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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Sheep Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White and the Huntsman Not So 'Epic' After all

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White's beauty and power. -- (C) Universal Pictures


Last week was the release of the much anticipated Snow White and the Huntsman, a "darker" re-telling of the classic Brother's Grimm fairytale. It joins the likes of a long list of other bed time stories gone scary including Red Riding Hood (2011) and the soon-to-be released Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013). While Snow White isn't scary per say, the trailers do make it seem like it's going to be some epic medieval fantasy where the fair princess suits up a la Joan of Arc and leads an army to battle the evil queen.


The previews are terribly misleading. The movie isn't quite as "epic" as trailer-makers would like you to believe. But that doesn't mean the movie was terrible.

Snow White and the Huntsman starts off just like every countless re-telling of the story—a noble queen gives birth to a daughter whose hair is black as night and skin as white as snow. After his beloved wife dies giving birth, the King decides it's best to remarry so that his daughter has a mother figure in her life. In walks the wicked sorceress (Charlize Theron). Once the witch realizes Snow White (Kristin Stewart) is the key to her demise, the evil queen sends the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to kill her. The flick even has all of the same elements: a handsome prince, seven dwarves and poison apple. Only in this movie, there is some back drop on the wicked queen's upbringing, how she seduced the king, and why she got to surpass Snow White as heir to the thrown which is really interesting since none of the stories ever addressed these questions as far to my knowledge. And of course, the Huntsman in this film doesn’t just release Snow White, but becomes her mentor and "possible" love interest.

But the film falls a little flat. Visually the movie is beautiful. Great CGI and the costumes, designed by Colleen Atwood, are exquisite. But aside from the breath taking scenes, the movie wasn't at all what I expected. Kristin Stewart spent most of the movie doe-eyed while madly running through an enchanted forest, the Huntsman really just seemed like Thor with a slight Irish accent (although his few fight scenes were fun to watch) and the "romance" triangle between Snow White, the Huntsman, and the Prince seemed really forced—she honestly didn't seem to love any of the them.

The best of the film was Theron, although some might get annoyed that she "screams" most of the time. But there is no epic war! Not in this installment anyway. The ending is left open partly because movie makers hope to create a trilogy franchise, very similar to Twilight and The Hunger Games series. In a nutshell, Twi-hard teenagers and college co-eds might take think this flick is spectacular, but I would have to disagree.

This movie receives three sheeps.





This guest post is contributed by Barbara Jolie, who writes for the online classes blog. Barbara Jolie is an avid writer and blogger, interested in all things education. For questions or comments email her at barbara.jolie876@gmail.com.

6 comments:

  1. thanks, this was written by Barbara Jolie, a guest reviewer. I think I will have to wait to see this on DVD.

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  2. Great review. I wanted to see this movie. The trailer looked interesting and Kristen Stewart looked like she had a little more emotion than in Twilight. I'm with you Sharon, I'm going to save my $10 and wait for the Dvd.

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  3. I could not agree more with you. The movie was beautifully made, but what was with all the Disney moments? Of her taming a troll and a dear and such. Me want more action! Also, the Evil Queen kept reminding me of another movie about a falling start that turned into a girl, and witches who wanted her heart.

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  4. I will probably rent it cause I love Thor ;) I know that movie you are referring to but can't think of the name...Stardust?

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  5. Wonderful review. I still want to see it, if only for the CGI - the previews were so beautiful on the big screen. I just recently won a copy of the book and wonder if it is better :)

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