Snow White and the Huntsman stars Kristen Stewart as Snow White, the king's daughter who is imprisoned by her evil stepmother Ravenna (Charlize Theron) after the king dies. Luckily, Snow manages to escape into the dark woods in search of her father's allies who live in a neighboring kingdom.
Ravenna orders a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to hunt Snow down and bring back to the castle, so she can eat the princess' heart and guarantee a life of eternal youth and beauty. The huntsman, an expert in his field, tracks down Snow White, but in a twist to the classic story, instead of letting her go like the original tale, he joins her efforts to put together an army to defeat Ravenna.
Directed by Rupert Sanders, the film's visual effects are nothing short of spectacular. Unlike any adaptation you've seen before of this tale, Sanders' version is a very dark one. A good decision, since if you're going to make an adaptation of something, you might as well make it different. The cinematography and graphics generated a sinister and chilling mood all throughout the film.
Despite all that, unfortunately, the script needed much more depth. It needed more dialogue, and most characters lacked layers to their characters, all but the Queen. For a film that is aimed more for adults, it seems only fitting that the dialogue should be just as mature.
Kirsten Stewart was a poor casting choice for the virginal and innocent Snow White. If anything, it seemed to me that she was more Bella in Twighlight than Snow White in the forest – all awkward and breathless. Not to mention that for someone who was supposed to look like the fairest of them all, she most certainly did not! That is mostly due to her lithe frame, pale – almost bloodless – skin, and dull hair.
Stewart also failed to create chemistry with her male co-stars, whom she was supposed to be caught in a love triangle with, and has you barely believing she might love any of them.
Theron was an exceptionally dark – yet stunning – Evil Queen who occasionally gives us a peek into her inner soul; a devastatingly lost soul. Keep an eye out for her stunning costumes, they're a delight!
Hemsworth played a believable huntsman, who until the end of the movie remains unnamed, yet the script deprived him of the performance he could have well given.
There were some good supporting performances from the likes of Ravenna's brother Finn (Sam Spruell) and Snow White's childhood sweetheart William (Sam Clafin).
Verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Exceptional visual effects and a unique storyline makes this a must see film for the fantasy fairy tale fan. Despite the script's many flaws.
Images: Snow White and the Huntsman
– Alya Al-Othman
