Snow White and the Huntsman

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Story: The evil Queen longs for a life without death. But the only way she can have it is being destroying the fairest of them all -- Snow White. She needs to rip off Snow White's heart from within her body, literally. But the only place where she can reach Snow White is the forest - just where her evil powers do not work. Can the Huntsman, chosen by her, do the needful? 

Critic's Rating: 

Cast: Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth

Direction: Rupert Sanders

Genre: Adventure

Duration: 2 hours 7 minutes

Avg Readers Rating: 

Movie Review: Is it right to tamper with tales we have actually grown up on? Yes. It's okay to experiment with fairy tales as long as it's gripping, racy and, if need be, deadly. And the level of experimenting could range from anything between twists and turns in the storyline to making the evil Queen look much more conniving... much more dangerous... much more larger than life. Believe it or not, the evil Ravenna here overshadows Snow White in every sense of the word. Talk of the character and Queen Ravenna comes across as the epitome of the woman who wants everything - money, fame, kingdom, beauty forever and immortality - at the cost of anything. Talk of the actor and Charlize Theron leaves no stone unturned when it comes to executing that power, passion and utmost greed. She is sometimes seen doing what she ought to do with watery, fiery eyes, sometimes with powerful speeches and monologues... and sometimes with the help of special effects. 

WATCH MOVIE TRAILER IN HD

The very first shot and you know Snow White and the Huntsman is going to be a jolly good visual treat, often brought out through contrasts. There are three stunningly red drops of blood in the white, snow covered landscape right in the beginning; the end has the same three drops of blood against the backdrop of the stony castle. And in between lies the chase through the forbidding Dark Forest full of black shadows, ugly creatures, hissing snakes, followed by the seven dwarfs and their magical Fairy Land full of colourful butterflies, sparkling streams and birds singing here and there. In fact, there are times you are left wondering how this would look in 3D, specially when the chase and battles get more gloomy with horses, the Black Army, swords and shields. 

BEAUTIFUL: KRISTEN STEWART

Finally, it is the sharp contrast to Julia Roberts' recently released Mirror Mirror that works in favour of this one. If that was funny, crazy and not-so-serious, this one is dark and vicious. However, it's the length of the movie that seems a way too long. But then all is justified when first time director, Rupert Sanders, gets back to the tried and tested fairly tale formula (of the happily-ever-after kiss) right in time. And all logic be damned... for  there are two men - The Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth)  and Prince William ( Sam Claflin) --  trying to woo the Princess. Wonder who gets to kiss Ms. White? 

For now, over to Snow White, her (fairy) tale, the thumping background score, the visual treat, the fact that you know it (the story, we mean) all... and of course, Queen Ravenna.... 

Tip off: Watch it (for you will like it) only if you are ready to undo the spell that has been cast on you since time immemorial. Don't ask 'Who's the fairest of them all?'. Ask 'Who's the darkest of them all?' Definitely, Snow White and the Huntsman.


Courtesy: The Times Of India