Snow White and the Huntsman [DVD] [2012]

Firstly, this movie aims to sweep away the Disney tinsel and tell the grittier, harder story that the tale of Snow White once was. It does this with style, action and the injection of subtle romance and occasional well timed humor.As a rough guide, if you liked the Princess Bride, the Narnia or LOTR films you will enjoy this one.Charlize Theron makes a 'good' baddie and in fact Sam Spruel does a fine job of playing her equally troubled and wicked sibling. The dwarves are all well played, by a first rate collection of reliable English character actors and Sam Clafin makes a charming and daring prince, who happens to be very handy with a bow and arrow.In other reviews some criticism has been laid at the feet of the performances by Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Stewart, with references to 'stoical' as if this term denotes a weakness in their characters. In truth both characters are in many ways as touched by darkness as the characters of the wicked Ravenna and her devious brother Finn. That they have come through their brush with darkness with their integrity either still in tact, as in the case of Snow White, or renewed, as in the case of the Huntsman are elements of their characters which both actors put across well.In their portrayals of the Huntsman and the Princess there is no downward spiral into the screaming, rages of Ravenna or the smirking, cruelty of her brother. Instead Hemsworth and Stewart portray their characters in a way that does justice to their basic heroism, yet they are not shiny 'perfect creatures' but real people with real feelings who just happen to live in a world of sorcery, fairies and trolls.They portray the suffering souls of the Huntsman and Princess in such a way that one sees the affinity they share under the surface. Snow White senses that a deep sorrow drives the Huntsman's need to drink and he begins to appreciate that a young girl can have similar feelings of sorrow, loss and disappointment.Basically, its an excellent movie within its own niche area, with outstanding special effects and good acting all round.

This 2012 fantasy has been given a new spin on the traditional fairy tale "Snow White" compiled by the Brothers Grimm. In this version the evil witch Ravenna [Charlize Theron] tricks the King into marriage and immediately murders him imprisoning Snow White in a tower. Years later, Snow White [Kristen Stewart] escapes into the `Dark Forest, pursued by Eric, the Huntsman [Chris Hemsworth] as she sets about to regain her fathers kingdom.All the usual suspects are included in the mix, the mirror, the dwarves, poisoned apple, fairies, love, unrequited love, friendship and betrayal but not how you'd expect it. The special effects are phenomenal, especially the `Forest' which is really intimidating and Ravenna is sinisterly played to perfection.Traditionalists may frown but youngsters and adults alike will soon be sucked in by the eerie atmosphere and desperate plight of Snow White. There are some humorous lines, impressive battles, monsters and cute bunny rabbits, but will the Evil Queen be stopped? The 12 rating is appropriate [so take care with younger viewers] for whilst it's a `family' movie, the atmosphere is dark -very dark, and so well done it could upset the more sensitive viewer. A definite ***** despite a few easily overlooked shoddy lines and some script errors.

I enjoyed the film's unusual take on the whole idea of a fairy tale, removing the nursery dimension and turning it into an historical adventure tale instead. Most of the acting is good, including Kristen Stewart, who was far better and more credible than I expect. As the centreal figure, she held the story together and put in a sound performance - and was easy on the eye, too. The fighting scenes are like Marmite: you either like or don't like the Queen's soldiers shattering into black fragments when hit; ditto the Queen herself dispersing then re-assembling from a flock of black ravens/rooks/crows. Scary, yes. Convincing, well not for me. It is today's new genre, and you either like it or you don't. So the special effects form a central part of the film, although they do not go over the top. But it sits uncomfortably for me with the fine traditional storytelling technique. I don't find they work together, personally. But production values are high, script is perfectly workmanlike and the performances are good overall - no obvious weak charatcers. Charlize Theron looks perfectly cast, oozing elegance, beauty and malevolence in equal measure. Very convincing.