Snow White: The Fairest of Them All

In this latest iteration of the timeless Brothers Grimm fable, Snow White's dad (Tom Irwin)--a newly widowed father hauling his hungry tyke through a fierce snowstorm--rouses a ghoulish creature who grants him three wishes: food for infant Snow, a kingdom, and a queen (a sorceress hag transformed into a self-absorbed Miranda Richardson). Fast forward 16 years and sweet, sensitive Snow (TV's tyro Smallville star Kristin Kreuk)--who is getting much too fair for the queen's comfort--finds her first love interest in a visiting prince, sparking a jealous hissy that's only further flamed when the queen's previously faithful talking mirrors point out that Snow White is the most stunning lass in the land. After the proverbial failed assassination attempt, Snow runs to the forest and finds friends in a band of corny little men (named Monday through Sunday--no Happy or Dopey here, folks), though--as we all know--the angry queen with the poisoned apple calling card finds her anyway. But while you might think you know this story forwards and backwards, writer/director Caroline Thompson (screenwriter for Edward Scissorhands) finds ways to throw the traditional tale engagingly off kilter. Recommended. (J. Williams)