There has been a recent trend in re-envisioning classic fairy tales as the darker psychological tales they were originally meant to be rather than the safe Disney fare: laudable, yet the results have been disappointing at best. "Alice in Wonderland" was one of Burton's worst films; "Red Riding Hood" was a cheaply made Twilight knock off, while this year's "Mirror, Mirror" telling almost the exact same story as SWATH dipped its elbow in edgy darkness, only to pull it out immediately because the water was too hot. So now we have "Snow White and the <more> Huntsman".The poster and the trailer promised much, but could it deliver? Well it seems the answer is "yes".SWATH is a solid sword and sorcery tale that, like this years "John Carter", harks back to the 80's fantasy boom, with movies like "Legend" "Ladyhawke" "Krull" "Excalibur" and "The Dark Crystal" in its DNA. It sticks quite closely to the outline of the original story, but introduces the idea of Snow White as a warrior, a focal point for resistance to a cruel and unjust tyrant, as well as a symbol of feminine power also done, poorly, in "Mirror, Mirror" There is plenty of darkness, both literal this is a gloomy land, at least under Ravenna's reign and psychological. Like its 80's progenitors, it has a lot of horror elements and nasty brutality, and it is quite surprising to see it get away with a 12a UK rather than a 15 certificate. It would very suitable for older children and teenagers, but definitely not one for smaller children. Charlize Theron, who is little more than stunt casting in "Prometheus", here delivers the goods as the "wicked queen" Ravenna. In keeping with modern sensibilities and Shakespearian tradition she is not evil per Se, but nurses deep wounds and hurts, and reacts to life's cruelties by becoming cruel herself, continuing the wheel of destruction rather than trying to stop it. It is not vanity that drives her but the survival instinct. She has learnt that a woman's looks are the key to power in a Man's world, and uses her magic to keep her eternally young so she can be eternally powerful, a lesson that is sadly all too relevant today. Ravenna is a cruel villain and one who must be stopped, yet she also evokes pity and pathos. One the other side, Kristen Stewart excels as Snow White. Endlessly ridiculed and parodied for her waxwork dummy non-acting in the "Twilight" series, Stewart uses the chance here to create a truly strong character, one who can be both the "messiah" to her desperate people, and a credible heroine whose strength is "inner beauty" rather than the outer kind, and it is in large part down to her that the film works so smoothly. Chris Hemsworth brings something of "Thor" to his Huntsman, but also gives him a very human side, becoming the "Han Solo" scoundrel to Stewart's feisty Princess, growing slowly to love her. The seven dwarfs 8 to begin with are, like those in "Mirror,Mirror", bandits who become freedom fighters, but here they are all played by famous British character actors digitally "resized" in an incredibly seamless way. They are tough and course, but are also capable of goodness when called for, and though they are not a major factor in the film, they make a mark. The special effects are also excellent, not just the aforementioned dwarfs, but also the various mythical creatures, both the trolls and demons of the "Dark Forest" and the magical creatures of the Enchanted forest, including a majestic multi-horned white hart straight from Celtic and Norse mythology. The "sorcery" is good, as is the "sword", with plenty of well-staged battles that feel painful and suffocating as arrows and sword blows rain down from every direction, and death could be just around the corner. It all leads to a final showdown in the Queen's chamber that sees both Sword and Sorcery employed, with the predictable conclusion reached in a tense and emotionally satisfying way. Though Snow White has two suitors here, The Huntsman and a noble childhood friend who grows up to become a leader of the anti-Ravenna movement, and although there are romantic feelings around, they never come to the surface. There are after all more important things to worry about than meeting cute and making out, and the love stuff is left to happen off screen at some later date, making it yet another entry into the "abstinence" genreAll in all, SWATH is a thrilling, exciting, well-acted, well-made, solid piece of old school 80s style Sword and Sorcery fantasy that doesn't ignore the original tale but builds upon it, adding horror, drama, pathos and emotional heft for good measure! It may not be everybody's "cup of tea", and certainly not one for smaller children or the squeamish, but if you like fantasy and action, and want to see one great star and two rising new stars in action, surrounded by the best of British character talent, then this is definitely the summer film for you!! <less> |