I’ll admit, I was nervous going into this movie ~ you know what they say about expectations: if they’re too high you’re sure to be disappointed.
They were and I wasn’t.
There are so many things I love about this movie and only a few things I didn’t love so much. We’ll start with the love…
The costumes! Okay, so Snow White and the Huntsman have to wear the same clothes for most of the movie and yes, they are dirty, but that didn’t bother me. Well, a little bit. I did wonder why the Queen would let Snow White wear leather pants AND a dress. She was imprisoned, why wasn’t she wearing a sack or something?
The Evil Queen lucked out in the costume department. She got all the great dresses and those crowns! Nothing light and airy here ~ everything she put on her head was heavy and spiky, which made me worry that she might poke an eye out.
Charlize Theron rocked her role as the Evil Queen. She was sweet and innocent one minute, then freaky crazy the next. Like in this picture. The make up/special effects people did an amazing job of making her look young then old. I’ll admit, it was a little creepy how she managed to stay young, but I guess a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to keep wrinkle free. (No spoilers here, you have to see the movie to know what I’m talking about)
The cinematography was gorgeous. I love long sweeping shots that show the landscape and this film delivered. Even the little details captivated me. From the grungy village streets to the magical faerie forest, I was completely drawn into Snow White’s world.
Speaking of Snow White, I found it curious that no one actually calls her by name. They refer to her as the king’s daughter, the girl, or Princess, but I don’t think anyone actually said, ‘Snow White’. Hmmm…
What else did I love? The characters. From the creepy brother of the Queen to the dwarves. I even found a new crush in the form of William, the Duke’s son and Prince Charming type guy. I had to put this picture of him here so you can see how cute he is when he doesn’t have his grumpy warrior face on. He’s played by the adorable Sam Claflin. I need to find out more on this guy, then I’ll have him featured on the blog.
I loved that they kept all the elements of the fairy tale and made them more badass. Snow White gets to kick some Evil Queen butt! I even liked Kristen Stewart in the movie. I wasn’t sure I would, but she smiles, she shows emotion, she captured my heart. No pun intended.
I loved that when it came time for True Love’s Kiss it was played out so only the audience knew that the kiss woke her up. Ah, her True Love… yes, I am smitten…
Which brings me to this: *SPOILER ALERT* If you don’t want to know how it ends, don’t read this part.
The only thing about the movie I wish was made a little more clear is the ending. Yes, we get a glimpse that Snow White will end up with her True Love, but I wanted the big payoff at the end. Hearts and flowers, fireworks!
Instead, we got an ambiguous ending that left me wanting more.
I get it. The director probably wanted to show that Snow White didn’t need a man to complete her, that she could rock that throne all on her own. Great. That totally works for me since I’m all about Girl Power and totally kickass heroines. But give me a kiss for heaven’s sake! Just one passionate kiss to let me  know that her True Love will be okay. I need his Happily Ever After just as much as I need hers!
**Okay, you can read again!**
In all, if someone asked me to go see this again, I’d go in a heartbeat. I’ll be buying the movie on Blu-Ray the day it’s released and I cannot wait until that day arrives. Yep, I loved this movie that much.
If you’d like another take on the movie, check out Jillian Dodd’s review here.
Or, if you’ve always wondered what the gorgeous Ellie Ann sounds like, check out her vlog review here.
Think you know the classic story of Snow White? Marcy Kennedy has some great Snow White trivia here.
Did you miss my Crush of the Month for Charlize? Check it out here. What about Chris Hemsworth? That crush can be found here.
My sweet Chris. He wasn’t always dirty in the movie, but dang, that boy needed a bath big time for most of it!
If you’ve seen the movie, I’d love to know what you though of it! It’s made a bazillion dollars so far, so it looks like folks are loving it. I hope you do too.
Tameri Etherton 
OH I love your review! So well said. Like you, I’ll be first in line when the DVD comes out. I can’t to see it again! And that scene when Snow White is awoken … sigh, it was so sweet! And like you I really really really really wish there’d been a kiss at the end. It would’ve just been so satisfying.
Thanks so much, Ellie Ann! I loved your vlog, you have the cutest voice ever. Did you see the pic I put on my FB wall? It’s so cute – it’s the Evil Queen asking who’s the fairest and the next picture is of Chris Hemsworth! Love it.
I couldn’t agree more. I really enjoyed it. Loved the cinematography and details. The only distraction for me was the Kristen could have been in Twilight or Snow White, her acting was the same! From the heaving breaths, the pursed lips, to the clumsiness etc…I mean, her acting was good etc but I’ve seen Twilight many of times and you could have literally plucked her out of one movie and put her in the other…she used so many of the same mannerisms. It was SLIGHTLY distracting but…I loved it all the same!!
And I agree on the ending…it’d have been nice to see a little more WOW factor but at the same time, I got the jist…LOL!!!
I thought Kristen was totally going to bug me, but I thought she showed an albeit limited, range of emotions in this movie. I’ve only seen her in one other movie, and it wasn’t Twilight (never saw those), so I was pleasantly surprised. I did want her to kickass a little more. She’s a very reactive actress, not proactive.
Awesome review, Tameri! I wanted to see this movie right frim the start and now I have even more reasons to do so 🙂 Thank you!
Yes, yes, yes, go see it!
I’m totally going to see this now. I wasnt sure I would since Kristen Stewart was in it (and I’m not a fan), but you’ve convinced me. Thanks for the review!
Yeah, in every scene that has Kristen, find something else to look at ~ like Chris Hemsworth. Sigh. It’ll make the movie better, but like I told Natalie above, she did a decent job so hopefully she wont’ ruin it for you. Enjoy!!
Snow’s clothing bothered me too! Why was she wearing a dress? I know it was dirty but still, she was a prisoner!
I know, right? When she jumped into the ocean I was like, WAIT! She’s wearing leather pants, too? What? Then I just had to get over it and move on. 😉
Oooooh, I so want to see this! 🙂
We saw it at 10:30 in the morning when the theater wasn’t crowded, so I would highly recommend an earlier showing. It’s one where you want to be able to hear everything. Especially those dwarves. Man! They are huge mumblers!
I haven’t decided if I’m going to see Snow White yet, so I saved the spoiler bits for a later read. 😉 I’m not surprised the Charlize rocked it!
Charlize totally rocked it. Almost stole the movie, if you ask me, but luckily I had Chris to watch for a lot of it. 😉 If you do go, I’d love to know what you think of it.
Make that THE read, THAT. 😉 Hmm… Or, that THE Charlize. (She could totally be a one-namer, like Madonna.)
🙂
Aaaaaahhhh!!! Must see this flick!
Yesssssss, you must. Date night for you and the hubster! Or date morning since I like to see movies when I’m awake and my bed time is like, 8:30pm. 😉
LOL! I’m a total night owl – 8:30 is just when the kids are getting in bed and I can finally have quiet-alone-grown-up time!
Date night sounds…divine.
I really enjoyed it too, but there are some seriously harsh critics out there. I mean, it’s Snow White – what did you think was going to happen? It’s like being surprised that the titanic sank at the end of Titanic, or that the Arizona sank in Pearl Harbor!!! This Snow White is so much better than the Disney version, and while the dialogue could’ve been better – I still enjoyed it and will buy the bluray for sure. Great post.
That’s too funny! I don’t think I’ve read any of those reviews. Way, way, way better than the Disney version for sure. I wanted Snow to be more kickass, but hey, it’s an improvement. I love how the Dwarves still sing, but not the working song. It’s a keeper.
I haven’t seen it. 😦 I am sooo sad. Why don’t they play movies while the kids are in school? It’s so unfair. Everyone has had such great reviews of it this week. Your reviews are always soo much fun to read. I think Chris could use some help with that bath. What do you think? 😉
Debra, they DO play movies while the kids are in school! We just usually have way too much to do before then. If it’s still in the theaters in July and you haven’t seen it, I’m taking you. We’ll go to the big movie place downtown and have a fabulous time dreaming of bathing our sweet Chris. Just don’t tell Monkey.
LOL. The theaters near me don’t start any shows until noon or later. 😦 That means the kids are getting out of school before the movie is finished. They didn’t used to do that. Economy changed things. Booo!
I don’t know if I’ll get to see it or not before it leave the theaters, but I’ll definately check it out on DVD. I don’t get out much, lol! Everyone seems to like the movie for the most part, Kristen Stewart or not.
T, if you want a Sam Claflin fix, he’s in Pirates of the Carribbean On Stranger Tides and was also in the mini series Pillars of the Earth.
Ooooh, thanks for the head’s up on Sam! I think I saw that pirates, but don’t remember Sam, so I must reacquaint myself. I heard the mini series was amazing and have been meaning to see that too, so win-win.
The good news about this movie is there was so much more than Kristen Stewart, so there is plenty to love whether you are a fan of hers or not.
I’ll be happy to help Chris with that bath, Debra… Not sure his wife would appreciate it though. 🙂
We have a small-town theater and so I often have to wait for movies, or rent them. It’s just not worth heading into ‘the city’ to see anything. Hopefully Snow White will show up here because I plan to watch it one way or another. It’s just not one that I feel I NEED to see in the theater (like The Avengers, which needed the big screen so I could see Robert Downey Jr. better).
I’m glad to hear that this movie is worth seeing though. Still not as pumped up about it as I about The Avengers though. 🙂
Wife schmife! We’ll bathe Chris anytime we feel like it and she won’t get a say in the matter. 😉
Ooh, you live in a small town? I’ve always wanted to live in a little community where you have to ‘go to town’ for the big stuff. If the movie comes to you, and I seriously hope it does, go see it! You’re totally right, though. I can move to the small screen easily, unlike Avengers where you really want that huge action taking place on the big screen.
And yeah, I was totally psyched after seeing Avengers. I love, love, loved Snow White, but not quite as much as Avengers. Although, you get to see more of Chris in Snow White. Dirty, but he’s on screen more.
Sounds good to me, Tameri…especially if we could get Mr. Downey into the water, too. 🙂
Yup. I’m from a small town…relocated when I was a teenager from the ‘big city’ I have to visit when I can’t find what I need here. I was just telling someone the other day that we have three traffic lights downtown, and four others at the outskirts of town (three have been added since I moved here. Oops, I’m wrong. There’s another about a mile out of town that’s fairly new, too. It’s an experience.
Hey, a dirty Chris Hemsworth is better than no Chris Hemsworth. I can live with it. 🙂
I’m planning on seeing it–I’ve enjoyed the cool visuals in the trailers and I’m looking forward to that faerie forest! But I was more excited about going to see the Julia Roberts one–only because I like a bit of whimsy. 🙂 Thanks Tameri!
The good thing about this movie is, you don’t see it all in the trailers. I still want to see the Julia Roberts movie, too! I have it in my Netflix queue. Weird that two Snow White movies came out at around the same time. I guess movie making is like that…
Sounds like a winner. I hope to go soon!
Great review! I avoided the spoiler alerts. Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome! I hope you do see it and love it!
Great review, Tameri. glad you enjoyed it. with all the movie chat on the web, I’m almost feeling left out about not going to movies. But then I shake myself off and get over it LOL. glad it lived up to your expectations.
I do that too if there’s a movie being hyped and I just can’t get to it. I like going to the theater, but sometimes it’s more of a hassle than it’s worth. We have an awesome set up at home which makes movie viewing almost more pleasurable here than in the theater, but there are some I just cannot wait for. This was one of them. 😉 If you do get to see it, let us know what you thought of Chris!
will do. have a good one
I don’t get to the movies very often, but this is one I want to see. Love your review, Tameri!
Thanks Lynn! I hope you get to see it soon. Let us know what you think of it.
Great review Tameri. I’m definitely looking forward to it, as mentioned previously on your Charlize post..
Hey, I’m the only guy commenter so far. I feel very privileged.
What’s up with you being the only guy commenting? Hmmm, do you think it might have something to do with all the Chris comments? At least you are secure in your manliness to step up and comment!
And as I mentioned previously, I’ll totally go see it with you, so let me know if you need a pal for the movie! By the way, you’ll loooooove Charlize in this movie.
Thanks for the review, Tameri – looking forward to seeing it, though we’re still waiting for it here in Oz 😦
Darn it! How long do movies take to get to Oz? That sucks that you have to wait for sweet Chris. I mean, the movie. 😉
🙂 Looks like it’s coming out later in June, so not too bad. But it used to take Months!
I’m with you about the ending. I felt she already showed her strength and independence multiple times and the ending should have given her love as well. Otherwise, the message you’re sending is that you can either be strong or have love but you can’t have both. Which just isn’t true 🙂
I feel like a party pooper, but I was a bit disappointed by this movie actually. I felt like the middle was slow, and I didn’t understand the geography of the land (similar to what the review on Jillian Dodd’s blog said). The dialogue was weak. I also found Kristen Stewart’s performance to be disappointing. Her roll seemed to consist entirely of running and staring in open-mouthed awe. (She can’t be blamed for the confusing motivational speech the writers gave her, but her delivery seemed frenetic to me rather than fiery and strong.) Maybe I went in with my hopes too high, and I’m not saying it was horrible. I’ll still buy it when it comes out. I just felt it didn’t live up to its potential and its weaknesses really prevented it from being a movie that people are still going to be talking about after the buzz the movie studio generated dies down.
Thanks for the shout out to my post!
You are so spot on about Kristen Stewart! It was bugging me at first, but then I thought, ‘hey, she isn’t speaking if she’s just looking dumb. Win for me!’. I’m terrible, I know. I think I went in with my hopes about where they needed to be regarding her, so I wasn’t disappointed. And I completely agree that it could’ve been so, so much more.
I want to see this movie now, even with the spoilers! Great review, Tameri. EllieAnn’s vlog was great, too! I, too, adore Charlize Theron. Gorgeous and talented! Thanks for the great review!
You’re welcome, Marcia. I hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to see it. Charlize is simply amazing in this movie, so you’ll be happy there!
Alright, you convinced me to go see it. I wasn’t planning on taking this one in but your review made it sound intriguing and now I have to see for myself! Excellent job!
And of course, you get to see my Sweet Chris, so it’s all good. Hope you enjoy it!
Nat and I saw this movie recently and it had to be great because she actually kept her hands to herself for the entire movie! LOL!
But in all honesty-Ithought it was really well done – I would have rathered a different casting for Snow White as it was like watching Bella and the seven dwarfs! I really enjoyed it otherwise!
What? She kept her hands to herself? Why is that good? Bella and the Seven Dwarfs! That’s too funny. I never saw Twilight and I’m glad for that. It would’ve bugged me more than it did that they cast Kristen Stewart in this role. Glad you liked it!
I’m so glad I read your review because I have definitely been looking forward to this movie! I’m still a little leary of Kristen Stewart, but I’m willing to give her a chance. lol Hope to see this one soon!
Don’t go in with any ideas of loving her in this role and you’ll be fine. I was prepared to totally hate her in it, and she wasn’t too bad. A little stiff, kind of awkward, but if Chris Hemsworth is onscreen, just watch him. It makes it all better. 😉
I finally saw it last night and really enjoyed it.
Chris, oh lovely, gorgeous Chris. Yum!! Enough said 🙂
Yay! Yes, Chris. Yum and double yum.
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Going to have to wait for DVD for Snow White, but I’ll see it. I have a little crush on Chris Hemsworth too!
I think this is one you definitely can wait for. Not a HAVE to see in the theaters kind of movie. When you see it at home, you’ll be able to pause on our Sweet Chris. It’s all good. 😉
Ah, the beauty that is BluRay, every detail so clear. Thanks for the heads-up, I’ll definitely be waiting. Something tells me it won’t be hanging around the theaters for very long.
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I Loved it! I was totally surprised how much I enjoyed it! Being a mom of 3 my teenager really likes Kristen Stewart so I’m forever watching her movies, I like her, being that I probably saw every movie she ever made I have to say I like her acting, something about her draws you in. And on a personal level she different from those bubble gum, carbon copy barbie dolls that are all over hollywood these days! Charlize was good, Chris to my surprise I liked a lot and Sam was just adorable! The movie itself was a feast for the eyes! Would see it again-oh right (I have teenage daughter) odds are will see it again about 25 time dvd and all…
YAY!! I love hearing that people loved it. That’s funny you’ll have to go see it again and again. I wish! I keep trying to get my daughter to see it (she missed it the first time), but she won’t go with me. Bummer. I might have to just take her and be done with it. Those 21 year-olds are so stubborn! I should see if the teenage girl next door wants to see it. Yeah, that’s a better idea. Thanks for stopping in, Linda!
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