Serving as both a prequel and sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman, The Huntsman: Winter’s War isn’t engaging enough for fantasy or action fans to enjoy and isn’t kid-friendly enough for families, despite its shameless poaching of the female protagonists of Disney’s Frozen and Pixar’s Brave.
The story chronicles how the titular huntsman Eric(Chris Hemsworth) and his future wife Sara(Jessica Chastain) were raised in the kingdom ruled by snow queen Freya(Emily Blunt) – kid sister to the original film’s mirror-obsessed Ravenna(Charlize Theron) – who, as a survivor of unthinkable heartbreak, has one big rule all her “children” must obey: do not love. Ever. As you can imagine that isn’t a practical rule to adhere to let alone implement.
Long story short, Freya’s reign threatens Snow White’s kingdom and it’s up to Eric, Sara, and their companions to stop her. And although her role is smaller here than in the original film, Queen Ravenna(Charlize Theron) returns to both aid and manipulate her youngster sister Freya.