'Snow White and the Huntsman' - Visually stunning if not a bit hammy re-image of a classic tail

In the epic re-imaging of the classic fairy tale, 'Snow White and the Huntsman' delivers well on most levels and falls short just a bit. More 'Game of Thrones' than a Grimm fairy tale, 'Snow White and the Huntsman' is a very adult, dark as well as visually stunning telling of the classic tale. Much better than Disney's earlier Snow White tale, 'Mirror Mirror' and far better than the awful 'Red Riding Hood', 'Snow White and the Huntsman' is able to bring a child's tale to very adult life.

First time director Rupert Sanders proves to be very adept at the fantasy genre and plays the imagery very well. Lush visuals portray the ravaged countryside with amazing clarity. Charlize Theron is perfect as the evil Queen Ravenna, who needs the life force of the young and beautiful to stay young herself. While there are a few hammy, over the top moments from Theron, her performance overall will leave a chill or two up your spine. Chris Hemsworth proves to be much more than beef cake as the Huntsman, I look forward to seeing him in future films! And, surprisingly, Kristen Stewart did not disappoint! Granted, this is because she has limited dialog - but at least she wasn't limited to longing looks of vampire lust. Here, at least, she seemed very much like a warrior princess (although her final speech, meant to rise the troops, left a little to be desired).

This is not a perfect film by far. There are times when the pacing is a bit off and the acting a little to hammy; but overall, the story itself is rousing entertainment. The actors all seem to be enjoying their parts as well as the film itself, which is always a bonus. I am hopeful that Stewart will take some cues from Theron, the doe eyed wistful stares can only carry her so far. It worked for the first half of the film, but by the second half, I was hoping to see a little more fire, a little more emotion. The chemisrty between Hemsworth and Stewart was solid, but it seemed to fizzle out in the end. As I mentioned, Theron was the true star of the film and every moment on screen (hammy or otherwise) was a true treat.

This is not your kids bedtime Snow White for sure, be warned; it is the stuff of childrens nightmares for sure. But for rousing summer time entertainment, and for a film that needs to be seen on the big screen, the 3 star 'Snow White and the Huntsman' is a perfect escape for a hot and humid summer evening!