Didn't expect much from this film, to tell the truth... Not with Kirsten Stewart playing Snow White... But the rest of the cast was so good, I just had to go check it out. Must say that I wasn't disappointed.
The plot wasn't anything like the original fairy tale, but more of an adventure in the style of The Legend and Willow (brilliant fantasy movies from the 80s), and maybe even a little like the Princess Bride.
The plot was pretty basic "save the Princess and the kingdom"-thing, but darker than a normal fairy tale. It was a fantasy adventure, and not spoiled with too much romance. The weight of the film was more on showy action and the fights, which I think is a good thing. The romance came from the relationship William and Snow White had had as children and the relationship the Huntsman developed with her (which I think more of a brother/sister-thing, but anyway...).
The actors
As I already said, Kirsten Stewart was Snow White, and I'd only seen her in the Twilight films before, so I wasn't expecting much from her. On the other hand, Charlize Theron was the Queen and the Huntsman was played by Chris Hemsworth. Both very good actors, and I think Charlize Theron is one of the most beautiful women alive.On top of those three, the cast included Sam Claflin (he plays the young priest in PotC 4) as William - the other love interest and childhood friend, Ian McShane (Blackbeard from PotC 4), Bob Hoskins (Eddie Valiant in Who framed Roger Rabbit, Smee in Hook, etc), and many others I can't remember seeing anywhere else.
Okay, so I still think Stewart can't act - I'm sorry, but she can't - but the talents of her co-actors faded that fact very well. She had sparks with both the Huntsman and William, and her scenes with the Queen were easy to watch; Theron somehow made Stewart's reactions seem natural. Very good.
It was like Kirsten Stewart acted as a canvas where the other actors painted their performance... It's weird, but I can't explain it any better.
My opinions (might contain spoilers, read on your discretion) - rambling ahead
As I'm a big fan of Willow (1988) and the Legend (1985), Snow White and the Huntsman was right up my alley. I love this type fantasy adventures, and I'm glad they're starting to make them again.
Maybe they used too much visible CG here, doing some unnecessary effects that were visibly CG and would've been more easily made traditionally, but if that's what they wanted to do, it's their right.
Charlize Theron is as gorgeous as ever, and a brilliant actor to boot. I just loved her Queen; proud and vain, but also scared, uncertain and pitiable. She can act with just a movement of an eyebrow. Chris Hemsworth is a beautiful man, with a sense of humour and great skill. He portrays the Huntsman as this gentle man who's had a rough life, with no easy choices. He is absolutely one of my favourite actors at this time. Sam Claflin's William was sweet and lovable, but also a skilled fighter and a stubborn man. Just like a prince in a fairy tale should be.
Just one funny thing I noticed about the guys. Chris is big and muscular and the Huntsman uses axes and fists in fights; Sam's thinner and maybe a little taller (elf-like, really) and William uses a bow and arrows to fight... Why is it that slimmer characters are always archers?
So, yeah. Don't get put off by Kirsten Stewart as the main character, if you don't like the Twilight films, this one is watchable. Snow White and the Huntsman is a good fantasy film for the weekend. Maybe not a masterpiece to become a classic, but entertaining and easy to watch.
