The Movie: Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton play Hansel and Gretel, a brother and sister witch-hunting team, in this totally bad-ass reimagining of the classic fairy tale. Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters had a lot to offer visually, with awesome weapons including a Gatling gun and an automatic crossbow, great costume design, and some truly grotesque witches.
Coming from writer/director Tommy Wirkola, who also brought us Nazi zombie flick Dead Snow, blood, guts, and gore were over the top and gave the movie its well deserved “R” rating. Being a 3D release, there were some obviously cheap 3D effects with projectiles flying directly at the screen, but nothing that caused the movie to become unbearable.
The plot, while predictable, was fun and kept the audience involved – there was definitely some cheering going on. Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is far from being a “great movie,” but it was certainly entertaining.
- The Good: Visually awesome, with badass action sequences. Overall funny, with some great one-liners. Good supporting characters, including a chick with a total lady-boner for Hansel and a troll named Edward. Fun.
- The Bad: R-rated. Cheap “flying through the screen” 3D effects.
- Verdict: Go see it in theaters, and in 3D if possible. It’s a really fun movie on the big screen, but probably wouldn’t hold up to multiple viewings at home.