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ONCE UPON A SIGN: LITTLE RED RIDIING HOOD

Little Red Riding Hood from the Once Upon a Sign series is a great educational film. If you know sign language or want to learn how to sign, this film is perfect for you. This film is about a young girl, Little Red, who wants to bring cookies to her grandmother who's recovering from a cold. Little Red's mother is a little nervous about her going to her grandmother's house by herself. Little Red's mother tells her, "Go straight to your grandmother's house and do not talk to any strangers." While on her way to her grandmother's house, she forgets everything her mother tells her and speaks to a very friendly Park Ranger. As she talks to the Park Ranger, a very sneaky wolf eavesdrops on her conversation. And, when Little Red gets to her Grandmother's house, she notices something different about her. Watch the film to see what happens next.

There are several messages in this film. First, do not talk to strangers. Secondly, be sure to follow your parent's instructions. Not only did Little Red talk to strangers but, she told them where she was going as well. The art in this film is very simple yet it captures the essence of each scene. Little Red's grandmother is my favorite character. She's very spunky and an energetic woman. She reminds me of my own grandmother.

I really enjoyed watching the characters sign each other throughout the movie. The tutorial at the end was my favorite part. This film is delightful and educational. This is a great film for girls and boys, ages 5 to 10. I give this film 3 out of 5 golden stars. This movie is available on DVD as part of the Once Upon a Sign series. All of these updated fairy tales are told in sign. If you are hearing impaired, this film is great for you. Even if you are not, you'll enjoy it like I did.

Reviewed by Kayla Powell, KIDS FIRST! Critic, age 12..

This episode from the fairy tail sign language series, Once Upon a Time, is a fantastic twist on the fairy tale we all know and love, Little Red Riding Hood. This series will be liked by young kids who enjoy watching fairy tales come to life.

This episode has a feel of adventure, with a hidden core of good messages and even a bit of comedy and romance.

The story starts when a girl named Red is crossing a park in Manhattan to give her Grandma cookies. However, when she arrives, she finds her Grandma acting very odd.

The idea of doing fairy tales in sign language is a good and unique idea. The animation has a bit of nostalgic feel to it of older kids' shows.

Unfortunately, I felt that even though it was a very clever idea to bring Red into the modern world of New York City, the acting was not up to par. The casting is so-so. There is an adult playing a 17-year-old Red. We all know that Red is not 17, she is a young girl of 10 or 11. I thought that was wrong because you can clearly see her age is off and, as a teenager, it doesn't make sense that she is so naïve. The casting for older characters also wasn't right. The Grandma looks very young which also doesn't make sense.

My favorite scene is when Red is given instructions (as if she were 3) on how to handle herself when going to Grandma's from her mother. I could relate to her mom's instructions because I know a lot of moms act. Sometimes they act if they are sending their children out to go swim in a volcano instead of walk two blocks to the store for milk and bread. That part made the characters a bit more realistic.

This show is, of course, for little ones. I recommend ages 2 to 6. They would mainly enjoy the bright colors and pictures and smiles. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars for it's good idea, but acting and casting are really off.

Reviewed by Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Critics, age 12

This is a modern day version of Little Red Riding Hood with sign language and a more refreshing, modern day, younger acting Grandma. It is engaging but may have some limits to the ages of children wanting to watch a Little Red Riding Hood story. It is a more modern day version and would greatly appeal to those who use sign language. I'm not sure how appealing it would be to children who don't sign. The fact that Little Red is 17-years-old may seem a bit unrealistic to today's children. It does have educational and social message elements. It teaches not to talk to strangers and that play is as important as work. Of course, it also teaches sign language. The music is entertaining and so are the animation and real characters. The costuming is more modern day and fits the story well. The location is Central Park and the modern, younger Grandma is refreshing. There is a bit of flirting between Grandma and the Forest Ranger but it's not too much and the characters are definitely kind to one another. It flows well and the storyline is similar to the traditional story.

This updated version takes Little Red on an exciting trip through Central Park. Little Wolf is up to his old tricks but will the Park Ranger save the day? After arriving at Grandmas, we learn a lesson about fun.