Theron, once again, provides some delicious over-the-top sultry villainy in her second turn as the Evil Queen. No one else in the cast tries or is able to meet the size of her performance but all three of the other A-listers Hemsworth, Chastain, and Blunt find a pleasing balance of camp and commitment. There are moments when each of them really relish the grandness of it, lean into the genre and adventure of it all and just play. Nick Frost, Rob Brydon, and Sheridan Smith provide much needed humor and an infectious wry energy. Smith especially comes on screen with such a powerful magnetism you never want her to leave. For the most part the women in the film are more capable than the men, they do more and kick more ass, and that is never called out. It is incredibly gratifying.
There is something fundamentally absurd about the film but regardless it is never sold out and it is fun. It also has some substantial darkness, an allegory for child soldiers, depression, loneliness, the impotence of power. Although these themes aren't really delved into they're there and the lightness with which they are incorporated into the story gives it a bit more depth than you would otherwise allot to something as ill-conceived as an action based Snow White presequel.
Beautiful visuals, spirited performances. Messy but delightful.
Rent It.
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