Hansel and Gretel Review

Tommy Wirkola has reinvented one of the oldest and most retold stories of all time.

If exploding bodies and burning flesh are your thing then look no further because this movie is gory and action packed, with just a dash of nudity.

Hansel and Gretel – Witch Hunters goes beyond the house of candy and explores what happened to the twins after they roasted their first witch.

This version of Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) sees the pair brought in as professional bounty hunters to rid the town of its witch plague.

In similar style to 2004 film Van Helsing, the twins have an arsenal of modern looking weapons at their disposal, and hunt down their targets in unusual and inventive ways.

This movie has been widely condemned by film critics for the thin plotline, loopholes in the story and plenty of historical inaccuracies.

However the targeted audience generally seems to be enjoying the film. When it comes to a story about witches and trolls who really cares when a cure for diabetes was invented?

The film tries to be dark in true ‘Brothers Grimm’ style however it does have its funny moments, with a few good one liners. Some of it is a little clichéd and a touch predictable; heads exploding constantly could be considered a little tiresome.

Despite the witches’ makeup being quite well done and some decent special effects, Edward the troll is horribly fake.

This isn’t a film designed to encourage deep reflective thought nor is it a classic.

It’s a film designed for those who want to chill out, not concentrate and be entertained.

It’s perfect to see with a group of friends so you can gag and giggle at the over the top violence and the rubber troll.