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