The original fairy tale by Charles Perrault has always struck me as particularly violent and merciless, and it’s interesting that Shelley Duvall’s “Faerie Tale Theatre” manages to adapt it for the show without sacrificing many of its rough edges. Despite the show being aimed at children, it’s striking just how devilish Malcolm McDowell is as the big bad wolf, like he’s a pre-burnt Freddy Krueger acting in a children’s play, and he seems to be having the time of his life deploying his specific brand of creepy appeal. In the title role, Mary Steenburgen is fine, but it’s Frances Bay as the grandmother who makes the most out of all of her lines and she’s a blast to watch.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
