Definitely not your average retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale, Snow White and the Huntsman is a dark, action-fantasy film that's based more on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale than the well-known Disney version o... more »f the story. It features intriguing concepts, impressive special effects, and some disappointingly lackluster acting. The essence of the "Snow White" story is preserved in this recounting: the queen's beautiful daughter Snow White, who is heir to the throne, is displaced and persecuted by an evil stepmother after her mother dies. Here, the evil stepmother Ravenna possesses a disturbing power to maintain her own perpetual youth by stealing youthfulness from the hearts of the young and beautiful, but her magic mirror warns that Snow White's innocence and purity as she comes of age will destroy Ravenna's chance at immortality. When Snow White escapes from the castle prison, Ravenna hires a downtrodden Huntsman to bring her back so that Ravenna can steal her youth and achieve personal immortality. But Snow White runs into a dark and sinister forest where mushrooms disperse hallucinogenic spores, trees come to life, flocks of bats spring from inanimate objects, and dwarves lurk in the shadows. The roles of the seven dwarves and the Huntsman in this version of the story prove to be quite different from the original, but what remain steadfast are Snow White's inner strength and absolute goodness, and her stepmother's innate evilness. This film is full of fascinating imagery that's brought to life through powerful special effects, great costuming, and captivating cinematography--the scenes in the dark forest and the fairy-filled wilderness beyond are reason enough to see it. Unfortunately, the story moves a bit slowly and the acting by Kristen Stewart (Snow White) and Chris Hemsworth (Huntsman) is rather stoical and passionless and lacks chemistry, though Charlize Theron does stand out as a particularly disturbing Ravenna. --Tami Horiuchi« less
Great CGI, acting and updated Snow White plotline not for children.
Tara S. from STATEN ISLAND, NY Reviewed on 10/16/2018...
loved this version of it
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kent J. (kentj) from DUNBAR, WV Reviewed on 3/10/2016...
The individual segments, chapters, or acts whatever are well enough done but the story as a whole lacks cohesion and the transitions are not well done.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ranitra C. (Glamourgirl) from LONG BEACH, CA Reviewed on 10/17/2014...
Some movies are not stellar, but just close enough mesmerize you....
This is definitely one of those. For this being a film with content historically Disney, the film maker, cinematographer's and costumers did a wonderful job in staging and creating a perfect world,for this film.
It's just campy enough, while still conveying authentic, realism. I was a bit taken back at how dark it remained for most of the film, despite the title of "Snow White", which always tends to elude itself to sugar plums and fairy dust...
What was so captivating to me, was Charlize Theron's true portrayal of a Villain. I initially took it very lightly that this role would suit her, but boy, oh boy, did she prove me wrong. The inner evil that she exuded in portraying a scorned Queen was amazing and who could take there eyes of the stunning costumes?
I highly recommend this film, especially if your not a fan of the light and airy type of fairytale, I think you will enjoy this one.
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Roxanne M. (angelgun6) from CLOVIS, CA Reviewed on 8/8/2013...
I love Kristen Stewart, and I do like this movie,.. but after I watched it I realized this movie is one big long chase scene.
1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
George K. from COLCHESTER, CT Reviewed on 4/27/2013...
Such a poor movie! I think it tried to follow in the footsteps of the Lord of the Rings series but never developed a cogent plot or decent characterizations. I was delighted to send it off.