Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Rupert Sanders, Universal Pictures, M 127 Minutes.
First-time director Rupert Sanders’ fascinating refashioning of the famed fairy tale- different to Brothers Grimm’s adaptation of Disney’s classic-features Kristen Stewart (‘Twilight’) as Snow White, Charlize Theron (‘Prometheus’) as Queen Ravenna and Aussie Chris Hemsworth (‘Thor’) as the Huntsman.
The story opens with Snow White the daughter of the late king being imprisoned and desperate to get away as the magic mirror revered by the wicked Queen Ravenna declares that her source of immortality is being threatened.
After Snow White escapes into the dark woods the task of killing her is given to a local huntsman but instead decides to protect her against the Queen’s brother Finn (Sam Spruel – ‘Legend’) and henchmen in hot pursuit.
In order to help Snow White get rid of the Queen the huntsman comes across a delightful group of sympathetic dwarfs (digitally reduced)-portrayed by some of Britain’s best known personalities-agreeing to offer their services; in the main they comprise of Beth (Ian McShane – ‘John Wick’), Coll (Toby Jones – ‘Hunger Games’), Gort (Ray Winstone – ‘The Sweeney’) and Muir (Bob Hoskins – ‘Ruby Blue’) not to mention her childhood friend Prince William (Sam Clafin – ‘Their Finest’).
Following a combative encounter with Finn and aware of Ravenna’s powers as a sorceress Snow White together with the huntsman head to Hammond’s castle where Snow White is deceived into eating a poisoned apple by Ravenna disguised as William.
Then as foretold in the fairy tale it is a kiss that revives her and enables Snow White with the help of the huntsman and her supporters to finally destroy the evil Ravenna before becoming Queen.
Sanders’ stimulating storyline is supplemented by the brilliant performance of Theron as the Queen-especially in her magic-mirror sequences-notwithstanding that of the scintillating Stewart providing a refreshing portrayal of Snow White appearing in several magical scenes with the hunk-like Hemsworth.
Furthermore Sanders has cleverly recreated a thrilling rendition of the classic fairy tale through his entertaining infusion of many computer-generated characters and some superb action scenes.
Despite Sanders’ darker version of the fairy tale his ‘Snow White’ is still a visually impressive and lavish production that everyone will enjoy watching.
Snow White and the Huntsman is televised on 9Gem at 7.30pm on Friday 16 October
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
