Leading up to the release of Snow White and the Huntsman, I wasn’t
exactly thrilled, not only because it represented the second of two Snow White
films behind March’s underwhelming Mirror
Mirror, but I also wasn’t charmed by the last fairytale update to hit
theaters, 2010’s Alice and Wonderland. Sure, there were positives to add credibility
to the film, as Chris Hemsworth would once again be embodying the tough-guy
persona that charmed audiences so strongly in Thor, and the ever-beautiful and
fully talented Charlize Theron would be embracing a classic villain role. The darker tone presented in the trailers
seemed to indicate a closer adherence to the original Brothers Grimm tale, and
the production design looked outstanding, but there was one element that I just
couldn’t get over: Kristen Stewart. The
Internet was having a field-day over the discrepancy inherent in the fact that
Kristen Stewart’s Snow White was supposed to be “fairer” than Charlize Theron’s
Queen Ravenna, and Stewart hasn’t exactly demonstrated strong acting talent
while portraying the deadpan Bella Swan.
Still, as the release date drew closer, sneak-peaks highlighting the
narrative’s focus on battle and action made the film look more appealing, so I
was willing to give Snow White and The
Huntsman a chance.
Overall
Recommendation: High
In retrospect, I was shocked by how
much I enjoyed Snow White and the
Huntsman, which offers thrilling action, engaging characters, and
awe-inducing special effects, costuming, and set design, thereby making this
fantasy an incredibly strong summer film.
Charlize Theron is absolutely mesmerizing as Queen Ravenna, her beauty
directly contrasting her deranged and ruthless behavior, making her the kind of
villain that you silently root for and one that you wouldn’t dare cross. As for the titular characters, Hemsworth’s
Huntsman so closely resembles Thor that you cannot help but love him, while
Stewart Snow White is actually engaging and sympathetic, proving that the young
actress is capable of more than one facial expression. When considering the epic set design,
impressive costuming, and award-worthy special effects and make-up, it is very
easy to overlook some of the weaker elements of the story that is somehow able
to both over-rely on and pervert the original tale. So, even though it may not be perfect, Snow White and the Huntsman offers more
than enough to make the film worth seeing.
