Claire is a new middle schooler who is longing to flex her maturity. One night, when her parents (Debi Mazar and Daniel Roebuck) are going on a date, she makes plans to sneak out and meet friends at the mall. Trouble is, her younger brother Rusty finds out about the potential escapade and tells their Grandma-babysitter (Lainie Kazan) the scoop. Naturally, Grandma calls Claire out on it. But, first Grandma suggests that she be allowed to read them a fairy tale and, perhaps, Claire will be able to go meet her friends. Both kids grimace and groan. Yet, G-mama insists and suggests that the two younger folks invent new aspects for the chosen tale, Red Riding Hood. The kids agree. Claire, who turns into Red, wants the family to live in a lighthouse at the edge of the woods and Rusty is avid for the wolf to become a werewolf (Joey Fatone). Red starts out bicycling up a beautiful coastline, then turns into the forest which leads to Grandmas house. G-ma (also Lainie Kazan) has been ill so Red is bringing her chicken soup in a thermos and crackers, too. Meanwhile, the werewolf devours a fisherman plus three nagging girls in charge of a toll bridge and he has his eyes on Red but his alter ego suggests he go to Grandma's first, eat her, and then wait for RRH, thus having a multi-course dinner. So, he does and he waits. All the while, Red sings some songs, the WW sings some songs and the rest of the family members chime in, too, to add in the fun. Will someone step out to rescue Red from the Wolf, as in the original story? This fun little musical version of a classic has something for most viewers. Since the stars are of varying ages, different generations will appreciate the film. Then, too, the scenery is lovely while the costumes, songs, script and direction add to the enjoyment. Very important, too, is the fact that the film subtly encourages reading and the use of the imagination, both good values. Families, you haven't seen it all if you haven't caught this new version of an old, old tale.

I watched this as preparation for the Tim Burton "Alice in Wonderland." That and "Riding Hood" are surely among the most stretched, adapted and versioned stories ever told. Red is particularly interesting because the versions all contain the same elements: girl, wolf, grandma, hunter. Woods.But it ranges from political allegory to sexual allusion. The background is so rich that almost any version is fun.This one is particular fun. I would recommend it. Some commentors think the sexual overtones are inappropriate. Well, phooey. Any youngster that gets that can benefit from the way it is handled. Lighthouse? Weenie roast? Over-sized Musket? "Fill out" so she can be tastier? Hey, you should have seen the last red Riding Hood I saw: the very clever porn version.Other commentors are offended by the flamboyant staging and effects. Gosh, though it has a metallic aftertaste, I loved it. Every effect was deliberately shown to be an effect within a story.The framing is that Lainie Kazan plays a grandmother who reads the story featuring her two grandkids — one of whom is Red. The wolf is a werewolf who can assume the appearance of his victims. There is the sort of dumb moralizing that is required in kiddie fare, but it is mixed in with a hodge podge of parallel lessons and jokes. The werewolf develops a split personality, making it possible for every character to have two identities. Film enthusiasts will know Lainie, who created a key role in introspective film in "My Favorite Year." She has grown into a stereotypical Jewish grandmother, of the sort maintained on stage. She has that character here, and it adds a welcome tone. But she really is the weakest element: every time she is on screen, we cannot wait for het to get off.See it. I expect it will be no more scrambled, excessive, stereotypical and sexual than Burton's Alice.Red's cloak/hood is often a dramatic character itself. Red, her mother and her grandmother are all redheads.Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

For me, the best reason to watch this Red Riding Hood version is the Hunter played by Henry Cavill. He is so charming here, and what a beautiful man. The music is fun too. The Director also filmed Grease and Blue Lagoon. I enjoy those movies also. I do not understand why so many people are writing so much negative stuff about this movie. Really this was fun, and yes there is a few places that are not so great. But I don't care. If I like watching a movie, I do not care if someone else puts it down so much. If you want to view an incredible wonderful and handsome man like this Henry Cavill, then you will almost certainly want to rent this movie. Hats off to Henry and everyone else. Enjoy.

This movie is not for everyone. It's one of those that some people probably aren't going to get. It's different. It plays like a music video for the most part. I was hooked after the first song in the film. The musical bits are great, and the cast is great. This is a great family film, and it also has a great deal of humor. I rented this (I work at a video store so I watch everything) with low expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. The young lady that plays Red Riding Hood is great, hopefully this film will get her many roles to come. If you're looking for something different, and fun, then this is it. It will be available the 27th, so check it out!