"Snow White and the Huntsman"

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -

Rated PG-13
2 hours 10 minutes

Forget almost everything you've grown up learning about "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'". "Snow White and the Huntsman" gives the familiar fairy tale a dark and adventurous new look.

Charleze Theron delivers a dazzling performance as the epitome of pure evil. She bristles at the thought of Snow White living another day.

Kristen Stewart must welcome a vacation from her "Twilight" character. Here she's out for blood to avenge her father's murderer.

But the Seven Dwarfs are just as infatuated with Snow White as they were in the Disney classic.

"Snow White and the Huntsman" isn't just a fairy tale. It's an adventure with all the trappings that will remind you of "Lord of the Rings". It's Charleze Theron's fiery performance that truly distinguishes this elaborate make-believe. She's evil incarnated with attitude.

No, I wouldn't recommend "Snow White and the Huntsman" for the very young. It's much too scary and mean spirited.

If only for taking the childhood classic in a new direction, "Snow White and the Huntsman" deserves three stars.

Where else can Snow White become the spitting image of Joan of Arc?