Sunday, September 30, 2012

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN (2012)

Directed By: Rupert Sanders Written By: Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock & Hossein Amini Screen Story By: Evan Daugherty Cinematography By: Greig Fraser Editor: Conrad Buff IV & Neil Smith Cast: Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Eddie Marsan, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Ian McShane, Lily Cole Snow White, imprisoned daughter of the late king, escapes just as the Magic Mirror declares her the source of the Evil Queen's immortality. The Queen sends her men, led by a local huntsman, to bring her back. But upon her capture, the huntsman finds he's being played and turns against the Queen's men, saving Snow White in the process. Meanwhile, Snow's childhood friend, William, learns that she is alive and sets off to save her. The battle scenes are spectacular, but really feel rather basic not too revelatory for the budget amd scope. The film has plenty of amazing special effects, but also some obvious Cgi tht unfortunately taints the whole endeavor. Still it leaves the film looking beautiful. The film Doesn't build excitement. Things just seem to happen. At times it feels like a sequel to THE LION, THE WITCH ANDTHE WARDROBE. I can understand that the film wants to look like a storybook. The director seems to set out to tell the story more visually. Especially since as a world known fairytale. We know the basics so the filmmakers seek to add and tweak details. While staying true to the originals basics. Charlize Theron is really making her presence felt, With this film YOUNG ADULT and PROMETHEUS. She is really on a roll. She is good and perfectly cast in the role of the main villian. Kristen Stewart does alright, but during the first half of the movie requires her to act just like she does inthe TWILIGHT series of films. More of a victim with wide eed and mouthed wonder. Look worried and run. Basically being a damsel in distress. Thankfully towards the second half of the film. She turns into a warrior princess. It feels fake, unimpressive and forced. The film just feels empty. No real emotional attachment to anything or anyone. It's shallow looks great but is empty inside and has nothing to say nor anythingto present or add. It also feels way too long. Viggo Mortensen Almost played the huntsman and would have been well cast, but his deal fell through and HughJackman was sought as his replacement before Chris Hemsworth fresh off of thor was offered the role. He plays the role well but he feels like a starter action hero. He's charismatic but hasn't gotten the power of a convincing lead yet thatmakes you stand up and pay attention. Though he is the hero, the brute hero. He seems pushed tothe background to Kristen Stewart maybe the film was more aimed at women with action to pull in the male viewers. The film costs $170 million. Has no real reason to be made. The film tries for an action epic. The seven dwarfs were impressive as far as effects go halfof them we know as human normal sized actors, But the effects make them totally believable as dwarfs. Unfortunately this film marks Bob Hoskins final performance due to sickness and wanting to spend more time with his family. It seems to me that getting roles like this at this time in his long successful career and more the experience of making the film changed his outlook and enthusiasm for his work. In the end the film feels very Disposable GRADE: D+

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