Review by Toby Lattimore

Thrown into the lore of this age old tale we are quickly whisked into the next chapter of two fairy tale characters who are now embodied as Jeremy Renner (Avengers Assemble) and Gemma Arterton (Prince of Persia). Both of these actors are potential superstars but as yet have not quite made the grade and in this action packed fantasy adventure give it their all. Renner perhaps has the upper hand but this is because he is not struggling with having to put on a fake accent where as Artherton is trying to disguise her distinctive English tone.

We follow the brother and sister and begin to find out more about their past and the role of their parents particularly their mother, played by the elegant stunt artist specialist Monique Ganderton (Iron Man 3). They are drawn to a village and soon come across a powerful witch called Muriel played by Famke Janssen (X-Men) who dons the full makeup of a horrific witch and is once again a character gifted with magical abilities. She is amazingly convincing in the role and throws herself into the spirit of the film.

But it’s not that straightforward for the witch hunters and they need the help of the newly discovered White Witch played by the alluring Pihla Viitala (Tears of April) who has just enough magic to give the heroes a chance to fight the plotting coven.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is a modern take on a fantasy environment. It is full of action and moves at a speed from one fight to anther mixing up guns and magic and even throws in a troll played by Derek Mears (Zathura) and voiced by specialist Robin Atkin Downes (who also was the voice of the computer in Prometheus). Do not expect complex character development but if you like a break from reality and super natural combat sequences then settle down or maybe perch on the edge of your seat.

64/100

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