This new adaptation of the classic tale features everything an audience wants but little of what they might expect. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, known for “Thirteen” and “Twilight,” this film is about Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), torn between her love for orphaned woodcutter Peter (Shiloh Fernandez) and her obligation to marry Henry (Max Irons). Valerie is planning to run away with Peter to escape her arranged marriage when her sister is killed. Peter and the townsmen go on a blood-thirsty hunt for the wolf they believe is responsible.

The townspeople's fear and desperation to stop the killings is heightened by Solomon (Gary Oldman), a priest whose methods of catching and killing the wolf result in more drama. He convinces the others that the wolf is among them, driving them mad with suspicions of best friends, family members, and neighbors.

To complete the twisted plot, the film incorporates the timeless question, who's afraid of the big, bad wolf? and leaves the audience wondering, who is the big, bad wolf? This plot is too crowded to even consider answering those questions, but Hardwicke manages to weave them all into an intriguing and immensely satisfying movie.

“Red Riding Hood” is a welcome new take on the old familiar tale that grabs the audience's attention from the opening scene to the final credits. This movie will draw in all viewers with its irresistible combination of terror, romance, and suspense.