by Ellie Reinhardt
Who knew Snow White was a part time warrior princess? In Snow White and the Huntsman, released June 1, the classic fairy tale takes a turn for the better by adding action and suspense.
The movie begins with the story of Snow White’s (Kristen Stewart) childhood and the rise to power of her evil stepmother (Charlize Theron). The movie then jumps from Snow White as a young child to her as a teen, locked in a tower by her stepmother who now reigns as queen of the kingdom. The background story moves along quickly but it is easy enough to follow and proves necessary for understanding the movie.
Snow White escapes from the tower and the Queen sends a Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to bring her back. The Huntsman, unable to send Snow White to her fate, joins her in her escape from, and eventual rebellion against, the Queen.
Stewart and Hemsworth have a very strong connection on screen and their personalities contrast against that of the harsh and power-hungry Queen. Theron fulfilled this haunting role, enhancing the distinction between good and evil. As they journey through the “Dark Forest,” the Queen’s effects on the people of the kingdom become obvious. This adds to the emotional connection the audience has to Snow White and her goal of defeating the Queen.
Although their adventures in the “Dark Forest” shy on the corny side—complete with encounters with trolls, fairies and magical deer—they do help to keep the fairy tale feeling that would otherwise be lost in this adaptation of the classic Snow White.
Snow White and the Huntsman does not portray Snow White as the stereotypical Disney princess relying solely on her prince to save her. Instead, Snow White is shown as strong and powerful. Despite Stewart’s dull performance, she was still able to fulfill the intensity of her role.
Even though Snow White and the Huntsman goes beyond the original fairy tale and creates a story filled with jealousy, greed and corruption, it stays true to the intentions of the original “Snow White” through the icons of the fairy tale: the mirror, seven dwarves and the apple.
The movie does an excellent job of making the classic fairy tale something more. The action and love story elements of Snow White and the Huntsman mix together and offer a movie that is perfect for everyone.
Snow White escapes from the tower and the Queen sends a Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to bring her back. The Huntsman, unable to send Snow White to her fate, joins her in her escape from, and eventual rebellion against, the Queen.
Stewart and Hemsworth have a very strong connection on screen and their personalities contrast against that of the harsh and power-hungry Queen. Theron fulfilled this haunting role, enhancing the distinction between good and evil. As they journey through the “Dark Forest,” the Queen’s effects on the people of the kingdom become obvious. This adds to the emotional connection the audience has to Snow White and her goal of defeating the Queen.
Although their adventures in the “Dark Forest” shy on the corny side—complete with encounters with trolls, fairies and magical deer—they do help to keep the fairy tale feeling that would otherwise be lost in this adaptation of the classic Snow White.
Snow White and the Huntsman does not portray Snow White as the stereotypical Disney princess relying solely on her prince to save her. Instead, Snow White is shown as strong and powerful. Despite Stewart’s dull performance, she was still able to fulfill the intensity of her role.
Even though Snow White and the Huntsman goes beyond the original fairy tale and creates a story filled with jealousy, greed and corruption, it stays true to the intentions of the original “Snow White” through the icons of the fairy tale: the mirror, seven dwarves and the apple.
The movie does an excellent job of making the classic fairy tale something more. The action and love story elements of Snow White and the Huntsman mix together and offer a movie that is perfect for everyone.