Here's what we feel about the film.
Film: The Last Witch Hunter
Director: Breck Eisner
Cast: VIn Diesel, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie
Rating: ** (Two stars)
What's it about:
Once upon a time (supposedly, 800 years, if you're really curious), a witch queen placed a plague that was only broken when a witch hunter named Kaulder killed her. But not before she cursed him with immortality. He has a cult of handlers known as the Dolans who help him with whatever he needs. Over the years, the Dolans and Kaulder forge an uneasy, but consistent truce with the remaining witches to keep the peace. They will 'jail' those who won't step in line in the shadows forever, on the condition that the hunter shows mercy and lets them pass justice on their own. Everybody seems happy with the arrangement (if it ain't broke, why fix it and all), until all hell breaks loose after the 36th Dolan (Caine) dies under mysterious circumstances and Kaulder finds dark magic afoot. The only clue he has is a cryptic message left behind: Remember your death. As he seeks to remember with the help of a memory potion concocted by an able and willing witch for an accomplice, the killer Belial (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) thwarts his every move. Eventually, he realises the truth of his situation. And it isn't something he likes...
What's hot:
What's going to get you to buy the ticket is the star cast. Diesel is perfect action hero material, Rose Leslie (she of Game Of Thrones) is easy on the eyes and not too much of a liability. Michael Caine, well, the man's in a league of his own. But that's where the hardsell ends and the truth of the matter emerges....
What's not:
For this film to become a successful franchise (heck, who am I kidding, they've already got a sequel planned!), it has to have characters you grow to love. It's easy enough to love Michael Caine (he has the best lines, apart from Vin Diesel). Pretty much everyone else is, you know, whatever... Moreover, there's nothing merchandise-worthy here. The story has to be one you connect with, the special effects have to be top-of-the-line, and if it lacks that, at least some superlative photography. But no, disappointed on all counts. Even the monsters or the witches don't look scary. Everything seems to have been put together in a hurry.
What to do:
It's an action flick. But it is rarely entertaining. It has Vin Diesel, but there's no car chases in this one. It could've been great, but settles for just about okay.
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 "the last witch hunter")
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