follows the traditional more or less. Linnet's grandmother (Helen Glazary) whips up the red cape and hood, which she says will protect her granddaughter from harm. The songs are nice additions to the new storyline, and most are well performed, though, as the evil brother, Nelson even hams his musical number. Shankley has a beautiful voice, and she and Sisto have the best song "Never Talk To Strangers". All in all, a modest, pleasant film.
23 Reviews
Nice, But Not Perfect
iwantsofia27 August 2008
Once upon a time there was an unpublished writer who saw five versions of the Brothers Grimm classic tale "Little Red Riding Hood". Here's his review of number three.
A curious young girl named Linet (Amelia Shankley) looks for elves in the woods, but only finds trouble. She lives with her mother (Isabella Rossellina) and a maid, as her father (Craig T. Nelson) is off fighting in a war. Her uncle and now king (also Nelson) wants to marry his sister-in-law (!), as seven years have passed since his brother left for the war. The evil king has used black magic to transform a wolf into a man to spy for him. The wolfman learns that Linet is not afraid of her cruel uncle, so uncle decides to do something about this.
It takes 57 minutes for the story of Red Riding Hood / Linet traveling to Grandma's through the woods to happen, and Grandma isn't even sick or frail! And like most children's movies made for American audiences, this is a musical. This means people burst into song every five minutes for no apparent reason. Since the music is all synthesizer music, it really clashes with the 18th Century setting. Still, some of the songs aren't bad, and who knew Nelson could sing? The bad news is MGM's DVD is fullscreen. A note about this takes up ten seconds of the running time. Something like this should be separated from the movie, which should begin at all zeros. It's unlikely a demand for a widescreen version will create a reissue. At least the transfer is good, and there's a trailer.
Shankley, by the way, debuted as young Alice Liddell in Dreamchild (1985), the quasi-biopic of the girl who inspired Rev. Charles Dodgson / Lewis Carroll to write "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland". Unfortunately, Red Riding Hood is not as good as that movie.
The film's copyright is 1987, MGM's box has 1988 on it and IMDb lists 1989. Just once, can't we all agree on something?
A curious young girl named Linet (Amelia Shankley) looks for elves in the woods, but only finds trouble. She lives with her mother (Isabella Rossellina) and a maid, as her father (Craig T. Nelson) is off fighting in a war. Her uncle and now king (also Nelson) wants to marry his sister-in-law (!), as seven years have passed since his brother left for the war. The evil king has used black magic to transform a wolf into a man to spy for him. The wolfman learns that Linet is not afraid of her cruel uncle, so uncle decides to do something about this.
It takes 57 minutes for the story of Red Riding Hood / Linet traveling to Grandma's through the woods to happen, and Grandma isn't even sick or frail! And like most children's movies made for American audiences, this is a musical. This means people burst into song every five minutes for no apparent reason. Since the music is all synthesizer music, it really clashes with the 18th Century setting. Still, some of the songs aren't bad, and who knew Nelson could sing? The bad news is MGM's DVD is fullscreen. A note about this takes up ten seconds of the running time. Something like this should be separated from the movie, which should begin at all zeros. It's unlikely a demand for a widescreen version will create a reissue. At least the transfer is good, and there's a trailer.
Shankley, by the way, debuted as young Alice Liddell in Dreamchild (1985), the quasi-biopic of the girl who inspired Rev. Charles Dodgson / Lewis Carroll to write "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland". Unfortunately, Red Riding Hood is not as good as that movie.
The film's copyright is 1987, MGM's box has 1988 on it and IMDb lists 1989. Just once, can't we all agree on something?
One of Cannon Movie Tales' lesser films, but has enough to make it worth a view
TheLittleSongbird2 August 2015
The Cannon Movie Tales films are all worth watching at least once, though overall quality wise they are variable. None are perfect, though some have more and bigger flaws than others, but none are worth avoiding either, with the best three being Hansel and Gretel, Beauty and the Beast and Snow White and the worst being The Emperor's New Clothes, Puss in Boots and this (was mixed on Sleeping Beauty as well).
Red Riding Hood is nicely photographed, as is the case with all of Cannon's films, even when the low budget shows everywhere else in the visuals. It also contains one of Cannon's best songs in the cute, funny and menacing duet Never Talk With Strangers (which is the song that serves the most point to the story, and the only one to move it forward) and some witty scripting and entertaining chemistry with Ninet and Dagger. There are some decent ideas and one does have to credit the film for trying to bring in some life-like themes and situations, while the scenes telling the story that audiences are familiar with are executed quite well, with some nice humour and suspense. The acting is very much a mixed bag, with the best performances coming from a charming and sweet Amelia Shankley without being too sugary and a touching Isabella Rossellini.
Was mixed however on the songs and Rocco Sisto. There are some good songs here, Never Talk to Strangers is great and Good at Being Bad is sung and acted with relish by Sisto. Lost in the Woods however goes on for too long and suffers the worst of the problem of taking too long to explain things and then over-explaining it, and Man Without a Heart is just limp in every way imaginable, with uninspired choreography, forgettable at best melody, cringe-worthy and again over-explanatory lyrics and Craig T. Nelson's one-note and pretty tuneless singing. There is some lush and energetic scoring, but along with Puss in Boots there are some cheap synthesised sounds that give it a more 80s sound than the rest of the Cannon films. Sisto plays Dagger the Wolf with real playfulness and really entertains in his chemistry with Shankley, but he could have been much more menacing, there were times where it did seem like he was underplaying too much.
Craig T. Nelson is all over the place in his dual role of Godfrey and Percival, he looks zombified as Percival and then plays Godfrey with such a hammy over-theatricality that it jars with everything else. Apart from the photography, Red Riding Hood is one of the cheaper-looking Cannon films, with drab lighting, bargain-sale-fancy-dress-like costumes and incredibly unimaginative, minimally furnished and recycled sets, Godfrey's throne room is the sparsest and cheapest-looking throne room personally seen and the forest set is completely lacking atmosphere or character. While the dialogue and interplay between Ninet and Dagger was entertains, the rest was rambling and stilted and while Rossellini and Shankley are endearing together, any scenes shared with Nelson come over completely cold. The story is treated disappointingly here, appreciated the ideas and the life-like themes (plus reasons are given for Dagger's pursuit of Ninet and why Ninet appears unharmed after being saved) but more could have been done with them and they ended up convoluting and dulling the story rather than adding or expanding anything, with at least half an hour of pedestrian pacing and not much happening (somewhat aimless in fact). The actual story of Red Riding Hood that everybody is familiar with, while among the most successful parts of the film, arrives too late into the story and it felt like not enough time was dedicated in telling it.
Overall, not a bad film and has enough to make it worthwhile, but one of Cannon's lesser efforts. A good try but doesn't quite come off. 5/10 Bethany Cox
Red Riding Hood is nicely photographed, as is the case with all of Cannon's films, even when the low budget shows everywhere else in the visuals. It also contains one of Cannon's best songs in the cute, funny and menacing duet Never Talk With Strangers (which is the song that serves the most point to the story, and the only one to move it forward) and some witty scripting and entertaining chemistry with Ninet and Dagger. There are some decent ideas and one does have to credit the film for trying to bring in some life-like themes and situations, while the scenes telling the story that audiences are familiar with are executed quite well, with some nice humour and suspense. The acting is very much a mixed bag, with the best performances coming from a charming and sweet Amelia Shankley without being too sugary and a touching Isabella Rossellini.
Was mixed however on the songs and Rocco Sisto. There are some good songs here, Never Talk to Strangers is great and Good at Being Bad is sung and acted with relish by Sisto. Lost in the Woods however goes on for too long and suffers the worst of the problem of taking too long to explain things and then over-explaining it, and Man Without a Heart is just limp in every way imaginable, with uninspired choreography, forgettable at best melody, cringe-worthy and again over-explanatory lyrics and Craig T. Nelson's one-note and pretty tuneless singing. There is some lush and energetic scoring, but along with Puss in Boots there are some cheap synthesised sounds that give it a more 80s sound than the rest of the Cannon films. Sisto plays Dagger the Wolf with real playfulness and really entertains in his chemistry with Shankley, but he could have been much more menacing, there were times where it did seem like he was underplaying too much.
Craig T. Nelson is all over the place in his dual role of Godfrey and Percival, he looks zombified as Percival and then plays Godfrey with such a hammy over-theatricality that it jars with everything else. Apart from the photography, Red Riding Hood is one of the cheaper-looking Cannon films, with drab lighting, bargain-sale-fancy-dress-like costumes and incredibly unimaginative, minimally furnished and recycled sets, Godfrey's throne room is the sparsest and cheapest-looking throne room personally seen and the forest set is completely lacking atmosphere or character. While the dialogue and interplay between Ninet and Dagger was entertains, the rest was rambling and stilted and while Rossellini and Shankley are endearing together, any scenes shared with Nelson come over completely cold. The story is treated disappointingly here, appreciated the ideas and the life-like themes (plus reasons are given for Dagger's pursuit of Ninet and why Ninet appears unharmed after being saved) but more could have been done with them and they ended up convoluting and dulling the story rather than adding or expanding anything, with at least half an hour of pedestrian pacing and not much happening (somewhat aimless in fact). The actual story of Red Riding Hood that everybody is familiar with, while among the most successful parts of the film, arrives too late into the story and it felt like not enough time was dedicated in telling it.
Overall, not a bad film and has enough to make it worthwhile, but one of Cannon's lesser efforts. A good try but doesn't quite come off. 5/10 Bethany Cox
Truly the best retelling of the classic tale ever put on film
Lady Jasmine25 June 2002
I saw this movie when I was a child, and it is still among the favourites in my video collection. I am shocked more people have not heard of it. This film is a fresh retelling of a story that has been told for generations, only this time it is told with genuine originality. The characters have motive and depth, especially Lynette (otherwise known as Red Riding Hood) a rebellious young girl who, just like her mother once did, shows no fear...even in the face of a cunning werewolf. The music in this version is enchanting, and will ring in your head for hours afterwards; it is a shame that they never released the soundtrack.
This is most definitely a welcome addition to any collection, children's or otherwise.
This is most definitely a welcome addition to any collection, children's or otherwise.
"A friendly-looking stranger is no danger."
utgard1419 December 2015
The Cannon Movie Tales version of Red Riding Hood, starring Isabella Rossellini and Craig T. Nelson, among other lesser-known names. This is just the second of the Cannon Movie Tales that I've seen after the fun Hansel and Gretel. This one isn't as good as that one but it is watchable, particularly for "so bad it's good" reasons. It's a nice-looking film despite its obvious budgetary limitations. The location shooting helps. I'm not sure where it was shot but, given Golan/Globus produced it, I'll assume it was filmed in Israel. Amelia Shankley is fine as Linet (never called Red Riding Hood). Isabella Rossellini is beautiful and graceful and brings class to things. Craig T. Nelson is embarrassingly bad here, playing dual roles. He's beyond corny as the hero and over-the-top hammy as the villain. I defy you not to laugh at his ridiculousness. Rocco Sisto plays the (were)wolf and does his fair share of scenery-chewing, as well. The songs are all pretty bad but worth a chuckle or two. Those synthesizers! As with Hansel and Gretel (and I imagine all of the movies in this series), Cannon has had to pad out a relatively thin fairy tale story to make it into a feature film. So here they have added elements from other stories, such as the part of Robin Hood where the evil king rules cruelly while his good brother, the rightful king, is off at war. Overall, it's a not a good movie but there is some fun to be had with it. Just don't expect much and enjoy the weirdness and unintentional hilarity of it all.
Entertaining only if you can't leave the house or no DVDs to watch.
watchtiger19 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie was made by Cannon Films was under control by Gollan and Globus, they are related to each other (cousins).
Gollan and Globus were known to make movies on the cheap. Often re-using back drops or back grounds of other movies.
Often they would get one or maybe two somewhat famous or known actors for the film and all others are unknowns.
In this case those two actors are Isabella Rosallini and Craig T. Nelson.
The acting in this and like many of the Cannon films of the Gollan and Globus era is mediocre at best. It's not because the actors can't act. They are not given the time to. The script is of the style what you might get at a school play that the students were asked to come up with based on a fairy tale, in this case Red Riding Hood.
You are given songs at the oddest time. This are songs you will NOT know nor your children. They wouldn't want to either.
They are trying to stretch a 10 minute story at best to nearly 90 minutes.
You can't enjoy this movie as it is difficult to like any of the characters.
Not watchable.
Gollan and Globus were known to make movies on the cheap. Often re-using back drops or back grounds of other movies.
Often they would get one or maybe two somewhat famous or known actors for the film and all others are unknowns.
In this case those two actors are Isabella Rosallini and Craig T. Nelson.
The acting in this and like many of the Cannon films of the Gollan and Globus era is mediocre at best. It's not because the actors can't act. They are not given the time to. The script is of the style what you might get at a school play that the students were asked to come up with based on a fairy tale, in this case Red Riding Hood.
You are given songs at the oddest time. This are songs you will NOT know nor your children. They wouldn't want to either.
They are trying to stretch a 10 minute story at best to nearly 90 minutes.
You can't enjoy this movie as it is difficult to like any of the characters.
Not watchable.
Takes Lots of Liberties
davidkennedy-9108714 May 2022
When one is retelling a story as slight as Little Red Riding Hood for a feature film, it makes sense to add a little extra meat on its bones to pad out the story and add some more drama, but there are times when it feels like you're watching anything but a version of the story. The songs are bouncy enough and there's more than enough danger to keep young kids entertained.
This was one of the most unintentionally funny movies I've ever seen.
cynthia_h_4950922 November 2004
I caught this movie on TV the other night, and it was so bad, I was forced to watch the whole thing. Its a retelling of the fairytale-remade as a musical with Craig T. Nelson playing two roles and the always lovely Isabella Rosellini as Little Red Riding Hoods Mother.I'm not sure if the intended audience are children or adults, but I doubt either would be satisfied. The songs -lyrics and music are abysmal and most of the actors can barely carry a tune. Poor Craig T. Nelson, who I've enjoyed elsewhere, was hammy and ridiculous as the evil king.The young actress playing Red Riding Hood had one singing voice for the ballad and another for an up tempo song.If you enjoy unintentional farce, if you are a MSTK3 fan who can imagine Crow and Tom Servo dissecting this-you'll enjoy this movie.
Get this movie, it will open your eyes to a world of wonder!
alicorn_834 August 2001
This movie tale brings to life the classic story in a way that makes it the best retelling of it I've ever seen. Music, a handsome wolf, and a depth of plot that is hardly ever seen in a story that was once so basic.
There are a bunch of great songs in this movie:
So good at being bad
You should never talk to strangers
Blue in the green
You won't be there in the morning
The man without a heart
My favorite quote:
"King: You don't love anything, do you?
Dagger: I love hunting with the pack under a full moon..I love a romantic dinner by candlelight..The two don't seem to go together do they?
There are a bunch of great songs in this movie:
So good at being bad
You should never talk to strangers
Blue in the green
You won't be there in the morning
The man without a heart
My favorite quote:
"King: You don't love anything, do you?
Dagger: I love hunting with the pack under a full moon..I love a romantic dinner by candlelight..The two don't seem to go together do they?
The Original fairy tale stretched out
flyingamon24 April 2011
I tend to like the Cannon Movie Tales. This is not the best one but certainly not the worst. It is the retelling of the famous fairy tale Red Riding Hood but the story is stretched out. Red Riding Hood is named Linet but doesn't wear her red hood in most of the scenes. There is an explanation of why she should wear it though. I'm glad that they took a young girl for her role of 10-11 who still likes to believe in fairies and not a girl hitting puberty worrying about sexuality etc as they tend to do in the more adult versions. This is how I wanted the story to be displayed, the kids version of the fairy tale like I have read it. Of course it is elaborated or it would be over very quickly. There is given much more background info about Red's mother, grandmother and the wolf who is a man named Dagger. Dagger works for the evil uncle of Red who exploits his minions. And yes Red does have a father! The songs in here are maybe not the best, kind of cheesy, but it is a movie for kids. In general I'm pleased with the result and I think multiple viewings will make me appreciate it even more.
What a waste of time
bjorn-113-39564121 September 2014
A convoluted plot. The soundtrack is a bit like princess bride, or at least attempted to copy from. Was the target audience adults or children? Too corny for adults, and too adult-themed for children. Worst directing i have ever seen. A talented cast appear like they were selected from a hobo audition.
I am glad it went straight to video originally.
Maybe the problem is with the original story. Unlike other fairy tales. Of this sort, it does not seem to have a morale, or even a shred of beliveabiliy. Deus ex machina events could be explained with magic. But a wolf masquerading as a grandma insults the intelligence of little girls everywhere. Red Riding Hood is also plagued with disturbing sexual undertones.
Let us just forget about this garbage.
I am glad it went straight to video originally.
Maybe the problem is with the original story. Unlike other fairy tales. Of this sort, it does not seem to have a morale, or even a shred of beliveabiliy. Deus ex machina events could be explained with magic. But a wolf masquerading as a grandma insults the intelligence of little girls everywhere. Red Riding Hood is also plagued with disturbing sexual undertones.
Let us just forget about this garbage.
Can anyone help me find this movie?
chanelledlima18 October 2022
Ive watched this classic as a young kid but the DvD is not functional anymore.
Trying to search for the full movie online but it's impossible as I cannot find it. Does anyone have a site or a link or the downloaded movie so they can send it😭 Ive been searching it for years and on YouTube the only thing available are clips which dont even explain the whole movie. Cannot purchase this online as well as it's showing international US shipping which would be really expensive to order. Overall,a great film with a slight twist compared to the regular plot of red riding hood. The wolf is actually controlled by Geoffrey.
Trying to search for the full movie online but it's impossible as I cannot find it. Does anyone have a site or a link or the downloaded movie so they can send it😭 Ive been searching it for years and on YouTube the only thing available are clips which dont even explain the whole movie. Cannot purchase this online as well as it's showing international US shipping which would be really expensive to order. Overall,a great film with a slight twist compared to the regular plot of red riding hood. The wolf is actually controlled by Geoffrey.
Some writers like to tamper with the classical tales
raymond-1519 December 2006
My mother insisted I should chew my food twenty times. The wolf in this fairy tale has a lot to learn regarding his eating habits. But he is a cunning fellow. He gives Red Riding Hood a spiked drink to blur her vision so she doesn't recognize the wolf in Granny's bed.
Granny despite her age and poor health is a very active woman indeed. She runs like hell to get help when Red Riding Hood falls into the wolf's clutches.
The familiar story is embellished with a sub-plot. Apparently Red Riding Hood's father has not returned from the wars and her cruel uncle wants to move in to claim her mother Jean in marriage. There are a few scary scenes. Watch carefully and you can see a wolf peering through a leafy branch. And may be worse if you don't pay your taxes, you can expect to be tortured and thrown into a dungeon.
The wolf that roams in the wood can change himself into a man. This can lead to a dangerous situation for an unsuspecting child. Red Riding Hood is a fairly sensible child and is aware that strangers cannot always be trusted even though you may be searching for a new friend.
The story is given a light touch by introducing songs in appropriate places. Though the singing is not high quality, it adds to the fun. I especially liked "Never trust a stranger" a duet sung by Red Riding Hood and the wolf-man.
Most fairy tales have a happy ending, but in this tale the outcome looks pretty hopeless as the peasants assemble in Granny's bedroom and Red Riding Hood is nowhere to be seen. What comes next is the highlight of the film! A very tense moment indeed. A matter of life or death. Can we really believe our eyes? Mr. Wolf, take it from me, anything can happen if you don't chew your food twenty times!
Granny despite her age and poor health is a very active woman indeed. She runs like hell to get help when Red Riding Hood falls into the wolf's clutches.
The familiar story is embellished with a sub-plot. Apparently Red Riding Hood's father has not returned from the wars and her cruel uncle wants to move in to claim her mother Jean in marriage. There are a few scary scenes. Watch carefully and you can see a wolf peering through a leafy branch. And may be worse if you don't pay your taxes, you can expect to be tortured and thrown into a dungeon.
The wolf that roams in the wood can change himself into a man. This can lead to a dangerous situation for an unsuspecting child. Red Riding Hood is a fairly sensible child and is aware that strangers cannot always be trusted even though you may be searching for a new friend.
The story is given a light touch by introducing songs in appropriate places. Though the singing is not high quality, it adds to the fun. I especially liked "Never trust a stranger" a duet sung by Red Riding Hood and the wolf-man.
Most fairy tales have a happy ending, but in this tale the outcome looks pretty hopeless as the peasants assemble in Granny's bedroom and Red Riding Hood is nowhere to be seen. What comes next is the highlight of the film! A very tense moment indeed. A matter of life or death. Can we really believe our eyes? Mr. Wolf, take it from me, anything can happen if you don't chew your food twenty times!
Not bad!
BandSAboutMovies4 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As Linet (Amelia Shankley) explores the forest, she is being followed by a wolf. Not just any wolf - the big bad one or as this movie calls him, Dagger (Rocco Sisto). Luckily, she's under the protection of Peter the Woodsman, who thinks she's fearless. She's actually just the kind of brave that has to be in the face of stupidity, because if you knew there was a killer wolf - the kind that don't scratch on no doors if we may use the poetry of one Glenn Danzig - in the woods you wouldn't go there looking for fairies.
Linet has bigger problems. Her mother Lady Jeanne (Isabella Rossellini) is hiding in the woods because her husband Lord Percival has been replaced by his evil twin brother Lord Godfrey and oh man, they're both Craig T. Nelson. It's been seven years since Percival went to war and he's legally dead, so Godfrey wants to get to know one of the stars of Tough Guys Don't Dance biblically. He also wants to teach her daughter the meaning of fear by unleashing Dagger on her, who even eats her by the end of the film and they cut his stomach open and she's alive inside and wow, this is a movie for children.
There's also a song where the Wolf tells Linet that it's good to talk to strangers.
Somehow, the guy - Adam Brooks - who wrote Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Practical Magic - directed this. It was written by Carole Lucia Satrina, whose credits include Cannon Movie Tales: Puss in Boots and three episodes of Tales from the Darkside, including "The Odds."
Linet has bigger problems. Her mother Lady Jeanne (Isabella Rossellini) is hiding in the woods because her husband Lord Percival has been replaced by his evil twin brother Lord Godfrey and oh man, they're both Craig T. Nelson. It's been seven years since Percival went to war and he's legally dead, so Godfrey wants to get to know one of the stars of Tough Guys Don't Dance biblically. He also wants to teach her daughter the meaning of fear by unleashing Dagger on her, who even eats her by the end of the film and they cut his stomach open and she's alive inside and wow, this is a movie for children.
There's also a song where the Wolf tells Linet that it's good to talk to strangers.
Somehow, the guy - Adam Brooks - who wrote Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Practical Magic - directed this. It was written by Carole Lucia Satrina, whose credits include Cannon Movie Tales: Puss in Boots and three episodes of Tales from the Darkside, including "The Odds."
A Very Good Fairy Tale Film!!!!!!!
cmoore001323 July 2003
This is one great Cannon Movie Tale.I just recently saw it.The music is very professional sounding and doesent sound cheesy like some of the other Cannon Movie Tales do.
The plotline is a little screwed up.It does have an intriging backstory featuring the Lynette(Red Riding Hood) character's uncle(Craig T Nelson).
This film boasts a terrific music score by Stephen Lawrence.It elivates the film so much and makes it seem more like a real film than a children's movie.
The film has a nasty and frightening atmosphere that might scare the little ones.Children 6 and up will not find it scary. This film is a must see or buy.It is worth a blind buy.That's what I did just because I love the Cannon Movie Tales.It is worth it!Get It NOW!!!!
The plotline is a little screwed up.It does have an intriging backstory featuring the Lynette(Red Riding Hood) character's uncle(Craig T Nelson).
This film boasts a terrific music score by Stephen Lawrence.It elivates the film so much and makes it seem more like a real film than a children's movie.
The film has a nasty and frightening atmosphere that might scare the little ones.Children 6 and up will not find it scary. This film is a must see or buy.It is worth a blind buy.That's what I did just because I love the Cannon Movie Tales.It is worth it!Get It NOW!!!!
Childhood!
thnameshenry17 September 2022
Oh nostalgia! I was raised on all the canon films (perhaps more so than Disney) and this one was a family favorite. The others are Frog Prince (love their retelling version of that one!) and Hansel and Gretel (Cloris Leechman as the witch gave me nightmares! Love it!) For Red Riding Hood, my siblings and I would reenact the dance numbers. We especially loved to do the silly dance/walk crisscross thing that Red and the Wolf do lol. Pure nostalgia but also, it's full of earnest performances and a cup full of whimsey! Love these version of the classics, they were less "safe" than the squeaky clean Disney versions and that made them more interesting to watch as a kid (and for the adults trapped watching them too :) definitely a hidden gem.
These Days Wickedness Is On The Rise. Never Talk To Strangers
johnstonjames7 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"these Days wickedness is on the rise", sings Linett in a little red riding hood. those words couldn't ring more true. especially these days.
this movie was pretty indicative of Cannon Movietales to put out a polished movie musical on a next to nothing budget and with very little resources.
too bad Isabella Rosellini, Amelia Shankley, Craig T. Nelson, and Rocco Sisto are so wooden in this. it's pretty typical of Cannon Movietales to acquire top name actors of quality to appear within their limited budgets. in this case the quest for name, quality actors actually compromises this production somewhat. it probably would have been best to find lesser known performers who could actually sing.
shame because Isabella Rosellini and 'Dreamchild' Amelia shankley are normally so good. in 'Dreamchild', Shankley showed so much depth and insight as a child actress it's a little surprising her acting here is so wooden and rigid and cold. but Shankley seems warm and animated compared to Rosellini who's performance as the mother comes off like a block of ice. main problem is neither actress is capable of singing in a musical. their voices are wispy and weak and do the charming songs by Stephen Lawrence very little justice. this could be the reason for their self conscious woodenness. the performances aren't bad from lack of trying, you get the feeling these two accomplished actresses are trying their best and are very sincere. they just seem uncomfortable with so much of the singing demands. and Isabella Rosellini is no more a wholesome 'G' rated mother type than say, Natasia Kinski.
but at least Shankley and Roselini try and are sincere. the performance by Rocco Sista is almost a gyp. you get the feeling he could deliver a better showing as the wolf, but he chooses not to. it feels like he holds back giving a better performance because he wants to be in a bigger production. thats no excuse for such snobbishness. he should have relaxed, let go, and given over to the charming potential of the songs and story.
Craig T. Nelson is just bad. for one thing the role is not right for such a contemporary actor. the star of 'Coach' looks and feels out of place in eighteenth century clothes. his performance reminds me a little of Harvey Korman playing Richard the III. probably not Nelson's intention. it's too bad the performance isn't better because he has one of the film's best musical songs.
strangely, none of this sinks the production. it's still typical of Cannon Movietales and still very good. as stiff as the performances by Shankley and Roselini are, they are still excellent, big name actresses and it's interesting to see them in this. and even though their acting is wooden, they still come off as sincere and professional.
Cannon Movietales are great and one of my fondest memories of film watching in the 80's.
this movie was pretty indicative of Cannon Movietales to put out a polished movie musical on a next to nothing budget and with very little resources.
too bad Isabella Rosellini, Amelia Shankley, Craig T. Nelson, and Rocco Sisto are so wooden in this. it's pretty typical of Cannon Movietales to acquire top name actors of quality to appear within their limited budgets. in this case the quest for name, quality actors actually compromises this production somewhat. it probably would have been best to find lesser known performers who could actually sing.
shame because Isabella Rosellini and 'Dreamchild' Amelia shankley are normally so good. in 'Dreamchild', Shankley showed so much depth and insight as a child actress it's a little surprising her acting here is so wooden and rigid and cold. but Shankley seems warm and animated compared to Rosellini who's performance as the mother comes off like a block of ice. main problem is neither actress is capable of singing in a musical. their voices are wispy and weak and do the charming songs by Stephen Lawrence very little justice. this could be the reason for their self conscious woodenness. the performances aren't bad from lack of trying, you get the feeling these two accomplished actresses are trying their best and are very sincere. they just seem uncomfortable with so much of the singing demands. and Isabella Rosellini is no more a wholesome 'G' rated mother type than say, Natasia Kinski.
but at least Shankley and Roselini try and are sincere. the performance by Rocco Sista is almost a gyp. you get the feeling he could deliver a better showing as the wolf, but he chooses not to. it feels like he holds back giving a better performance because he wants to be in a bigger production. thats no excuse for such snobbishness. he should have relaxed, let go, and given over to the charming potential of the songs and story.
Craig T. Nelson is just bad. for one thing the role is not right for such a contemporary actor. the star of 'Coach' looks and feels out of place in eighteenth century clothes. his performance reminds me a little of Harvey Korman playing Richard the III. probably not Nelson's intention. it's too bad the performance isn't better because he has one of the film's best musical songs.
strangely, none of this sinks the production. it's still typical of Cannon Movietales and still very good. as stiff as the performances by Shankley and Roselini are, they are still excellent, big name actresses and it's interesting to see them in this. and even though their acting is wooden, they still come off as sincere and professional.
Cannon Movietales are great and one of my fondest memories of film watching in the 80's.
"You should never talk to strangers"
maxvaughn9 August 2002
Finally, a movie that gives an explanation for the fact that when they cut open the wolf, Little Red Riding Hood is unharmed. True, the reason is an enchanted cloak, but it's better than nothing. I loved the songs "You Won't Be Here in the Morning" and "Never Talk to Strangers". The other thing that makes this version better then most Red Riding Hood stories is the supporting characters. They gave Red's parents and friends all lives that had nothing to do with her being eaten, yet kept to a basic plotline.
Great musical, awesome acting!
christinedesler6 January 2003
Remember Craig T. Nelson, folks? "Polgergiest"? What about Isabella Rosilini? "Merlin" "Death Becomes her". And how about the wonderful lady who plays Linette in this story? I have her "Little Princess" film -- very long but fun. Anyhow, I thought this movie was just the bomb. I loved every single song. "Green in the Blue", "Night..." "A man without a heart", "Good Little Girls"... I just loved them ALL! "You should never talk to strangers" is my favorite song, and absolutely the moral of the whole story. I think everyone does a marvellous acting job. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.
Another hidden talent...
pmicocci14 December 2003
...that should have stayed hidden! Whatever else this movie might have going for it, Craig T. Nelson's singing is definitely not one of them. The soundtrack to this movie could be released as a special package deal along with those memorable records by other such unsuspected vocal talents as William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy.
Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
fearlessgaia14014 June 2003
This movie has been one of my favorites since before I can remember. I used to be so excited whenever the library near my house had it in their small stock of videos. It took a long time but last year my aunt finally found it on video online and I know every last line of every song. I watch it now as a teenager and just think of how extremely cheesy this movie is, and the guy from Coach singing? Almost scarier then the special effects, but "Red Riding Hood" is still one of my favorites, now because of it's cheesiness. It is an entertainment staple at my sleep over parties, because when my friends come over one of the first things they ask is "You got that corny movie ready?" It's good fun to dance around and make fun of the movement from "Man without a Heart" or act out "You should never talk to strangers." It might make you think what the creators were smoking when they made this movie, but it's fun to watch if you're in a goofy mood. My favorite songs have to be "You should never talk to strangers" and "Good at Being Bad." I could spend the entire night just rewinding that song and singing along "I'm so good at being bad/ I'm good a being bad/ It's sweet/ How sour I am!"
Terrific! A total charmer!
marylou1029 June 2004
Brilliant acting, wonderful costumes, creepy atmosphere,tuneful songs! A true gem from the Cannon Movie Tales series. This film is the Red Riding Hood story, but it's slanted and broadened. There is a cool backstory about the wolf being the companion of an evil king, who's brother is Linet's(Red Riding Hood's) father. This king wants to marry Linet's mother(played wonderfully by the beautiful Isabella Rossolinni). To get rid of Linet, he makes his werewolf companion named Dagger kill her.
The atmosphere is bleak and dark, but it's a Grimm Fairy Tale so of course is should be. The atmosphere is lightened by the fun songs and sweet leading actress, Amelia Shankley as Linet.
This is a film that every family should own. So save a place for it between The Sound of Music and The Princess Bride!
The atmosphere is bleak and dark, but it's a Grimm Fairy Tale so of course is should be. The atmosphere is lightened by the fun songs and sweet leading actress, Amelia Shankley as Linet.
This is a film that every family should own. So save a place for it between The Sound of Music and The Princess Bride!
Disposable version
lor_20 April 2023
My review was written in May 1987 after a Cannes Film Festival Market screening.
Cannon's Movietale version of "Red Riding Hood" is a desultory effort lacking imagination and inspiration. Though made as a th4e4rical film, it is as disosale as the recurring canned tv specials reviving public domain material at regular intervals in a form of planned obsolescence.
Carole Lucis Satrina's script pads out the modest story line with a tale of a kingdom ruled by evil Godrey (Crfaig T. Nelson) for seven years after his nice twin Percival (Nelson aain) is missing in the wars. Godfrey letches after his bro's wife Lady Jeanne (Isabelle Rossellini) and uses his magic powers to change his right hand man Dagger (Rocco Sisto) back and forth between man and wolf to act as his spy. Final reel has Sisto giving little Red Riding Hood (Amelia Shankley), so named because of the magical protective garment given her by her granny (Helen Glazary), a hard time, even eating her up before a happy ending.
As the evil brother, Nelson hams embarrassingly, acting as if auditioning for a Richard III role. Sisto, supposedly in for comic relief, is also overwrought and unappealing. The female characters are wafer-thin but are given attractive and personable readings, especially by a radiant Rossellini and ute Shankley. Sappy songs that serve as necessary feature-length filler are ung indifferenty, though Shankley's voice is fine.
Instead of horrific, low-budgeter looks merely pleasant, with nondescript forest settings, underdressed interior sets and poverty row attempts at musical numbers.
Cannon's Movietale version of "Red Riding Hood" is a desultory effort lacking imagination and inspiration. Though made as a th4e4rical film, it is as disosale as the recurring canned tv specials reviving public domain material at regular intervals in a form of planned obsolescence.
Carole Lucis Satrina's script pads out the modest story line with a tale of a kingdom ruled by evil Godrey (Crfaig T. Nelson) for seven years after his nice twin Percival (Nelson aain) is missing in the wars. Godfrey letches after his bro's wife Lady Jeanne (Isabelle Rossellini) and uses his magic powers to change his right hand man Dagger (Rocco Sisto) back and forth between man and wolf to act as his spy. Final reel has Sisto giving little Red Riding Hood (Amelia Shankley), so named because of the magical protective garment given her by her granny (Helen Glazary), a hard time, even eating her up before a happy ending.
As the evil brother, Nelson hams embarrassingly, acting as if auditioning for a Richard III role. Sisto, supposedly in for comic relief, is also overwrought and unappealing. The female characters are wafer-thin but are given attractive and personable readings, especially by a radiant Rossellini and ute Shankley. Sappy songs that serve as necessary feature-length filler are ung indifferenty, though Shankley's voice is fine.
Instead of horrific, low-budgeter looks merely pleasant, with nondescript forest settings, underdressed interior sets and poverty row attempts at musical numbers.
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