Jackson Weaver
Staff Writer
As a war escalates between sisters Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Freya (Emily Blunt), Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and fellow huntsman Sara (Jessica Chastain) try to conceal their forbidden love from Queen Freya.
In the prequel of “Snow White and the Huntsman”, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War”, contains a mediocre plot and flat characters with little development. The fairy tale story pitched makes intense fighting scenes look like children fighting with toy swords. The only positives of the film come from the cinematography that captures the fairy world with exquisite detail and cheap laughs in a primarily dark film.
At a young age, Eric, Sara and other children of their tribe are kidnapped from their families to serve under Ice Queen Freya’s rule. Becoming the two strongest warriors of the pack they quickly fall for one another. Their problem is Queen Freya who despises all types of love and affection because of a previous heartbreak. Planning to run away with one another, Eric and Sara are caught by the Queen and sentenced to death.
Chris Hemsworth plays the role of the Huntsman but his lines make him sound like an arrogant jock rather than a loyal warrior. His selfishness creates a misunderstanding of his character. Constantly putting himself first, Eric does not exhibit himself as an honorable warrior and his questionable role as the main character creates a confusing plot throughout.
This story is supposed to be the prequel to “Snow White and the Huntsman”, but they only mention Snow White’s name a few times and never put a face to the name. Kristen Stewart, who played Snow White in the previous film, was given all the attention necessary because of her strong acting. However, all the attention she drew in is useless because they fail to even show her in the film.
The story of Snow White takes place in a fictional world where a select few are given special powers. The issue at hand is that the huntsman are shown training and training to be fierce warriors in an army to fight any battle. However, towards the end of the film, there is a revolt against Queen Freya and all their training in marksmanship and wielding a sword are useless compared to her ice powers. There appears to be no realistic aspect of this fictional tale.
The few positive aspects of the film are from the cinematography. Specifically when Eric and Sara venture through the mystical forests of the goblins, there are delicate illuminated fairies that fly around them. This small detail of constant fairies flying all around a leafy, green forest filled with imaginary wildlife perfectly depicts the setting of a fairy tale.
In dark, serious films it is always important to have light moments to contrast the constant fighting with a chuckle. Nion (Nick Frost) and Gryff (Rob Brydon) are twin dwarves that join Eric and Sara on their expedition. As minor characters the only role they have is to jump in with a few cheap jokes to lighten the serious mood. Bickering at one another about pointless issues, such as which one is taller considering the are both short dwarves adds a moment of relief.
“The Huntsman: WInters War” has a weak plot to follow up as a prequel to the more impressive film including Snow White. The picturesque cinematography and acting by twins Nion and Gryff add some sort of the life to the dull film. In the end, Hemsworth’s importance to the film makes his unsuccessful role a major contribution to films failure.
‘The Huntsman: Winters War” is rated PG 13 and is playing in theaters nationwide.
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