Snow White and the Henchman is a deceptively dark fairy tale of desire, love and vengeance. And I know what you might be thinking: Will you have to watch Kristen Stewart bit her lip and act all doe-like and innocent as in the Twilight films? The good news is: You won't. She is not perfect in this film, but there are moments in which I enjoyed seeing her interact with other characters that may or may have not been actually on set. Her acting ability is maturing, slowly, and her performance here is not as wooden as in the Twilight movies. But enough of Stewart, onto my review.
Snow White and the Huntsman is an extremely ambitious fairy tale that’s retold for today’s cynical, modern day audience. Filled with dark and disturbing imagery and some truly awe-inspiring special effects, you will be well-served to see this film on the big screen. The colors and effects alone make the film worth a gander as I was especially impressed with a magical fairy interlude that takes place in the middle of the film.
Almost taken directly out of Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, the fairy interlude acts as a great divider between the darkness and light imagery that permeates the film. And at the center of the darkness is Academy Award winner Charlize Theron as the evil Queen. She chews up the scenery with such relish that I had chills watching her in some scenes. She plays the Queen with such abandon that I rather enjoyed her portrayal. There is no tongue in cheek showing through in her acting. She embodies the evil Queen with such fierceness that I wouldn't have wanted to be on set with her.
Unfortunately, the plot is muddled with the addition of the Duke, his son and, of course, the seven dwarves. A tad bit too long, the film editors might have done better to have cut out the William subplot as his role in the movie is a bit odd--especially since you expect him to be the main love interest. The light play of a love triangle is weak, at best, and, at times, annoying as I was distracted from the main plot.
Snow White and the Huntsman is more about war and vengeance rather than love and that surprised me. I’m not opposed to such themes, but found it an odd choice for a movie that I thought had been heavily marketed toward the female tween audience.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film. Is it perfect? No, not even close, but I did enjoy it and would recommend it to fans of fairy tales such as those who watch Once Upon a Time. I have seen far worse movies and, honestly, that does not do the film justice. It is a solid flick and well worth the price of admission. On a four star scale, I would rate the film at 3 stars. So go out and see Snow White and the Huntsman. Kristen Stewart is surprisingly good in the film and plays off nicely with Chris Hemsworth, making wonder if she continue to grow as an actress. Time will tell, but if you're looking for a good popcorn flick, go out and see this film.
Ron Vitale is the author of the fantasy novel Cinderella's Secret Diary who hopes that his daughter will grow up to find her own voice and not allow others to dictate who and what she can be.
Review: Snow White and the Huntsman
Snow White and the Henchman is a deceptively dark fairy tale of desire, love and vengeance. And I know what you might be thinking: Will you have to watch Kristen Stewart bit her lip and act all doe-like and innocent as in the Twilight films? The good news is: You won't. She is not perfect in this film, but there are moments in which I enjoyed seeing her interact with other characters that may or may have not been actually on set. Her acting ability is maturing, slowly, and her performance here is not as wooden as in the Twilight movies. But enough of Stewart, onto my review.
Snow White and the Huntsman is an extremely ambitious fairy tale that’s retold for today’s cynical, modern day audience. Filled with dark and disturbing imagery and some truly awe-inspiring special effects, you will be well-served to see this film on the big screen. The colors and effects alone make the film worth a gander as I was especially impressed with a magical fairy interlude that takes place in the middle of the film.
Almost taken directly out of Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, the fairy interlude acts as a great divider between the darkness and light imagery that permeates the film. And at the center of the darkness is Academy Award winner Charlize Theron as the evil Queen. She chews up the scenery with such relish that I had chills watching her in some scenes. She plays the Queen with such abandon that I rather enjoyed her portrayal. There is no tongue in cheek showing through in her acting. She embodies the evil Queen with such fierceness that I wouldn't have wanted to be on set with her.
Unfortunately, the plot is muddled with the addition of the Duke, his son and, of course, the seven dwarves. A tad bit too long, the film editors might have done better to have cut out the William subplot as his role in the movie is a bit odd--especially since you expect him to be the main love interest. The light play of a love triangle is weak, at best, and, at times, annoying as I was distracted from the main plot.
Snow White and the Huntsman is more about war and vengeance rather than love and that surprised me. I’m not opposed to such themes, but found it an odd choice for a movie that I thought had been heavily marketed toward the female tween audience.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film. Is it perfect? No, not even close, but I did enjoy it and would recommend it to fans of fairy tales such as those who watch Once Upon a Time. I have seen far worse movies and, honestly, that does not do the film justice. It is a solid flick and well worth the price of admission. On a four star scale, I would rate the film at 3 stars. So go out and see Snow White and the Huntsman. Kristen Stewart is surprisingly good in the film and plays off nicely with Chris Hemsworth, making wonder if she continue to grow as an actress. Time will tell, but if you're looking for a good popcorn flick, go out and see this film.
Ron Vitale is the author of the fantasy novel Cinderella's Secret Diary who hopes that his daughter will grow up to find her own voice and not allow others to dictate who and what she can be.
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