Snow White and the Huntsman I found to be somewhat meh. Not a bad film, but not very memorable either.
So I watched The Huntsman: Winter's War with low expectations - and was pleasantly surprised.
It started off interesting enough, not least because this is based on The Snow Queen. So we get a very twisted juxtaposition to Frozen (and see what Elsa should have been!).
However, just when that novelty looks like it might fade, we're introduced to 2 dwarven men - played by Nick Frost and Rob Brydon - who bring immediate comic relief (and are later joined by two dwarven women who ramp up the comedy interplay further).
This provides much needed light relief in a serious story about love and betrayal, between Chris Hemsworth's character and Jessica Chastain.
However, despite these two being the main characters, it really is Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron who completely steal the show in their display of presence and power.
Ultimately, this film is about more than love and sisterhood, but about feminine strength, and done in such a way as to remain entertaining.
There are some nicely choreographed fight scenes, a fascinating reimagining of goblins, and some very effective CGI. The film manages to create and retain its own atmosphere throughout.
It may not become a classic, but it's certainly a film I'd want to watch a second time.
