Snow White and the Huntsman

Darkness has overcome the land as an evil queen has taken control of a nation and enslaved its people. The queen, who's name is Ravenna, is a sorceress who is searching for the secret to immortality with the help of her brother. Ravenna also enlists the assistance of a magical golden mirror, begging with it daily to tell her that she is the fairest in the land. The golden mirror continues to reassure her until one fateful day it informs Ravenna of another woman who is more beautiful than her. A woman called Snow White, whose skin is white as snow, hair as black as a raven, and lips as red as blood. The golden mirror prophesies that in order for Ravenna to achieve immortality and youth she must devour the heart of Snow White. After learning her fate Snow White escapes and takes shelter into a nearby enchanted forest. Ravenna then calls for the help of a drunk huntsman who agrees to go after Snow White in exchange for Ravenna to revive the huntsman's wife from the dead.

If you go into Snow White and the Huntsman assuming that this is going to be similar to the widely known and well loved Disney movie filled with seven dwarves who sing "Hi Ho! Hi Ho!" as it's off to work they go, or with a main character who can't fend for herself so she has a knight in shining armor come to her aid and rescue her, then be prepared to be sorely disappointed. This tale is darker, more sinister than the popular Disney movie. It does have elements of the original story, such as the seven dwarves, the poisoned apple, and the whole 'true love's kiss' storyline involving the huntsman; however it also has a main character who acts more like a savior or hero rather than a helpless little girl, an evil witch who makes the original witch look like a saint, and the dwarves themselves aren't as innocent. Parents of small kids should hesitate and see the movie themselves before taking their young kids. It does have some good lessons to teach such as standing up for what you believe in, but you have to dig deep to find these messages. It is a good film with great acting (even from Kristen Stewart who plays Snow White which is a pretty big surprise), fantastic cinematography and scenery that somewhat reminded me of a cross between The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, but some of the creatures found in the forest may or may not scare little kids. If you have young kids then exercise caution in letting your kids see it. Otherwise I recommend seeing Snow White and the Huntsman.