Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters

Movie Review: «Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters».

English Title: Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters.
Production: USA, 2013.
Release Date: 24.01.2013 (Argentina), 25.01.2013 (USA).
Russian Distributor: Central Partnership (17.01.2013).
Official Website:
Genres: 3D / IMAX / Action / Comedy / Fantasy / Horror.
Director: Tommy Wirkola.
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen.
Age Rating: 18+.
Running Time: 100 minutes.

The movie Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (2013) from such known studios as Gary Sanchez Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount Pictures has become another adaptation of the story written by the Brothers Grimm, who worked in the XVIII and XIX centuries. In particular, here we are talking about the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel (1812), redesigned with a modern twist in terms of weapons, adventures and many characters. It is fun to note that almost whole original fits here only to one short Prologue.

The director of this newest interpretation is Tommy Wirkola, the creator of the zombie comedy named Dead Snow (2009), which became famous in his homeland and performed rather well for such a low-budget indie-story. While researching the list of nine producers, we’ve come up with a few great names listed there such as of a duo consisting of director, screenwriter Adam McKay and comedy actor Will Ferrell. The tandem almost all their business endeavors follows together.

It is possible, certainly, that Ferrell and McKay, in this case, limited their functions to funding, although it is unlikely they would have agreed to invest in something not promising anything in return. The plot for the film was created by Tommy Wirkola, and his co-writer happened to be Dante Harper. They provide a fresh look on the world of fairy tales, in which some modern touches do not ruin it, but rather paint an unique shade. The universe of the film Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters is also full of humor.

Looking back to the other similar work in the style of updated gothic tales, you can refer to some titles like The Brothers Grimm (2005) and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012). The first one was too dark and boring, and the second – absolutely ridiculous. Of these three the new job by Tommy looks the most enjoyable, and it may be that his nordic character allowed to achieve the result, since Wirkola kept in mind the legacy of the old European folklore.

Still the main attraction of the film Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters is its cast, where many participants are matched to all the suiting roles. Thus, the actor Jeremy Renner, who played here Hansel, had already tasted the spirit of action in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) and The Avengers (2012). Then very tough Gretel performed by Gemma Arterton just made the actress transform and even endure clear physical pain. Both actors even loved their costumes.

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The light side of the Force

Read on further to learn about the story and the characters of Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters.