Snow White and the Huntsman
- Director: Rupert Sanders
- Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
- Details: US /126mins 12A
- Release Date: 01/06/2012
Marking the feature debut of an impressive filmmaker, this, the second take on Snow White in as many months, is a far superior effort than (the dire) Mirror Mirror. Sanders' film plays like Gladiator mated with the classic fairytale and had a moody baby. Tonally this should not work; but unconventional casting and very slick helming make this blockbuster more than worth your time.
Twilight's resident moper Kristen Stewart is our titular heroine, Snow White; a beautiful and kind young lady who has been imprisoned for damn near a decade after Charlize Theron's wicked witch marries her auld lad, then promptly murders the poor bastard. A kingdom once filled with love, puppydogs and ice-cream, is now a horrible place full of dark corners and people with really bad teeth - this is how we know people are peasants in medieval flicks, ya see. When Theron's narcissistic witch and her inexplicably albino, uncomfortably close brother, realise that Snow White is the reason she isn't the fairest in the land, they set about to kill her dead - but she escapes into the woods. Blackmailing Hemsworth's knowledgeable woodsman into finding her, soon he's on Team Snowy and sets about protecting her and taking down queen bitch.
Far from perfect, there are an awful lot of potholes here, and if you sat down and really looked at them the film wouldn't make a hell of a lot of sense. But - the producers will argue - this is based on a fairytale and really if they can't get a pass then what films can? Besides, Sanders slick, often dynamic handling of the action and ambience more than covers the aforementioned craters. It's a very assured debut, and he's as comfortable in the character exchanges as he is with building atmosphere - not often the case in "epic" films of a similar ilk.
While struggling a little with the accent, Hemsworth easily embodies the masculinity required for the huntsman and actually shines in some of the films quieter moments. Theron is excellent; she's not given nearly enough screen time as the mechanics of the plot need moving along, but she's a great villain - actually managing to give her character a of hint depth despite all of the horrible things she does. As for Stewart, her casting certainly surprised some; the actress has an often awkward style of delivery and it wasn’t seen as the perfect fit for such a conventionally thought of character. But her vulnerability actually serves her well; this is a young woman who has been cut off from the outside world for a very long time so the casting is spot on. It's the young actresses' best work to date and she should win herself some new fans - even if she never really convinces with the physicality of the role.
A very enjoyable, extremely well made blockbuster.
Watch: Snow White and the Huntsman
Review by Mike Sheridan | 09:00 | Friday 1st June 2012 | Movie Review
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twk22
Mr. Sheridan: Kristen's best work to date? Obviously you've only seen Twilight and not taken the time to see any of her other movies. When you get a chance check out her incredible performances in Speak, The Cake Eaters, The Yellow Handkerchief, The Runaways, Welcome to the Rileys. She's so good in SWATH and she's excellent in those movies too. I find it sad that like most "critics" you give her a good review but feel compelled to add a last line that negates anything positive. Why?
Posted 19:53 | Mon 28th May 2012 -
ted29
I think Sheridan is right. She is largely one dimensional and "mopey" couldnt describe her more accurately if you had an electrified moping machine! If she puts her hand through her hair one more time in one more movie....
Posted 11:25 | Wed 30th May 2012 -
FilmBuff76
This year's other Snow White film is definitely aimed at an older audience and is more in tone with Snow White: A Tale Of Terror. It's a revisionist take on the wellworn fairytale, mixing in creatures and battle scenes as well. The core premise of the fairytale is the same, but is ramped-up to heighten the tension. Initially sent to capture Snow White by the evil Queen Ravenna, the Huntsman teams up with Snow and the grizzled dwarves to fight back and return the kingdom to its former glory. Charlize Theron gives Ravenna a sharp, dangerous edge, but there's also some specks of vulnerability there too. It's the best performance in the film - no wonder actors love playing baddies. After many dark, intense scenes the dwarves bring some welcome humour though not enough. This is a dark, moody, menacing film that seems out-of-place in summer - October would be a more appropriate slot for its autumnal feel. It's not the definitive Snow White film, but it's certainly one of the more interesting and visually ravishing ones.
Posted 22:04 | Thu 31st May 2012 -
Katrin
Excellent film - moody, superbly acted, visual feast - just don't ever think of bringing kids under 12 or possibly even 14 - some scenes are truly disturbing!
Posted 08:33 | Sat 2nd Jun 2012 -
Andrew
Will be interesting to see Charlize Theron in the wicked witch role for a change.
Posted 19:02 | Thu 7th Jun 2012 -
stephanie
OMG the best movie i have ever seen well done kristen lol love it cya keep it going i meen up hahaha got ya
Posted 11:43 | Tue 12th Jun 2012 -
mikecoughlan
I thought it was very good . There is a lot going on . Charilze Theron is excellent as the queen
Posted 08:16 | Sun 17th Jun 2012 -
dueaug
Started very well but lost it half way through. Good film for a group of 12 year old girls to see :(
Posted 20:54 | Mon 18th Jun 2012 -
Linda
Really enjoyed this hasve seen it twice now and both times i loved it
Posted 16:15 | Tue 19th Jun 2012 -
TheAwkwardDancer
I was only interested at the beginning and the end. A total snooze-fest in between.
Posted 11:59 | Wed 20th Jun 2012 -
Philip
This film was horrendous Stewarts long bewildered looks into the camera were equally met with my own Why was she so awkward Was Bob Hoskins only sporadically blind as he seemed to be able to see sometimes and then lost his sight on other occasions Why was Stewart holding a twig at the end Why was the huntsman not with everyone else at the top at the coronation It reminded me of the haminess of a badly done Shakespearean play without the eloquent dialogue So many questions about a film I do not want to think about again
Posted 12:48 | Tue 3rd Jul 2012 -
Fozz
@philip...someone has stolen the full-stop off yer keyboard there. Can't be having that...go get em!
Posted 20:34 | Thu 30th Aug 2012
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