Since I’ve seen “The Hurt Locker,” I make it a point to see, and usually buy, everything Jeremy Renner does. He’s such a talented actor; I just love watching him in anything. Now that his profile is a little higher, it’s nice to see him try something more risky than the action films he has been in as of late.
Renner joins Gemma Arterton as brother and sister Hansel and Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.” After killing their first witch at such a young age (see fairy tale), they realize how gifted they are at it. So from then on, Hansel and Gretel are witch hunters, slaying any witch they can find. Hiring them to guard a village that has been experiencing a rash of kidnappings. Hansel and Gretel are search to find the witch involved and kill her. Trouble is, the witch is more powerful than any other they’ve encountered.
The film is over-the-top violent in a way that makes up for some of the simpler elements of the film. The R-rating allows the film to really go all out, something a PG-13 rating would certainly sanitize. The combination of anachronistic weaponry and a bizarre sense of humor keep the movie going. Arterton and Renner have a great chemistry, even if it feels a bit incestuous at times.
As a whole, the film is exactly what it promises, for better or worse. It’s a violent, dark comedy/action-adventure that comes and goes rather quickly. But though it may not be remembered months from now, it’s a good time nonetheless. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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