Fairytales are not just for little girls anymore. With the release of Hollywood films such as Red Riding Hood , Beastly and Snow White and the Huntsman , remakes of fairytales and folklore are making a comeback. This time, for the older audience too. So what makes these fairytales worth recalling? For some, it is the hopeful happily-ever-after ending. For others it’s the mere enchantment of the folklore itself. While still delivering both, filmmakers seem to be running the extra mile, replete with untold secrets, a little suspense, a lot of drama, unreal romance and most importantly, the ‘twist’; it is a flawless recipe.
What more? The star-studded cast of each film contributes to its commercial success — Drew Barrymore in Ever After , Hilary Duff in A Cinderella Story , Amanda Seyfried in Red Riding Hood and Kristen Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman . Don’t miss the upcoming films of this on-going trend — Jack the Giant Killer and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters are scheduled for release in 2013.
Ever After (1998)
Adapted from:Cinderella
Remake twist: Unlike the conventional Cinderella, the Danielle here signifies a smart and cautious woman, bold and outspoken.
Gross: $65,705,771
Tangled (2010)
Adapted from:Rapunzel
The original folktale has many versions, but in most, the rescuer is a prince and Rapunzel is a commoner. Here, she is a princess trapped in a tower, unaware of her royal background until she is rescued by a thief. The film’s advanced animation features and sound track were its specialities, earning Golden Globe, Academy and Grammy nominations.
Gross: $200,821,936
Beastly (2011)
Adapted from:Beauty and the Beast
Remake twist: The movie is set in modern day New York City and the ‘beast’ is a conceited high school student from an affluent family.
Gross: $27,865, 571
Red Riding Hood (2011)
Adapted from:Little Red Riding Hood
Remake twist: Valerie’s (Red Riding Hood) father turns out to be the werewolf.
Gross: $37,662, 162
Snow white and the huntsman (2012)
Adapted from:Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs
Remake twist: The huntsman initially sent to kill Snow White by the Queen switches sides and helps her instead.
Gross: $139, 405, 170
