Rad Bennett

Fairy tales have been reinterpreted throughout history, often with great success. Little Red Riding Hood has been updated by artists from Tex Avery to Stephen Sondheim; it was even presented as a very funny Fractured Fairy Tale on the Rocky and Bullwinkle show. Unfortunately, Catherine Hardwicke’s new version doesn’t belong in such high-class company.

What if you saw your best friend’s wife cheating on him? Should you tell him? It’s an interesting premise that might fuel either a dramatic movie or a comedic one. Which one? Director Ron Howard hasn’t solved that dilemma, coming up with a film that isn’t funny enough to be a comedy nor dark enough (in its entirety) to be a drama.

Universal Movie •••• Picture ••••½Sound ••••½Extras ••••

 The dictionary defines a “minion” as an underling. Despicable Me has turned Minions into superstars.