A horror-romance fantasy fails to click

Set in a little Italian village frequented by a werewolf, this film tells the story of a love triangle involving a village damsel Valerie (Seyfried), a well-to-do blacksmith’s son Henry (Irons) and Peter (Fernandez), son of a hardworking woodcutter. Valerie and Peter are in love and want to run away but the wolf arrives and kills her sister. To save the people, Father Auguste (Haas) sends for a skilled wolf-hunter Father Solomon (Oldman). But, when the wolf reappears and speaks to Valerie, she is taken to be a witch who must be sacrificed to the beast. It is now up to Henry and Peter to save the woman they love.

Exploring the issues of young teen lovers, the film with its gothic look has its own share of charm and uncanny plot. Despite the main characters being the wolf’s targets none are actually hurt when others die all around. However, we get good performance from Seyfried and Oldman. Besides, this horror-romance fantasy film has funny moments in the midst of rage and jealousy. Sadly, Red Riding Hood cannot be saved by these short-lived goodies.

Red Riding Hood
English (U/A)
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Lukas Haas, Max Irons, Shiloh Fernandez
Director: Catherine Hardwicke