2016 so far marks as the year of sequels and reboots – some are well-crafted but most are either disappointing or simply unnecessary. The Huntsman: Winter's War, which serves as both the prequel and the sequel (a "sprequel", if you may call it) to Snow White and the Huntsman, may not be highly-anticipated but it proves to be more entertaining than its gloomy predecessor, with a visual flair surrealistic enough to distract you from its flawed narrative.
The Huntsman: Winter's War feels the need to validate its existence by borrowing elements from other superior fantasy films. But still in the process, it fails to deliver a solid plot with a strong emotional core the way Maleficient or Frozen does (it is impossible to unthink of Frozen for Elsa's evil version is here). Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, who was the special effects supervisor in the first film, makes his directorial debut and it is crystal clear here that his top priority remains to be the visual spectacle, leading to a classic case of style over substance. The visuals are lavishly done and that is a welcome treat for as long as the quality of direction is not traded-off. Equipped with extravagant and intricate costume and design set pieces, some scenes can be practically edited and turned into one big production of a perfume or cosmetic ad.
Another thing that the film can boast is the star power cast that it manages to assemble. The four main leads here play characters that are not exactly engrossingly-written, however they still manage to dig deep into them and give viewers something to sink their teeth in. Chris Hemsworth is a far better protagonist than a disinterested Kristen Stewart in the first film. His reputation for playing Thor in Marvel's cinematic universe gives him a bullet-proof assurance that he can deliver even the corniest lines with the help of his rugged charm. Notwithstanding a clumsily-penned love story arc, he strikes a decent chemistry with Jessica Chastain. Chastain surprisingly takes part in here (considering that fantasy genre is not in her wheelhouse) and she convincingly portrays a driven and earnest action heroine. Both Hemsworth and Chastain are however burdened with a Scottish accent throughout the film. Emily Blunt as a conflicted antagonist having unjustified actions brings a roller- coaster of emotions from vulnerability to wrath in her craft. Her on-screen sister, Charlize Theron, who is obviously not dead from the trailer may have a lesser screen time but she is still poised to steal the show with her menacing death-stares and spiky tentacles. She even remains to be lethal in a liquid gold form. The digitally- shrunk quartet of dwarfs, Nion (Nick Frost), Gryff (Rob Brydon), Doreena (Alexandra Roach) and Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) are a welcome addition despite being obviously there for comic-relief for they add little to nothing to the plot.
Still, not even the winning combination of visual effects, costume design and great casting can salvage an under-directed sappy fantasy story of love that conquers all. This is yet again a generic cash- grab product of Hollywood. Time to chant the words: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which next sequel is yet to fool?
Full review: http://www.filmpolicereviews.com/reviews/huntsman-winters-war
The Huntsman: Winter's War feels the need to validate its existence by borrowing elements from other superior fantasy films. But still in the process, it fails to deliver a solid plot with a strong emotional core the way Maleficient or Frozen does (it is impossible to unthink of Frozen for Elsa's evil version is here). Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, who was the special effects supervisor in the first film, makes his directorial debut and it is crystal clear here that his top priority remains to be the visual spectacle, leading to a classic case of style over substance. The visuals are lavishly done and that is a welcome treat for as long as the quality of direction is not traded-off. Equipped with extravagant and intricate costume and design set pieces, some scenes can be practically edited and turned into one big production of a perfume or cosmetic ad.
Another thing that the film can boast is the star power cast that it manages to assemble. The four main leads here play characters that are not exactly engrossingly-written, however they still manage to dig deep into them and give viewers something to sink their teeth in. Chris Hemsworth is a far better protagonist than a disinterested Kristen Stewart in the first film. His reputation for playing Thor in Marvel's cinematic universe gives him a bullet-proof assurance that he can deliver even the corniest lines with the help of his rugged charm. Notwithstanding a clumsily-penned love story arc, he strikes a decent chemistry with Jessica Chastain. Chastain surprisingly takes part in here (considering that fantasy genre is not in her wheelhouse) and she convincingly portrays a driven and earnest action heroine. Both Hemsworth and Chastain are however burdened with a Scottish accent throughout the film. Emily Blunt as a conflicted antagonist having unjustified actions brings a roller- coaster of emotions from vulnerability to wrath in her craft. Her on-screen sister, Charlize Theron, who is obviously not dead from the trailer may have a lesser screen time but she is still poised to steal the show with her menacing death-stares and spiky tentacles. She even remains to be lethal in a liquid gold form. The digitally- shrunk quartet of dwarfs, Nion (Nick Frost), Gryff (Rob Brydon), Doreena (Alexandra Roach) and Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) are a welcome addition despite being obviously there for comic-relief for they add little to nothing to the plot.
Still, not even the winning combination of visual effects, costume design and great casting can salvage an under-directed sappy fantasy story of love that conquers all. This is yet again a generic cash- grab product of Hollywood. Time to chant the words: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which next sequel is yet to fool?
Full review: http://www.filmpolicereviews.com/reviews/huntsman-winters-war