As much as Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) is an accomplished actor at the top of his field, even he can’t redeem the misguided Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, the new action-adventure/horror film from Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola. While Wirkola’s 2009 Nazi zombie flick Dead Snow was a blast — literally — Hansel and Gretel misses the mark. It has potential as it pits Hansel (Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) against a virtual army of badass witches who look like extras from a Marilyn Manson. The dynamic duo is trying to save a small village from complete destruction after a cadre of witches have stolen the townspeople’s babies in the attempt to perform some kind of ritual that will increase their magic powers. The film predictably ends in a big showdown between the forces of good and evil that unfortunately leaves room for a sequel. Here’s to hoping it does poorly enough at the box office to nip that notion in the bud.
This article appears in Jan 23-29, 2013.
I do believe a sequel has already been announced. Hopefully Jeff doesn’t have to also review that one, although I would chuckle if he does.