Snow White and the Huntsman (2012): Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Stewart

         

Snow White and the Huntsman is a swirling goblet of Grimm, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Twilight  and of course, several shades of the 75 year old Disney animated classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). The movie portrays a striking juxtaposition between darkness to light, good opposing evil combined with gritty cinematography, unique special effects, a ponderous script yet with note worthy performances by Theron and Hemsworth.  The fairytale opens with Queen Ravenna, Theron, after a brutal and violent scene, eagerly staring into a golden mirror stating, "Mirror mirror on the wall whose fairest of them all?"  Ravenna's obsession with remaining beautiful and youthful, is soon to be thwarted by her stepdaughter, Snow White, played by the Bellaesq - Stewart.  Thus, Queen Ravenna's goal is to lock up, hunt down and destroy Snow White with an evil vengeance.

Theron is brilliant as the diabolical Queen Ravenna spinning darkness and death around her empire with a commanding and screaming voice.  Snow White, Stewart, is wonderful as a damsel in distress, a fearless Joan of Arc leader who is beautiful, kind and filled with light and love.  Of course, the film is steeped with heart wrenching evil twists and turns by wicked creatures and humans in armor sporting swords and knives all under a veil of grey and grime.  However, along comes, the Huntsman, Hemsworth, following the fabled tale as the knight in shining armor who strikes down the foreboding slayers and bestows the fabled kiss.  The seven dwarfs add comic relief  to this sometimes slow and plodding along fantasy flick.

Who specifically is this film targeted towards?  Definitely not a date night movie, especially when my movie cohort is counting sheep or arranging meetings in his head, nor is it for small children or for a family wishing to take in a charming fairy tale.   Could the film be seen just for the brilliant special effects and or the stellar acting by Theron and Hemsworth?  After all is said and done, Snow White and the Huntsman, even with it is failings, is a mesmerizing film on the big screen for fans who enjoy the fairy tale, a love story, good trumpeting over evil, all the while partaking in a sip of a well crafted Grimm, Game of Thrones etc., cinematography from the goblet of Hollywood magic.  Yes, see in theatre if inclined or wait to rent or view on demand.

Grossed: $52M opening weekend: June 1st - June 3rd