Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

Photo from the International Movie Database

I’m going to admit it, I was actually pretty excited by the trailer of this movie. Well, more excited for this than the other Snow White movie, Mirror Mirror, which came out a few weeks ago. From what I gleaned in the trailer, it appeared Kristen Stewart was going to be in distress in yet another movie, but Chris Hemsworth was looking attractive as per usual and it seemed like a darker and more in depth tale.

I was pleasantly surprised at the beginning of the movie.  We were introduced to a young Snow and her father, both devastated by the mother’s death.  Soon after, her father quickly falls in love with Charlize Theron. The story is known from here– the father is killed, the evil step-mother takes over, and Snow White eventually escapes with the Huntsman in close pursuit.  Yet there is more than meets the eye to the Huntsman and Snow’s childhood best friend, William, also works to save the girl he once loved.

There were many awesome aspects to the film that I had no idea would be there- the soundtrack was absolutely brilliant. James Newton Howard’s music was beautiful and chilling, adding the tension and terror that would not have been as effective without his work. Florence and the Machine also made a surprise appearance with “Breath of Life,” an intricate blend of singing and the unnerving undertone of violins.  In addition, the artistry throughout the film was fantastic. After the mother’s death, the main colors of the kingdom fade to black and white, the screen only brightened by brief showings of red or gold– that is until Snow visits the magic forest, and colors explode across the screen through flowers, animals, and fairies.

As enjoyable as the two hour movie was, I was extremely let down by the ending.  It had been building up to an epic ending throughout the entirety of the film, but near the end just fell flat. Kristen Stewart’s character had gradually become much more in depth and likeable, just as the Huntsman’s character had been phenomenally developed, but for such dynamic characters, the final scene stayed static. Despite the let-down of an ending, I still would recommend this movie. It presents an interesting and mature picture of Snow White’s tale; the soundtrack and cinematography alone is worth the ticket’s price. Start your summer off with this movie!