Monday, June 11, 2012

Snow White and The Huntsman: A Bad Apple

Universal
Official Site: www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com
Director(s): Rupert Sanders
Writer(s): Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, Hossein Amini 
Producer(s): Sam Mercer, Palek Patel, Joe Roth,
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Toby Jones.  Rated: PG-13. 127min. 

The most interesting character in Snow White and The Huntsman is Ravenna(Theron). Her love of beauty contrasted by her hatred for men makes her incredibly complex; almost feminist. Ravenna's hatred of men stems from her belief  that men only love women as long as they stay beautiful other than that there is no use for them. In a world of pillage, she was taught beauty is refuge from misfortune, and possibly even death. Nurturing this belief, beauty translates into survival, and adoration. Most importantly, beauty translates into power. Therefore, a vehement pursuit of youth and beauty is the sole purpose of Ravenna in keeping her power. This certainly has not made her a happy person.
Universal
Angry, controlling, dependent, and narcissistic, Ravenna cares very little for the people suffering in her kingdom. Youth and beauty are not infinite. Ravenna must kill young beautiful women to keep her ageless, but only the murder of one young woman would grant her immortality. Her name is Snow White.   She is the opposite of Ravenna. Loving, brave, and blessed with good will, Snow white threatens Ravenna's reign by existing as the angelic hope, contrast to a demonic woman that has drained the kingdom of color and smiles. Not trained as a warrior, Snow White is still
Universal
brave enough to a lead an army of men and some dwarfs to conquer the evil imposter Queen Ravenna to restore the kingdom to grace.  As with most summer block busters, Snow White and The Huntsman was visually impressive, decorated with ample special effects.  All the creatures in the film were mesmerizing. I wish there were more of  them. The casting for the film was just right. Initially, I had some reservations about Kristen Stewart as Snow White but she conquered my doubts, as her character conquered Ravenna. Perhaps one can liken Snow White to Joan of Arc and Ravenna to Elizabeth Bathory.  
Universal
History Aside, the film was entertaining, but not mind blowing. The production was awesome.  The final battle was good, but not powerful. Regardless, I'm glad to see this version of Snow White on the big screen. Confession time. In the back of my mind, I'm  just waiting for Dark Knight Rises. Admittedly, it is affecting my critique. Until I watch this upcoming masterpiece, every movie will be subject to my disorder which is an obsession with Christopher Nolan's directing. Metacritic.com rated the film 57/100 for mixed reviews. Rottentomatoes.com granted the film 77 fresh tomatoes to 86 rotten ones for an unfavorable review.  I'll give it an 80.  

       

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