Title: Snow White: A Deadly Summer
Directed by: David DeCoteau
Starring: Shanley Caswell, Maureen McCormick and Eric Roberts
Running time: 90 minutes, Rated PG-13
Snow is a troubled teen who is the wedge between her father and his new wife Eve. Eve is determined to be the sole object of his affection, so she convinces her husband to allow Snow to be shipped off to a discipline summer camp for troubled teens where some kids were murdered years ago.
Besides the evil stepmother who talks to herself rather maniacally in a mirror, seven teens at the discipline camp and the character named Snow White, there’s little to no connection to the actual fairy tale. Maureen McCormick I felt she may have been a little too old for the part. The worst of her performance would have to be at the final conflict where she’s whining about competing for Snow’s father’s affection. I thought the acting was rather flat by all, and the angsty teenagers were so annoying, I was rooting for their demise; although their deaths were really lame and unimpressive. The camp also didn’t even seem that bad, unless you don’t like camping. They had to sleep on the ground on sleeping bags, so yeah I guess that would be hell.
There’s a blurb on the DVD case that compares the film to A Nightmare on Elm Street and Children of the Corn. I saw absolutely no connection to Children of the Corn, were they watching a completely different version of the film? As for A Nightmare on Elm Street, SPOILER ALERT: it’s all a dream, but there’s no real connection to that movie either. They also called it a “pulse-pounding tale of horror.” What horror? At best I would consider this film “a tad suspenseful,” and that’s only if you give one crap about any of the characters.
The special features include the trailer, stills gallery and commentary by director David DeCoteau and cast members Chase Bennett and Jason-Shane Scott.
I wasn’t expecting much before I watched this film, and for that I wasn’t really disappointed. It’s safe for kids to watch at a slumber party, but I’m almost positive they’ll be bored and wish you suggested they rent something else.
Total Rating: D
Reviewed by: JM Willis
