Pads & Panels

Title: Red Riding Hood

Format: Digital

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Written by: David Johnson

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Julie Christie

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Rating:

Review by: Sarah Kumley

Teen books (and movies) these days are often about one of three things: vampires, werewolves or forbidden love. Although Red Riding Hood is a reimagining of the well-known fairy tale, it still manages to contain two of the three criteria to snag teenagers’ attention. Throw in a love triangle and attractive leads and the package is complete to draw in a crowd. There is sufficient tension throughout the movie and the sets look like a medieval village, but the story is mostly predictable and unforgettable. (more…)

Title: Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Written by: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

Feature Rating:

Blu-ray Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

The Film

A Christmas Carol has been adapted countless times in various formats by various artists. Disney’s latest attempt at keeping the Charles Dickens classic relevant for modern audiences may be the most technologically advanced of the bunch, but despite its visual prowess and stellar performances by its actors, the elements don’t do the story service, and fail to reinvigorate the tale to justify the latest attempt. (more…)