Snow White and the Huntsman

The re-imagination of the classic Disney fairy tale comes to life in a well-paced and respectable directorial debut of Rupert Sanders. Everyone and their mother knows the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and although the forgettable Julia Roberts vehicle, Mirror, Mirror was absolutely abysmal at the box office more than a month ago, there have been high hopes for this ambitious incarnation. The success of this film doesn't hinge on the weak portrayal of Snow White (Kristen Stewart), but rather on the sheer villainous portrayal of the evil queen by Charlize Theron. Each time she was in the spotlight in a ridiculous gown and ornamentation, I was waiting for her to crack up, but she nailed the PG-13 version of a murderous, soul-stealing, power-hungry immortal. The makeup artists deserve a bit of recognition as they transform her from old and decrepit to drop dead gorgeous and back seamlessly throughout the film.

With a budget of $170 million, there was significant room for special effects and some money to spend on supporting characters, which I'll get to in a minute. Chris Hemsworth is brutish with long hair and a beard, doing his best Thor impression (wait, he was Thor). This role doesn't demand much range beyond muscle and charm, which he provides amply. Kristen Stewart is the protagonist, and although I am flummoxed by the appeal, she did a passable job without ruining the film by her presence. Let's be honest; The fairest of them all? Not even close. Theron is the face of this film though, and she relishes the role.

The biggest thrill for me, besides the fact that the traditional love story was more frivolity than serious, was the way in which the dwarves were presented. No less than five incredible actors were shrunk down and concealed in heavy makeup and ridiculous hair and beards. Nick Frost, Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, Bob Hoskins, and Toby Jones all shroud their natural appearances for a more Hobbit-like turn, and they aren't given cliche monikers like Happy, Sneezy, or Grumpy. Their presence is an homage to the fairy tale, but it isn't at all obligatory. The Huntsman steals the show in my opinion. His character was given just the right amount of humanity, and he is rough around the edges, but endearing. Sort of like... Thor? OK, there are too many parallels to list, but it's a fun guy to root for.

This film was a box office surprise in its opening weekend, but that's only because Men In Black III was simply disappointing, and there wasn't anything else new this weekend. We can only see Avengers so many times, as it's already become the 3rd highest grossing international film. Ever. No, Snow White is a good film to watch while anxiously anticipating next weekend's Prometheus, which will blow minds all over the world. You heard it here first (maybe not first, but if you're reading this, you heard it here). Go see Snow White if you're itching for a fun getaway, but it isn't really anything fantastical. 6.5/10.