Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Review and activities

If you're looking for a little magic for your next movie night, look no further than Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs now available on digital and Blu-ray. This is NOT the fairy tale you think you know, there's magic spells, curses, true love, and shoes - can't forget the shoes. I'm sharing my honest thoughts on the plot, the PG rating and if this fairy tale is safe for kids in my spoiler-free review. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs for review purposes, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs: Synopsis

​This outrageous fairy tale spoof starts as Snow White steals a pair of red shoes that transform her into a princess. Meanwhile, a witch’s curse turns seven brave princes into dwarfs, forcing them to seek out the princess, hoping for a kiss to break their spell. Together, they must face Snow White’s wicked stepmother – who will stop at nothing to get her precious shoes back – and, along the way, learn that true beauty lies within!

Learn more about the film and the bonus features of the Blu-ray

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs: Parent Review

The Plot

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs is part Snow White (our lead is actually called Snow White), part Wizard of Oz, and part... Shrek?

A lot of characters are cursed in this film. No one is who they appear to be and everyone is on their own journey to break their personal curse.

After watching her wicked step mother take over her father's castle, Snow White is on a quest to find her father and she enlists the "Magnificent 7" to help her.

The only problem? They're cursed, of course. So she gets 7, smaller and greener versions of them but they all have a lot of heart and are still very able to get the job done!

"The Magnificent 7" aren't the only ones looking a little different though, Snow White herself is wearing a pair of shoes that has completely changed her appearance.

Here lies the lessons of beauty being in the eye of the beholder and that true beauty lies within.

​Lessons are being taught all throughout the film.


Related: The Swan Princess: A Royal Wedding Parent Review

The PG Rating

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs is rated PG, Parent Guidance suggested.

I think this is a fair rating. There isn't any foul language or nudity but there are some moments of peril that may be scary for younger children.

One of the scarier characters in "Red Shoes" is Snow White's step mother, Gina.

Though she is not as scary looking as Queen Grimhilde when she is a white haired, old lady in Walt Disney's Snow White, she is still a very dark and ominous character. 

Aside from the scenes with Gina, there are a few moments where our main characters are in peril.

In one particular scene, Red Shoes and Merlin are being chased by three very large, face-less wooden creatures. The good thing here though is that they are being chased in the daylight, I think this helps the scene not feel as terrifying for little ones, but it may still be a bit intense for them.

Queen Gina has a magic mirror (of course) and this mirror, though funny, kicks up the scary a few notches towards the end of the movie as we build to the - shall I say, fairy tale ending. 

As hard as "Red Shoes" tried to not be a classic fairy tale, it does fall into the trap of looking like one one (or two) of our main characters are going to bite the big one.

We quickly find out the fate of one of the characters so that is a relief, but the revelation of the second character takes longer and is more drawn out and it may cause children to be saddened or scared. 

My Final Thoughts

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs tries to pack a lot into its running time of 93 minutes.

There are some plot devices that don't truly get fleshed out and there are some plot holes; I had some questions at the end of the movie that I feel didn't get answered.

Pro tip: Be sure to watch the end credits because there is an attempt (though honestly, kind of a weak one) to tie up those loose ends that surround the dwarfs.

All in all, I really enjoyed this film.

I liked that "Red Shoes" tried to turn the classic fairy tale upside down along with our preconceived notions on what makes a princess a princess, and what type of people should end up together in the end.

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs is witty. I laughed with/at the expense of (?) Prince Average and Patrick Warburton as the Magic Mirror is perfect casting.

 Age recommendation: 5+

One area this fairy tale is lacking in, is the song department. Using songs to break up dialog almost always helps keep younger audiences interested and while music is used in a few scenes it is sparingly and there is not a true memorable, grand musical number.

Another reason for my age recommendation is the plot in general. Younger children will no doubt think the dwarfs are funny, but will they really get why they were turned into little green men? Will they understand what it means when Snow puts on the shoes and changes shape and bone structure?

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs will make a great conversation starter for parents and kids to talk about appearances and judging a book by its cover, as long as they are old enough to get it.


Related: Thomas and the Magic Railroad 20th Anniversary 

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Family Activities

Red Shoes-Inspired Mini Apple Pies

These mini apple pies are for the fairest of them all! This fun, Red Shoes-inspired recipe comes courtesy of Monica over at PopcornerReviews. Find the easy-to-follow instructions below along with a list of ingredients and supplies. The best thing about this movie night snack? They bake in 8-10 minutes!

Wooden Bears Paper Bag Puppets

Some of the cute creatures you encounter in Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs are the little wooden bears. They gave me quite a laugh in one particular scene as they were stumbling around the woods and found a message left in a flower field. Now you can make your own fairytale friends thanks to Amy from AsTheBunnyHops! 


Related: Frozen 2 Family Activities

Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Coloring Sheets

Do your kids love to color? Add a bit of magic to coloring time with these fun coloring sheets in celebration of the release of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs to Digital and Blu-ray! Click each photo below to download and print!