In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.

The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.

Coming Soon!

This Friday, Rupert Sanders makes his feature directorial debut with Universal’s Snow White and the Huntsman. It’s an action-packed take on the classic fairy tale that features Kristen Stewart as the fairest one of all. The film steps away from the princess who needs rescuing and gives her an independent makeover. But even though she has the innocence and virtue, Charlize Theron‘s Queen Ravenna steals the show.

Plot

As a child, Snow White’s (Stewart) father is killed by her evil step-mother Ravenna (Theron). The queen quickly takes over his kingdom and keeps Snow locked away in a cell. The villagers and noblemen, including Snow’s childhood friend Prince William (Claflin), assume she’s dead. But years later, as an adult, she finally breaks free. Queen Ravenna needs Snow’s heart to maintain her youth and beauty, so she sends the Huntsman (Hemsworth) to kill her. But instead of taking her life, he becomes her protector and mentor.

What Worked

Charlize Theron: Theron goes above and beyond the call of duty as Queen Ravenna. Even though she’s the film’s villain, there’s a hint of vulnerability in the character. She’s deliciously evil and dark, but it comes from a deeper place. At her rotten core, there’s a lot of hurt and fear. And Theron does a great job of bringing that across.

The Special Effects: The visuals in this film are spectacular. The contrast between good and evil, is showcased with the bleakness of the queen’s castle and the beauty of the hidden forest. The mystical creatures, ravens, and glass soldiers were stunning.

Snow White’s Agenda: Unlike the original fairy tale, in this film, Snow White has something to do. She doesn’t wait around for a prince. She has a plan to restore her father’s kingdom. She is the rightful heir to the throne and wants to take it back. It’s great that this version has agency and is passionate about something.

What Didn't

The Messiah Complex: Yes, Snow White is the fairest one of all, but is she also Neo from The Matrix and Jesus Christ too? She was presumed dead, and people are shocked by her reappearance, but the constant admiration and praise was a bit much. At one point she’s actually referred to as “The One.” It was slight overkill.

Overall

Compared to Alice in Wonderland and last spring’s Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsman is far superior. It lagged in a few parts, but was never boring or stagnant. At the end of the day, we think it’s worth your time.

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