In the wake of several recent Snow White revivals, “Snow White and the Huntsman” chooses a distinct and dark take on the classic fairytale.

Soon after the death of the mother of young Snow White, played by Kristen Stewart of the “Twilight” saga, a beautiful and deranged sorceress named Ravenna takes over Snow White’s kingdom. Snow White is locked up in a prison for the remainder of her childhood while Ravenna strangles the goodness out of the kingdom.

Later Ravenna learns that Snow White, replacing her as “the fairest of them all,” is both her only weakness and only source of the everlasting beauty and youth she craves. Soon Snow White is on the run from Ravenna’s minions and ends up lost in an evil magic forest.

A huntsman is tricked into pursuing Snow White, but quickly becomes her unlikely ally as she embarks on a mission to reclaim her deceased father’s kingdom.

Theron truly captivated and stole the show in her powerful and intriguing, although somewhat disturbing, role. Chris Hemsworth, who recently starred in “Thor” and “The Avengers,” did an excellent job portraying the Huntsman.

Unfortunately Kristen Stewart wasn’t impressive as Snow White, but did adapt the character into a stronger, less traditional princess to fit the nature of the film.

The film took a very different spin on the typical Snow White, although it did incorporate the Seven Dwarves, which provided the primary source of the film’s minimal humor.

One major strength of the movie was its mesmerizing visual effects, my favorites being those from the fairy-inhabited part of the magical forest. The shortcoming of the film was its plot, which was rather disjointed. The storyline lacked enough explanation, especially of the magic, and at times didn’t seem fully developed.

Overall, “Snow White and the Huntsman” was an engrossing approach to the age-old Snow White story. The film had its weaknesses and dead moments, but it also had many strong points. People looking for an action-packed, dark version of the tale will enjoy “Snow White and the Huntsman.”

Aran Kirschenmann, 15, is a contributing writer for the Bellevue Reporter and a sophomore at The International School in Bellevue. You may reach and connect with her on her Facebook page “The Young Critic.”