Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Brief review: After Tarsem Singh's quirky take on Snow White earlier this year, first-time director Rupert Sanders brings us his darker version of the classic fairy tale. But while his "Snow White and the Huntsman" is bigger in budget and way more ambitious than "Mirror Mirror", it also has more flaws. After a rushed beginning, the uneven first hour of the movie continues to disappoint with clumsy storytelling, poor pacing and many incoherent, badly-edited scenes. Having said that, the movie somehow manages to redeem itself in its second half, becoming brisker, neater and way more entertaining. In terms of visuals, the movie is absolutely stunning to watch, but in a grim sort of way. The rich production design impresses with its imaginativeness and the color palette is appropriately murky. Shot on Kodak 65mm & 35mm anamorphic footage, "Snow White and the Huntsman" also has that authentic, old-fashioned feel about it, but that combined with the gloomy cinematography, makes it look a bit too fuzzy. The acting is hit-or-miss. Kristen Stewart's acting abilities have slightly improved, but it's quite obvious that she still can't overcome her awkwardness. Chris Hemsworth is perfectly-cast for the role, plus, he's strong enough as the Huntsman, without overshadowing the rest of the cast. The dwarfs often steal the show, but the real star of the movie is Charlize Theron, who fully inhabits her royally vicious character.
Overall summary: It boldly flaunts first class production values and darkly beautiful visuals, and the majority of the cast does a solid job, but "Snow White and the Huntsman" is let down by the lack of cohesive narrative, steady pacing and any truly memorable moments.
14 comments:
My thoughts on the movie to the letter! It was a missed opportunity and very oddly paced film. Hemsworth was the heart of the film and saved it from being completely cold, dark, and lifeless.
Alex, really? Great, I'm glad we agree 100% on this one. I didn't think it was bad, I just wish it was better. I agree about Chris. He breathed life into the movie.
Hmm. Everyone seems to be in unanimous agreement that the narrative is by far the weakest aspect of the film. And that is a key area to poorly represent.
Great review, pal. Despite its robust production design, this is a film I'll catch on the cheap.
Matt, it's definitely pretty to look at, but the narrative is just all over the place. And as you mentioned, storytelling is a key element that would either make or break a movie.
I think I liked it slightly more than you, but it certainly wasn't without flaws. Kristen Stewart just doesn't have the persona to carry a film like this; and while Charlize Theron was alright I spent the movie thinking "Eva Green could have done that character so much better".
I think I would be a 6 out of 10 guy.
Russ, to me it just wasn't exciting... like at all.
I love the visuals and the cast though, apart from Kristen, of course. Not that she was terrible or anything, but she has no charisma whatsoever.
Not a huge fan of Eva Green, thought I thought she was great in Dark Shadows. I wouldn't compare her with Theron, as the latter is in a completely different league.
I still can't wait to see this, if for Hemsworth and Theron alone. I think Stewart should have been replaced in the cast, honestly. I really don't like her acting. Great review, I'll keep your comments in mind when I watch it.
Don't get too excited, sweetheart. It's stunning to watch, yet somewhat lackluster. Even the awesome Hemsworth and Theron couldn't save it.
Can't wait to see what you think of it.
it's a long time since I visited here...
My two pence: any movie with Kristen automatically drops a notch, she is really awkward on camera and one can't use young age as an excuse when other youngsters make the screen come alive.
Theron is fascinating despite some bad movie choice.
No actor even an Oscar or golden globe winner can save an "amatuerish" effort.
Rek, I'll be glad to see you here more often then. :)
I kind of agree with you, but I need to ask: Have you seen "Welcome to the Rileys" with Kristen? She did a good job in this one.. surprisingly.
I knew that you would like it more than me - still, it makes me happy that you are also one of many, many people who expected this to be way more awesome :)
Maynard, I certainly didn't think it was that bad, and yet, it left me deeply disappointed. Mirror Mirror is the better Snow White movie of the two. I actually think you'd enjoy it, so give it a shot for me, please. :)
"Shot on Kodak 65mm & 35mm anamorphic footage" Now that's what I call specific!
Maurice, LOL. :) Didn't you notice it looked fuzzy and grainy? I', sure you did.
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