Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes, unless you dislike fantasy.
Score: 3.75/5
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 114 minutes (~2 hours)
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is a fantasy film that’s the sequel to 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman.” It sees the Huntsman battling the evil ice queen Freya and facing his past. It stars Chris Hemsworth (Eric the Huntsman), Charlize Theron (Queen Ravenna), Emily Blunt (Queen Freya), Colin Morgan (Duke of Blackwood), Jessica Chastain (Sara), Nick Frost (Nion), Sam Claflin (King William), Rob Brydon (Gryff), Alexandra Roach (Doreena), and Sheridan Smith (Mrs. Bromwyn).
As far as fantasy films go, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is one of the better ones, having both a fantastical story and wondrous special effects to match the genre. The beginning of the film requires some context from “Snow White and the Huntsman” though, so if you haven’t watched that film before, it’s best to Wikipedia it before going into the cinema. But by the middle of the first Act, the movie’s story takes over and you’ll be immersed in the adventures of the Huntsman.
Highlights
Charlize Theron is amazing as Queen Ravenna
Cruel but elegant, devious but beautiful, Charlize Theron is a royal villainess that we just can’t get enough of. Although her role is mainly relegated to flashbacks and such, she still dominates every scene she’s in, showing us the sheer power and charisma of the Evil Queen.
Action and effects are well executed
The fights and stunts are fun to watch, since there’s always an element of fantasy involved in the battles, be it magical abilities or the characters themselves. The world itself is also coherently designed and filled with enough magical detail for it to be a believable fairy tale world, but not so different from our own that it’s an alienating environment.
Dwarves are a hoot
The four dwarves are the funniest supporting characters you can find, constantly bickering amongst each other and lobbing nonsensical insults all the time. Unlike most comic relief characters, the dwarves are actually competent, and don’t end up as plot devices to bungle the heroes mission. This makes them a welcome change, because they’re funny while still being useful.
Spins a good story
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” borrows elements from different fairy tales but manages to weave its own story, while still referencing its source material. The plot is surprisingly full and strives to make sense of its admittedly silly premise. It’s an entertaining story that fits in well with the world and characters.
Letdowns
Jessica Chastain is a stiff Sara
Jessica Chastain gives a disappointing performance as Sara, being unable to emote past a slight smile or a look of grim determination. For some reason her range is neutered in this film, perhaps indicating that her time with the Ice Queen Freya (Emily Blunt) has frozen her emotions? It’s completely baffling, and it feels weird that her co-star Chris Hemsworth delivers a more nuanced and complex performance than she does.
Not another derivative of the Snow Queen…
Personally, I’ve had my fill of interpretations of the Snow Queen fairy tale. I liked “Frozen,” so don’t get me wrong (or judge me), but to be still doing another tale about an ice queen in 2016 just feels dated. We need another fairy tale to be obsessed with, because the Snow Queen’s story is really wearing thin.
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” fills the void of good fantasy films, delivering a story that’s both familiar and surprising to audiences.
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” opens in cinemas 14 April, 2016 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo!.
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