Question: Are you tired of Hollywood beating a storyline to death? Or when one studio gets the idea to do a film and miraculously another studio ends up making a film about a very similar tale. How does that seem to happen so often?
Case in point: Antz / A Bug’s Life, Tombstone / Wyatt Earp, Capote / Infamous and now there are a couple versions of the Snow White fairytale with Mirror Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman (and I have read there is another one coming out next year, yes really).
Well, if you don’t know, I saw Mirror Mirror (PG) and reviewed it. It was not my favorite film of the year. In fact, I thought it was far from a good movie; and even my children, who I believe were the intended audience for the film, thought the same. However, since it was so bad it made me want to see Snow White and the Huntsman just for comparison. That is a first for me, having a poor interpretation making me want to see another.
Now, let me say right now and get it out of the way. Yes, I understand everyone who says that they can’t see why Kristen Stewart, who portrays Snow White, is as beautiful or more when compared to Charlize Theron, the Evil Queen. Who the fairest is, if you just want to compare face to face, there is no contest. However, I always interpreted Snow White's tale as morality lesson about vanity. It's Snow White’s heart – her moral compass – that is pure and the beauty within mixed with her outer beauty far exceeds anyone whose motives are to be powerful over all or be the most beautiful. Internally, those types are the most hideous and far, far from fair no matter how perfectly proportion their face is.
Also, I do think some people out there, who are not fans of the Twilight saga, might be a bit prejudicial against Kristen Stewart and avoiding her other work on purpose. That is a shame. I personally think she is decent actress. But despite whether the actress is good-looking or not, I understand not liking actors. However, I am the opposite. I see films based solely on certain actors being in them, so I must accept others will not see films for the same reason. Nonetheless, it’s a shame to let dislikes stop anyone from seeing future films but the saying goes, “to each his own”.
So, with all that said, what did I think of this film? Well, it started off with Chris Hemsworth, as the Huntsman, with soft Scottish accent narrating the film. I smiled and eased right into the story. The Snow White tale in Snow White and the Huntsman is far darker than that of Mirror Mirror and it is nothing like the Disney animated movie from the 30’s, which I grew up watching, either. That didn't appear to bother me one bit. I was entertained throughout, much to my surprise.
So, all-in-all, I liked the movie. It was visually stunning. Although the weather and overall tone of the film was dark and dreary, the special effects in this movie were spectacular, and that kept my interest. Most of the special effects surrounded the Evil Queen, but there was one specific trick that was done so well in Snow White and the Huntsman that I was blown away thinking, "How did they do that and make it look so real?". I could go on and on about details that drew me in and kept my focus on the film, even though I knew what was going to happen, I will let you all experience the film for yourselves. This Hollywood version is worth the ticket.
Note: This film is not for the little ones - note the rating below. There is a lot of violence in this version and it could be a bit scary for young children.
My favorite part: The seven dwarfs - you will just have to see why.
My least favorite part: Everyone had some sort of British accent that kept going in and out, although it wasn't too distracting.
Directed by Rupert Sanders, Universal Pictures, 2012
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell, Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, and Nick Frost.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama.
Rating: PG-13
Length: 124 minutes
Review: 7 out of 10
Click on film poster below to order DVD or watch on Instant video:
5 comments:
It sounds like 'Mirror Mirror' and this one are two totally different movies. Truthfully, I'd like to see both...but not at the movies. Still, 'Snow White and the Huntsman' sounds like an interesting story. As for Kristin Stewart? I'm not a fan, but not a critic either. I'd have to see more of her work before I can judge.
It's a snow white story - so the basics are there but vastly different perspectives and emotions. One was for children and one for more adults.
As for KS - I have seen her in more than this and Twilight: Panic Room, Into the Wild, Adventureland and Welcome to the Riley's. So I can let go of the Twilight veil that not many can. :-)
Looking forward to this on when it is released on Blu-Ray. Chris Hemsworth was fantastic in The Avengers and Thor.
-James
Yes, I agree about Chris Hemsworth in those other films. This one wasn't his best performance and his accent kept going in and out but overall I liked this film :-)
I reviewed this one as well. I really did enjoy it. :)
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