Watch Red Riding Hood: The Tale Begins

Red Riding Hood: The Tale Begins is a 2011 fantasy film directed by Randal Kleiser, which tells an alternative version of Little Red Riding Hood story. As the title suggests, the story explores the origins of the tale and presents a unique narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. The story centers around Valerie, played by Hailey Birnie, a young girl who lives in a small village in the forest with her parents. Her childhood sweetheart, Peter, portrayed by Kirby Morrow, has secretly been in love with her since they were young. However, a wealthy and ambitious blacksmith's son, Henry, played by Rob Compton, has also taken a fancy to Valerie and seeks her hand in marriage. Caught in a love triangle, Valerie is torn between her feelings for Peter and her duty to her family, who have agreed to her engagement to Henry.

As the story unfolds, the village is besieged by a werewolf that has been terrorizing the village and killing its citizens. The villagers are convinced that the werewolf is one amongst them, and they summon a legendary werewolf hunter, Father Solomon, played brilliantly by Gary Oldman. Solomon is ruthless and will stop at nothing to find the werewolf and put a stop to the killings. However, his methods are questionable and involve torture and fear-mongering to gain confessions from the villagers.

Amidst all this chaos, Valerie discovers that she has a unique connection to the werewolf and gains an understanding of their connection to her past. She must not only choose between love and obligation but also discovers that her choices will determine the fate of the village and its people.

The film's cinematography is visually stunning, with stunning aerial shots of the forest that encapsulate the dark and ominous atmosphere of the movie. The forest setting provides the perfect backdrop for the werewolf's terror, and the sound effects and music add to the tense and eerie atmosphere of the movie. The visual effects used to depict the werewolf are also impressive, and the scenes where Valerie interacts with the creature are captivating and gripping.

The acting in the movie is commendable, with Hailey Birnie delivering an outstanding performance as Valerie. She is convincing in her portrayal of a young girl torn between her heart and her duty, and her chemistry with Kirby Morrow, who plays Peter, is palpable. Rob Compton, who plays Henry, brings depth and complexity to his role, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the love triangle subplot.

Gary Oldman's portrayal of Father Solomon is intimidating, and his character's harsh methods generate an impression of a man who is consumed by the mission of tracking down the werewolf. His portrayal adds a layer of suspense to the movie, as you question whether he is an ally or a hindrance to Valerie's mission.

In conclusion, Red Riding Hood: The Tale Begins is a riveting fantasy film that offers a unique take on an age-old tale. The movie's narrative is gripping and provides ample opportunities for the audience to connect with the characters and understand their motivations. The visual effects and cinematography add to the overall immersive experience of the film, ensuring that the movie is a visual treat to behold. The movie is a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the very end, and the cliffhanger scenes will have you eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Red Riding Hood: The Tale Begins is a 2011 mystery with a runtime of 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.