Really Surprised!

A Masterpiece!

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Being a lover of '80s cinema, as well as an appreciator of all things Cannon and Golan-Globus, I was happily surprised to discover that Cannon had made a series of movies about fairy tales that I was unaware of. I managed to get my hands on this one, my first of hopefully many Cannon Movie Tales. The story is the simple one of Hansel and Gretel, padded out enough to make a movie.It starts with the worst family ever. The mom sits at home bitching while the wussy dad (David Warner) lets himself be pushed around and underpaid for the wood he cuts without putting up a fight. The two kids are deeply stupid, singing and dancing around like morons who have no understanding of how messed up their situation is. Maybe this is some subtle propaganda for helping the underprivileged and mentally challenged. The mom gets mad at the kids and sends them off into the woods. Soon the dad returns home having finally sacked up and gotten his money. But now the kids are lost and come upon the candy house of a witch named Griselda (a barely recognizable Cloris Leachman in a nice makeup job). Once the kids get lost, the story gets good. There are spooky woods, creepy gingerbread statues, and a scary witch. It's quite a bit of fun and a nice change of pace from today's over-polished kids films.Despite this being from Cannon, there are no guns anywhere. Nor is there any machismo or heaving bosoms. There are some terrible songs and an often sad story told in the most upbeat manner possible. Also, the most unsettling happy ending ever. It's a good time, though. I will definitely seek out more Cannon Movie Tales and recommend you do the same.

"Hansel And Gretel" is the best 'movie tale' Cannon Films produced. This version of the story is taken from the Hunperdinck opera, but its's still a recognizable rendition. The cast is fine, Hugh Pollard as Hansel, Nicola Stapleton as Gretel, David Warner and Emily Richard as the parents. But the REAL treat here is Cloris Leachman, as Grizelda, the Witch. This veteran actress is simply terrific, whether coaxing the children inside her gingerbread house, or threatening them with death. She also sings well, something she has rarely done in films. The production is tasteful, as are the new songs, adapted from the opera. A bit tense at times for young kids, "Hansel And Gretel" is nevertheless, a classic!

I remember this being on the Disney Channel in the late 80's and mid 90's. It is the most terrifying version of the story that you will ever see. Based on the Brothers Grimm story, it follows two children named Hansel(Hugh Pollard) and Gretel(Nicola Stapelton). Theyb are sent out into the forest to pick berries and they stray from the "safe" woods and enter the forbidden North Woods were they meet a witch named Griselda (Cloris Leachman). They think they have found shelter, but have really landed in the liar of an evil witch who likes to eat children.The opening is not faithful to the Brothers Grimm story, but it is forgivable, because of the terrifying last half, Cloris Leachman's performance, Nicola and Hugh as the two children, and some nice sets and music numbers.Keep this one away from children under age 7.

Ok, I own 300 movies of my own and I am 14! So what does that tell you? I have seen a lot of versions of Hansel and Gretel, but I must say that I like this one a lot. It is different from the everyday story that you hear. That is what makes it interesting. I like this a lot. I think that the actors/actresses did their parts very well!! This is a movie that is good for the whole family to see!! Well, that's it.