Charlize Theron’s oeuvre is a clash of visceral dramas (Monster, North
Country, Young Adult) and vacuous blockbusters (Aeon Flux, The Italian
Job remake, Hancock). Snow White and the Huntsman falls into the
latter category.
The Grimm fairytale receives an epic reboot, replete with grandiloquent speeches, copious computer generated imagery and Kristen Stewart.
When husband killer and all-round despot Queen Ravenna (Theron) is informed that her stepdaughter is the fairest in the land, snow hits the fan. (One has to be Fair to be Lovely in fairy tales too, not just in Colombo!)
The Magic Mirror, a hooded figure with the voice of God (a black man’s, Morgan Freeman anyone?) suggests that immortality can only be achieved through consuming Snow White’s heart.
Conveniently, Snow White escapes in the nick of time. She is later assisted by arrogant but charming huntsman Eric (Chris Hemsworth) who decides not to hand her and her heart over to the Queen. He frowns a lot, changes accent gratuitously and helps her win a battle against the rest of Middle-Earth.
Oh and they also meet seven dwarves along the way and – well, you know the rest of the story.
Theron is mostly to blame. She is clearly a capable actress who seems unafraid of exploring mammoth roles, whether it be a character study of a spectacularly psychotic serial killer (Aileen Wuornos!) or a portrayal of an insensitive narcissist (the magnificently unsympathetic Mavis Gary).
Then, why this? The hefty paycheck, one assumes.
Stewart, on the other hand is supremely talentless and can add this performance to her repertoire of vacant stares.
Now, perhaps you are of the view that a picture that has grossed $370m (well over twice its budget) in less than two months is worth a watch.
Or perhaps your 8-year old daughter is pestering you to go see it with her. Or perhaps you are that 8-year old daughter! Well, if you do fall into any of these categories and enjoy the sounds of Sri Lankan radio drifting in from the projectionist’s room and playing alongside Charlize Theron’s booming voice, this is the fantasy flick for you!
But just consider this: Snow White was co-produced by John Lee Hancock, who brought you the painfully saccharine The Blind Side and directed by Rupert Sanders who, um, brought you the television advertisement for Halo 3.
I trust you get the idea. So go if you must, and take your 8-year old daughter with you.
(L-R) Actors Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Chalize Theron and Director Rupert Sanders attend the World Premiere of 'Snow White And The Huntsman' at The Empire and Odeon Leicester Square on May 14, 2012 in London, England.
Review by Rehan Alexander Mudannayake
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Action | Adventure | Drama
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.
Director: Rupert Sanders
Writers: Evan Daugherty (screenplay), John Lee Hancock (screenplay)
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Dq2psogSw
0 Comments
wasudeva says:
Jul 30, 2012 at 06:30 pmI haf to agree with Mr. Alexander my 8 year old laued it!
Charlize says:
Aug 03, 2012 at 12:04 pmMY LOUD BOOMING VOICE IS LOVED BY MILLIONS OF 8 YEAR OLDS AND GROWN MEN