Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil (2011) Movie Review: A Sequel That Misses the Mark
“Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil,” released in 2011, is the sequel to the 2005 animated film “Hoodwinked!” Directed by Mike Disa, this film continues the story of Red Riding Hood and her friends as they embark on another adventure. Despite its potential for fun and creative storytelling, “Hoodwinked Too!” struggles to capture the charm and wit of its predecessor, resulting in a mixed reception from both critics and audiences.
Plot Summary
In “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil,” the story picks up with Red Riding Hood (voiced by Hayden Panettiere) having become a skilled secret agent. She is called upon to rescue her grandmother, who has been kidnapped by the villainous witch, who is attempting to use her powers to take over the world. Red teams up with a new character, the reluctant hero Wolf (voiced by Patrick Warburton), and together they must navigate through a series of challenges to stop the witch and save Grandma.
The film’s plot is an action-packed adventure with plenty of twists and turns. Red and her team must face off against a variety of foes, solve puzzles, and unravel the mystery behind the witch’s plan. The story incorporates elements of classic fairy tales and action genres, creating a blend of humor and excitement.
Cast and Performances
The voice cast includes Hayden Panettiere as Red Riding Hood, who brings a spirited and energetic performance to the character. Patrick Warburton returns as the Wolf, adding his distinctive comedic flair to the role. Other notable voice actors include Glenn Close as the Witch, and Andy Dick as the diminutive but comedic character, the Toad.
While the cast delivers solid performances, the characters themselves lack the depth and charm of their previous incarnations. The dialogue and interactions often feel forced, and the humor does not always land as effectively as in the first film.
Visuals and Direction
The animation in “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” is colorful and vibrant, reflecting the whimsical nature of the story. However, the visual quality is inconsistent, with some scenes appearing less polished compared to the first film. The action sequences are well-animated, but the overall visual style lacks the unique charm and attention to detail of the original.
Director Mike Disa’s approach to the sequel focuses on delivering fast-paced action and comedic moments, but the execution sometimes feels disjointed. The film’s pacing can be uneven, with some segments dragging while others rush through key plot points.
Themes and Style
The film explores themes of bravery, teamwork, and the importance of family. Red’s journey highlights her growth as a character and her dedication to protecting those she loves. The story also incorporates elements of classic fairy tales, adding a playful twist to familiar characters and scenarios.
The style of “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” is a mix of fairy tale fantasy and action-comedy. While the film aims to be entertaining and humorous, it often falls short of delivering the clever and engaging storytelling that made the first film successful.
Critical Reception
“Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the film’s attempt to continue the story and its colorful animation, others felt that it failed to live up to the charm and originality of the original “Hoodwinked!” The humor and plot were criticized for being less engaging, and the film’s overall execution did not resonate as strongly with audiences.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” is available for streaming on several platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase, offering both SD and HD options.
- Apple TV: Users can rent or buy the film through the Apple TV app.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The movie can be rented or purchased and streamed on various devices.
- Vudu: Offers rental and purchase options, with the ability to watch in HDX.
Conclusion
“Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” is a sequel that struggles to capture the magic of its predecessor. While it offers a fun and adventurous storyline, the film’s execution falls short in terms of humor, character development, and visual appeal. Despite its colorful animation and action-packed plot, the film lacks the charm and wit that made the original “Hoodwinked!” enjoyable.
The film’s availability on various streaming platforms allows audiences to revisit the adventures of Red Riding Hood and her friends, but it may not leave as strong an impression as the first film. Whether you’re a fan of the original or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” provides a playful, if uneven, continuation of the story.
In summary, “Hoodwinked Too! Hood VS. Evil” is an animated adventure with a fun premise but limited impact. Its attempt to blend fairy tale elements with action-comedy results in an entertaining, though somewhat underwhelming, sequel.
