Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

 For me, this is one of those films that you hear so much about and people who have been to see it tell you about it, so you end up watching it just because. No real reason, it's just there so why not.

 This film is supposed to be a twist on the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs story with the characters and story made much darker and including a lot more action. The Evil Queen (Charlize Theron) kills the King and takes over the Kingdom when Snow White is just a small girl. Many years later Snow White (Kristen Stewart) manages to escape her grasp and flees into the forest. With help from the Huntsmen (Chris Hemsworth), several dwarfs and a childhood friend, she must battle the Queen and take back the kingdom that was once her fathers.

 To start with the positives about this film, the special effects are incredible. All of the dwarfs are played by highly respected British actors (Ray Winstone, Ian McShane and Bob Hoskins to name a few) and their digital transformation into their characters is quite brilliant. Also, the revamp of the whole 'mirror on the wall' thing is very creative, if not slightly creepy, helping to bring a darker tone to the entire movie. The classic story of Snow White is also handled very well. Viewers will recognise some of the staple plots from Disney's original animated version. The true loves kiss part is still in there as well as the poisoned apple and even her kindness towards animals is there (although they don't sing 'Whistle While You Work' which is slightly disappointing). It definitely fulfils its brief of reinventing the story and appealing to a whole other audience.

 However, as with every film, there are drawbacks and this one comes in the very familiar form of Kristen Stewart. Everyone else in this film is good. No one drops the ball acting wise with the stand out performance being Charlize Theron's slightly creepy Evil Queen. But Kristen Stewart, much like with any other film I have seen her in, just isn't right. I doubt I need to go into much detail about her acting as I'm fairly certain you will have heard about it by now. I just don't understand how someone who is apparently incapable of expressing real emotion whilst acting has become one of the go-to actresses of the moment.There are so many people I can think of that would've made a much better job of it than her, and it takes the shine off this film a bit for me.

 Overall, this film is not bad. It is entertaining and has managed to make an old story seem refreshing. But for pity's sake, why did Kristen Stewart have to be in it.