Red Riding Hood
(2011)
The dark twist on fairy tales is a move that Hollywood
hasn’t worn out. Yet. But if this particular flick is any
indication, there should be at least some budget allocated for the poor souls
subjected to both creating and viewing these movies.
The ocularly-gifted, ample-bosomed Amanda Seyfried stars as
Valerie in this indulgent twist of the Big Bad Wolf that was obviously shot on
a soundstage. The wolf lore is
relatively standard, although it does a Christian aspect in the Draconian
priest Solomon (Gary Oldman). Yet
even the warnings that Solomon brings can’t hinder the lust? love? between
Valerie and Peter (Shiloh Fernandez).
The movie’s ending is a twist that is final, fatal, and formulaic at
best.
The absolute best aspect of this film is the music of the
opening credits, “Keep The Streets Empty” by Fever Ray – a song used to great
effect in an episode in Season 6 of FOX’s Bones.
If you stumble into this movie, your significant other wants
to watch, or you’re marathoning thrillers/horror movies in order to amp up for
Halloween, then by all means watch.
But try not to pay for it. It’s
100 minutes of your life you won’t get back.
