The idea of making a "realistic" version of Snow White, much like it was actually written by the brothers Grimm, is a quite fascinating one. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't deliver what it promises - in fact, it does very little to justify its existence.
There are so many flaws in this movie, it is hard to know where to begin. But for starters, it seems to have been edited with a weed-wacker, leaving lots of important scenes on the cutting room floor. There are sudden changes in the character's behaviour towards each other (particularly between Snow White and the "dwarfs") - which aren't explained at all. The viewers are left to guess what must have happened off-screen. Furthermore, almost every character seems to be made out of cardboard - and most of the actors, too. Sam Neill sleepwalks through his entire "performance", and Monica Keena as Snow White can't seem to do anything but alternate between sulky and bewildered. Gil Bellows ("Billy" from Ally McBeal) is half-decent, but still too polished to play a rugged thief. The only interesting character is Sigourney Weaver's stepmother, but even she delivers a somewhat restrained performance - I always pictured the evil stepmother as being much more over-the-top and lunatic, but Weaver chooses to downplay the insanity and go for a more matter-of-factly portrayal. She does have some good moments, though - particularly when she sings at the different parties at the castle (in her own, remarkably fine voice), and when she's all disguised as a hideous old crone.
But sadly, not even Sigourney Weaver can rescue this movie. Apart from her and some breathtaking location scenery, there's very little to write home about here. I'll give the movie 2 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend people to stay away from it.
There are so many flaws in this movie, it is hard to know where to begin. But for starters, it seems to have been edited with a weed-wacker, leaving lots of important scenes on the cutting room floor. There are sudden changes in the character's behaviour towards each other (particularly between Snow White and the "dwarfs") - which aren't explained at all. The viewers are left to guess what must have happened off-screen. Furthermore, almost every character seems to be made out of cardboard - and most of the actors, too. Sam Neill sleepwalks through his entire "performance", and Monica Keena as Snow White can't seem to do anything but alternate between sulky and bewildered. Gil Bellows ("Billy" from Ally McBeal) is half-decent, but still too polished to play a rugged thief. The only interesting character is Sigourney Weaver's stepmother, but even she delivers a somewhat restrained performance - I always pictured the evil stepmother as being much more over-the-top and lunatic, but Weaver chooses to downplay the insanity and go for a more matter-of-factly portrayal. She does have some good moments, though - particularly when she sings at the different parties at the castle (in her own, remarkably fine voice), and when she's all disguised as a hideous old crone.
But sadly, not even Sigourney Weaver can rescue this movie. Apart from her and some breathtaking location scenery, there's very little to write home about here. I'll give the movie 2 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend people to stay away from it.