Tommy Wirkola’s Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) Movie Review

I went to see Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters my first 3D movie this year. It was refreshing to see a new take on this classic fairy tale. I’ve known about this movie for some time, and I was really excited to see it. Just before the start of Hansel & Gretel, Paramount showcased the latest trailer of GI JOE: RETALIATION with added 3D effects must say it was a smart movie from Paramount to delay the release for adding 3D. The effects I witnessed in the 3D trailer was Awesome. As we all know Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters story based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale about the witch who lived in the gingerbread house that captured the young Hansel & Gretal with plans to eat them but they outsmarted the witch and threw her in the oven. Now the brother and sister are grown up and work as bounty hunters exterminating witches for a living. Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton play the duos who are now armed with all sorts of cool weapons. The two time Oscar- nominee Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker, The Avengers, Thor fame) is promising as Hansel. Gretel is Gemma Arterton, an English actress known for her appearances in Pirate Radio, Prince of Persia and the remake of Clash of the Titans is charismatic.  The head witch in charge is played flawlessly by Famke Janssen.

The direction from Tommy Wirkola is fine. There are also some nice make-up and good costume designs. The action scenes are not bad but they are more gritty than fantastical. Music wise is quite alright with Han Zimmer acting as the music supervisor. Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is at its best when it indulges in a bit of campy fun which director Tommy Wirkola keeps steady throughout the film from start to finish.

What’s good about Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters – It’s just 88 minutes movie, Gemma Arterton is pretty and it’s not boring. What’s Bad is its Predictable Screenplay, Logic less and blurry graphics in 3D.

Hansel and Gretel clearly wasn’t intended to be a highly intellectual story, but rather a fun. If you are looking for a fantasy movie full of Action – Magic – Mystical creatures and Ass kicking witch hunters then its the right movie.