It's appearance on the big screen may make it the fairest fairy tale of all time. It's Snow White and the Huntsman. No, this is certainly no Disney version. However, with a great story quite true to the original, plenty of action and great characters, this flick is poised to knock the mirror right off the wall and be a great movie experience for adults and the more mature kiddies alike.
Snow White (Kristen Stewart) lives a dream life. She's the daughter of the king and her pure heart leaves her as one of the fairest in the land. Enter Ravenna (Charlize Theron). She's used her cunning to marry Snow's dad, whom she quickly disposes of while locking up our heroine. Thus, she's now the top choice of the magical mirror for fairest. Until, that is, Ravenna realizes that she needs Snow's heart to forever ensure her status as both queen and fairest chick-a-dee. Snow escapes to the evil and dark forest, leaving Ravenna no choice but to summon the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth). He's asked to retrieve Snow, with the promise of a return to life of his deceased, beloved wife as payment. Lucky for Snow, she is able to turn the Huntsman to team White. Yadayadayada Snow begins a trek to the Duke's castle, where she hopes to rally the troops and reclaim her crown.
It's good...very good, actually. I'll give it 4.0 Stars. There's a reason why this is such a classic, but it is the first time that I've experienced it in grown-up land. Why did I have to wait!?! After all, with Snow White and the Huntsman, I got a glimpse of the harmony this world is missing and the harmony that I've been wanting to see for so long. Yeah, this is a great tale with great characters. You quickly fall in love with Snow White. Snow can be summed up in one word: Harmony. Her presence brings a compassionate heart to all she encounters. Whether it is the Huntsman or the dwarfs...or me, her calm, healing serenity are magnets to her charms. Of course, where there's the potential for harmony, there's evil trying to disrupt it for the sake of greed and power; thus, the story. Kudos to Rupert Sanders (director) for staying so true to the story, letting it carry the classical tale without interpretive interruption.
Of course, you can't have an amazing story without great characters. No disappointment in that department. Nor is there any letdown with the actors portraying them. Stewart is great as Snow White. You definitely feel the love here. Snow is supposed to personify purity and harmony. Stewart pulls that off nicely. She wasn't alone. Charlize Theron makes a great bitch, for certain; and, is anyone having a bigger summer than Chris Hemsworth? This guy nailed Thor in the all-time blockbuster hit, The Avengers, now, he is sparking prince-like comparisons with his portrayal of the Huntsman. They were not alone. Up and down this cast list are solid characters, well played. You grow to really dislike the bad guys--even if you were secretly snickering at them early (mainly for a bad haircut). And, let's not forget the dwarfs. It was actually a great surprise to see the cast of dwarfs be highly recognizable actors. It was also good to see that Sanders stuck with the big boy storyline and let the kiddie dwarf names go by the wayside.
All in all--no real complaints about this one. It's too well done from every angle to stretch for any semblance of criticism. You've got some great cinematic scenery created to fall in-line with a fantastical fantasy world. Sure, it's over 2-hours, but barely. I can always live with a two-hour flick in an action/adventure with a great story attached. Bottom line: See this and see it BIG.
True...OUT!
True's Yadayadayada is brought to you by Scott Trueblood
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