MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 127 minutes
Grade:
Photo courtesy of Imdb.com
My first reaction to Snow White and the Huntsman is WOW! I was completely blown away by the cinematography, acting and special effects. This is what a blockbuster movie should look like and how money should be used to bring to life a world unlike our own. I can’t tell you how blown away I was by every aspect of this film because I don’t think there are any words. But, I’ll do my best.
When Ravenna (Charlize Theron, Prometheus) is first introduced to us, she looks helpless and devoid of any negative motives. And are we surprised by her quick turnaround! While Ravenna is evil, I think she’s still a lost little girl on the inside. Her need for power rules her every thought, as does her belief that beauty and youth bring about power. Well, in her case they do and she does everything possible to keep all three. This is where Snow White (Kristen Stewart, Twilight) and the drunken, but useful, Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) come into play. Snow is the key to Ravenna’s immortality and the Huntsman is charged with delivering her to Ravenna. Theron is Ravenna in every way. She epitomizes the evil queen with her speech, movements, even a simple look. I cannot remember seeing an actor become their character in such a complete and satisfying way. It’s almost as if the role were written specifically for Theron. In my mind, no one else could have played this part. No one.
I’m not a huge fan of Stewart as she seems to be a one note player. Her characters are always ‘Debbie Downers’ and don’t have any depth to them. So it pleases me to admit Stewart does an excellent job with Snow. It could be due to the minimal dialogue she has, but I’d like to think it’s because she’s finally stepping into her own and finding out what it means to be an actor.
Hemsworth is funny, charismatic and powerful as the Huntsman who has nothing to live for. He spends most of the movie with a dirty face and greasy hair, but his vibrant blue eyes are so full of life, you never even notice his state of disrepair. While Theron steals every scene she’s in, Hemsworth gives her a run for her money.
I almost forgot to mention Snow’s potential love interest, William (Sam Claflin, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides). I say potential for a reason and you’ll have to go see the film to find out why—I’m not spilling any details… (insert evil laugh). What I loved about William is his skill with a bow and arrow. He’s amazing—almost as good if not better than Robin Hood. Seriously, he was kicking ass and taking names with every arrow loosed and I was blown away. While you never see William and the Huntsman go head-to-head in some show of macho-egotism, you know there may be an underlying tension between the two men. But all that is set aside because the two are working together to help Snow. Aww… I enjoyed this aspect of the film as there is almost always the potential for a sticky situation concerning a dreaded love triangle. That’s not to say this trio wouldn’t make an interesting study in love. Just who would Snow pick between her childhood friend and the hired hunter? I think the answer to that lies in whose kiss awakens the sleeping princess. Yes, there is an apple scene.
Snow White and the Huntsman is not too far from the fairytale version most people know, and has some of those innocent elements thrown in for a bit of fun. The dwarves… yes, they make an appearance and play an important role in Snow’s life. This is where the special effects come into play and let me just say, they are out of this fricking world. Ian McShane (Deadwood) and Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) play two of the not-so-fun-loving creatures. If you’ve seen these actors in their other work, you know they aren’t men of short stature. But, they come alive as dwarves on screen and you don’t give a second thought to their heads matching the bodies they’re on. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and thought, “This is how CGI is meant to be used.” Not only are these dwarves far from sweet, they are kick ass. If Theron didn’t do such an amazing job as the evil queen, I’d say the dwarves were the best thing (after all the other things I’ve listed, of course) about Snow White.
Now onto what I didn’t like about the film: nothing. I can’t find anything to complain about. This dark adaptation of the Disney® fairytale princess does its job and does it well. The Dark Forest is one step from an acid-trip from hell, while “Sanctuary” is an awesome depiction of the land where faeries live. There are quite a few breathtaking scenes (most of which occur in Sanctuary) where the cinematography shines through, reminiscent of the work in Gladiator. As a moviegoer, I analyze everything about a film—from the costumes, lighting, and background, to the action sequences, mood and music. I loved it all and I expect you will too. I truly believe a standard has been set and I’m interested to see if any other films this year can step up to the plate. So don’t hesitate to check out Snow White and the Huntsman because you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I can’t wait to go see it again! This is director Rupert Sanders’ debut film and I daresay it won’t be his last.
For more information on the film, visit: http://www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com/.
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