Fairest of Them All

A fairytale revival is on the rise in recent years judging from the increase of ‘re-imagined’ classic tales. This year we see not just one, but two Snow White adaptations, of which Snow White & the Huntsman is the latest to hit the silver screen.

Dark re-tellings are nothing new, but casting Charlize Theron as the evil youth-sucking Queen Ravenna and Kristen Stewart as a Joan-of-Arc-like Snow White is sure to raise a few eyebrows. And there’s also Chris Hemsworth as Thor… I mean, Eric the huntsman. In terms of screen presence, the three certainly have it in droves, but it is Theron who truly makes a mark.



She undeniably sizzles and dominates every scene she’s in, and having her utter the iconic phrase “mirror, mirror on the wall, who is fairest of them all” will bring chills down your spine.



With Stewart, it’s a different story altogether. While I am fond of the actress’ edginess seen in some of her films, there is no sign of it in Snow White. I’m not sure if it’s the screenwriter’s fault or the actress herself, but we don’t really get to know the princess much.



Hemsworth however, despite not fully shaken-off his Odinson persona, is humorous and rather likable.

Director Rupert Sanders attempts a dark, medieval fantasy setting as a backdrop to the age-old story, and it actually works.



From the fascinating creatures of the Dark Forest to the quirkiness of the evil queen, everything was done with tremendous attention to detail.



If there is one thing that the movie suffers from, it’s the lack of romance. Don’t get me wrong, the movie stays true to the classic fairytale, but there is a complete lack of love between Snow White and whoever it is she loves.



The infamous dwarves too could have been a tad more likable. 

 

Snow White and the Huntsman isn’t perfect, but it still makes for an entertaining watch (especially Theron) and trumps Mirror Mirror in many ways.

3.5 Stars out of 5

Expect the Expected

Having a child is one of those bittersweet moments often portrayed in movies in two forms – comedic, or plain horrifying. What to Expect When Expecting is both. There has been a steady growth of ensemble movies of late, each with varying success. There was New Year's Eve earlier this year, The Avengers raking up the numbers in theatres and The Expendables coming soon. What to Expect When Expecting however, falls somewhat into the 'New Year’s Eve’ category.



The film has a rather respectable cast list, which features Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Banks and Chris Rock among others. The central topic here is obviously pregnancy and having a baby, and the film explores different scenarios revolving around these characters.



As a comedy it was funny at parts, though some characters more than others. Banks was one of the standouts, and was consistently funny throughout the movie. The film does however, explore very real issues, like adoption, miscarriage and having a first child.



If there is a real problem with the movie, it's consistency. Many jokes were flat-out cliché and unfunny, while the storytelling style was choppy, or might I say sitcom-ish.



The intertwining storylines could have been better woven, instead of having it seem as if someone was flipping through various television channels randomly. The ensemble cast, despite being likable, can't seem to hide this flaw.



So unless you’re a big fan of them, it’s best to wait for this flick to hit the small screen.



2 Stars out of 5