Nicely put together the animated feature Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil entertains well on two levels. With a fast moving plot packed with a lot of fun characters children will get the most from the wild and wacky comedy. As for the parents, you’ll get more out of watching your kids reactions than the routine storyline that amuses with sight gags and offhanded one liners.
This time the gang includes Inspector Nicky Flippers (David Ogden Stiers), Red (Hayden Panettiere), Wolf (Patrick Warburton), Granny (Glenn Close) and Twitchy (Cory Edwards), who are on a real crime case. They are on the trail of the wicked witch (Joan Cusack) who has abducted Hansel (Bill Hader) and Gretel (Amy Poehler). The group starts to solve the case but soon finds out there is more than meets the eye. Will the crew save the German kids in lederhosen or be vanquished by the wicked witch. You’ll find out when you watch this crazy fairy tale and get the twist (or is it twitch).
The loony animated feature has a lot of kid stuff peppered throughout so you won’t have to worry about a lot of potty calls. The characters are valiant (Red and Granny), sinister (wicked witch, the troll and the spider) or very comical (Wolf, Twitchy and Nicky Flippers) and it’s all in fun. It won’t take long before you discover that the plot includes a conspiracy that leads the gang to a Troll, Three Pigs and a Gingerbread House.
The voice characterization is perfect for the animated cast of Looney characters that make this story work. Although kids may get a better kick out of the film, parents will still be able to guffaw at some of the comical asides. If Heidi Klum (as Heidi) doesn’t make you laugh at her yodeling, then maybe a tune from Wayne Newton will do the trick.
Hoodwinked Too! Is rated PG for some mild rude humor, language and action. Be cautions when bringing the very young and immature as the spider gets a little scary.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A kid flick that’s ‘hoodie’ but goody. (B)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
