Call me a sucker for fantasy pictures, but I really enjoyed “Snow White and the Huntsman”. In fact, I would go as far as to call this movie one of the biggest surprises of the year. In cinematic terms, this darker retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale is pure fantasy through and through. We get trolls, dwarves, fairies, and magic but there is nothing lighthearted about it. Unlike the other Snow White movie of 2012 “Mirror Mirror”, “Snow White and the Huntsman” aims for a broader audience by creating a dark and often times creepy fantasy world that doesn’t shy away from cool horror elements and death. In the end, it was an effective approach that completely caught me by surprise.
One of my main concerns about the movie centered around Kristen Stewart in the lead role. After seeing her previous work I was never convinced she was a good actress. “Snow White and the Huntsman” does nothing to change that. But the writers seem aware of that and the script cleverly limits what Stewart is required to do. Much of her story unfolds through the words of other characters so Stewart isn’t asked to do much. It was a smart approach and I can’t help but think the movie benefits from it. For the most part Stewart is a good Snow White. She runs, rides horses, and innocently looks in wonder at the new world around her. It’s only when Stewart is asked to rouse the crowds in the third act that you’re reminded of her past work.
The movie takes the key ingredients from the popular fairy tale and mixes them with several unique twists. As a child Snow White witnesses the murder of her father the king at the hands of her wicked stepmother Ravenna (Chalize Theron). Queen Ravenna takes over the entire kingdom and throws Snow White into a tower prison cell. Ravenna is dependent on dark magic for her power thanks to a spell cast on her by her wicked mother. She maintains that power by draining the lifeforce of the young girls from the nearby villages. Years pass and Snow White has grown up yet is still confined to the tower. Queen Ravenna learns from her magic mirror that Snow White is destined to topple her so she figures it’s time to suck the life right out of her competition. Snow White escapes into a dark and marshy forest where the Queen’s powers can’t reach. The queen bribes a drunken widower (Chris Hemsworth) who has survived the forest to lead her forces in order to capture the princess.
While Hemsworth seems to be falling into the same type roles for each of his films, I still really like him. Once again he plays the tough and rugged sort and once again he’s very good. It’s a pretty simple role that fits the fantasy character model well. He has a decent chemistry with Stewart which is helped by the fact that the script doesn’t force anything on their character’s relationships. And what is Snow White without dwarves, right? Several fantastic actors played the dwarves, or at least had their faces placed on different, smaller bodies. It’s a remarkable bit of animation. Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, Bob Hoskins, and Toby Jones are a blast to watch in the roles. But it’s Theron who steals the show as the wicked queen. She sells each calculated expression and devious grin and she opens up a fairly layered character. Theron has a lot of fun and it shows.
Another standout component to the movie’s success are the wonderful special effects and cinematography. The fantasy environments are well done and often times stunning. There are several cool creatures, beautiful landscapes, and some really slick magical effects. As alluded to, “Snow White and the Huntsman” isn’t necessarily a kid’s movie and some of the effects attest to that. Maybe that’s one reason it worked so well for me. It helps make the movie more closely resemble “Lord of the Rings” than the Brothers Grimm classic fairy tale. And as a fantasy fan, that’s a really good ingredient to this incredibly surprising movie.
keithandthemovies.com 
I had to re-read your title there Keith. Four stars? Surely not? In fairness, I’ve never seen it but this got slated by a lot of people. However, you give a good account of yourself here and your reasons have gown me something to think about. Thanks man.
Brother, I did everything in my power to lower the rating. I watched it only because my wife and kids wanted to see it. There’s nothing that should have worked with this picture. But in the end I had to be honest. I had a lot of fun with this. It’s absolutely against the grain but hopefully my movie blogging buds will give me a pass! 😉
Ahah, I had the same feeling, Mark. I gave it a 2.5 and I was feeling generous. I can’t stand K-Stew and she proves herself here that she shouldn’t be in the acting business. But hey, if you enjoyed this Keith, who are we to say otherwise right? 🙂
I think Stewart is a poor actress. But she does very little here. Theron does the most and she’s fantastic. I really liked the dark tone and fantasy visuals. Much better than I expected.
Good review Keith. The only reason why this movie is as watchable and fun as it is, is because of it’s imaginative and moody style that this new director has given us. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s definitely entertaining to watch, especially if you thought that the Huntsman and Thor were a lot alike.
Yes, Thor as a blubbering boozer! Good stuff! I’m glad I’m not totally crazy. You’re right, the unconventional tone really works and its what sets the movie apart.
Don’t worry, I’ll give you a pass bro. My good lady wants to see it so I’ll probably be watching it myself at some point.
There’s your excuse! Just watch it through the proper lens and you’ll have some fun with it. That great crew playing the dwarves is a hoot as well.
Not sure about 4 stars, hmm?
LOL! I know man! I’ve tried to find good reasons to bring the score down but in the end I had too much fun with the movie. I appreciate its dark take on the story and I thought the visuals were exceptional. Now it won’t make my end-of-the-year top 10 list but it was still a pretty good movie. As shameful as it is, I have to stand by that. 🙂
I suppose, but I do disagree 😀
You’re not alone! 🙂
Good! ;D
Don’t be embarrassed. The movie is technically very solid and the look of it is gorgeous. I was reminded of the Ridley Scott’s “Legend” in the sequences that take place in the enchanted forest. The story is another issue, but it is not a unique flaw, most films fall into cliche these days. Not sure if I ever need to see it again, but it would not hurt me if I did.
Thanks! I’m like you, I’m in no hurry to see it again but if I do I think I would enjoy it.
“I had to re-read your title there Keith. Four stars?”
Haha, I thought the same as Mark. I’m glad you enjoyed this one but I didn’t and I think it’s the worst I’ve seen all year. The visuals and costumes were pretty good but that was about it for me. I was bored out of my mind, and the acting was atrocious, particularly Theron’s insane overacting.
I thought that Theron was very good. Her part called for some overacting. The root character was like that (although not as dark).
I’ve been getting slapped around a bit for this one. But we got to stick to our guns right? 🙂
Yes, I agree about sticking to our guns. Again, glad you liked it 😀
Keith, I’m standing right there with you about this film. I really enjoyed it too. For all the reasons you’ve mentioned. It’s a solid fairytale film. Chris Hemsworth and, moreso, Charlize Theron own the film. Snow White’s almost like a sub-character.
I’m a little wary of the sequel. Heck, I would prefer a prequel concerning The Huntsman and Raveena! But doubt we’d ever get that.
Awesome!!! Thank goodness I’m not alone ! LOL. I’m like you – the sequel could be a wreck. But we shall see!
Hmm, I hated this movie. Your review made me think a bit, but I stand by my initial reaction.
I agree that the writers limit Stewart in this, however, considering sympathy for her character is supposed to drive the story forward, it didn’t work for me. And you’re right about the 3rd act, the rousing of the crowds, but that’s another reason the movie fails in my opinion. That scene is what majority of the movie was building towards, the journey to meet with the Rebel Forces to form up and overthrow the evil Queen. So if that scene fails, the audience can’t get invested in the mission and scenes that follow.
I agree there’s awesomely innovative aspects at work here, the style, story, some performances, effects, etc… however those individual things does not a great movie make.
Sorry, but forgot to include the link to my Review in my 1st comment. Take a look to see more in depth about what I had problems with… if you want. 😛
Good points and I know I’m alone on a island with this one. I just can’t help it. It was far from great but I liked it a great deal. I should be ashamed…LOL
I started this film but never finished it unfortunately. It wasn’t because I disliked it but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I did like what I saw though. Newton Howard’s score is wicked. I’ll re-watch it this weekend. Thanks!
LOL, good luck bro. I’ve taken some (good natured) heat for my rating. Can’t help it though. I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. Anxious to hear your thoughts.
It’s ok, bro, we all have movies that we like and the masses think we are insane for liking. I like Waterworld and boy do I get shit for that one! 🙂 I’ll let you know my thoughts on Snow White when I’m done with it. Thanks!
Oh more on Waterworld in a few weeks when I crank back up the Phenomenal 5! 😉
Ha! Sweet! 😀
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