Hoodwinked

The Shrek narrative template imbues every frame of this sassy but undernourished animated fairy tale that refashions the “Little Red Riding Hood” story in the form of a cop TV show that morphs into a James Bond-ish save-the-world scenario. Opening with a reasonably “traditional” account of Red and Granny's rescue from the clutches of the wolf by a hardy woodsman, the movie soon becomes a series of police interrogations that reveal, Rashomon-style, very different perspectives on what happened, as well as some deep, though humorous, secrets about all of the characters. Gradually, a wacky picture emerges, pointing to a larger plot to gain a monopoly over forest sweet-tooth concessions, leading to the revelation of an unlikely master villain and a big action-packed finale. Though the script is too smugly smart for its own good and the lumpy animation doesn't have the polish of the best CGI, Hoodwinked features a fine voice cast (including Glenn Close, Jim Belushi, Anne Hathaway, and Andy Dick), and provides steady smiles if not outright belly laughs. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Cory Edwards and co-writers/co-directors Tony Leech and Todd Edwards, a 13-minute “How to Make an Animated Film” featurette, five deleted scenes with optional commentary (10 min.), the “Critters Have Feelings” animated music video, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a hit and miss animated film.] (F. Swietek)