The Last Witch Hunter
2015
The Cast
Riddick in the light... 'ish...
So way back when witches roamed the land so did Witch Hunters. Kaulder (Diesel) and his gang are hinting the Witch Queen who is intent on the destruction of the human race. The battle between Queen and mortals is fast and furious with everyone but Kaulder and the Queen being slain. In a last ditched attempt, Kaulder attacks and runs her through with his sword of fire. However, as witches are accustomed, she doesn't die easily... she curses Kaulder to immortality. However, judging by the notches on his bedpost this curse has backfired on the witch because it looks like he's enjoying life... not only does he have the women, but he has his own toys, fast cars, and a penthouse... when can I get cursed that bad(?)
So this is pretty much a Vin Diesel vehicle and to be honest, it's kinda like Riddick without the contact lenses. There's at least an air of a mystery in the story, something is happening in the magic community and it's not good. What's happening? Who's behind it? What's the twist? All good questions, though all, are pretty easy to figure out. Mainly, because it's all been done before and maybe they didn't want to get too complicated and confusing as the film is aimed at a 12A audience. Any adult should know where this story is going and all the twist reveals well in advance of their actual reveal.
Vin Diesel once again does a great job at being Vin Diesel... I would love to see him stretch his acting wings to take in a few more characterisations... or is he gonna be like Bruce Willis stuck in a rut being John McClane in every film he does? Can anybody remember when he was Hudson Hawk... But I digress, then you have Rose Leslie as Chloe... she's a strange one as sometimes she's great, then at others, a lump of wood. Similar can also be said for Elijah Wood as Dolan 37th (shouldn't that be The 37th Dolan or Dolan 37?). Most of the time he's on screen he gives out an appearance of uncaring. It's like he didn't want to be there. Other than Diesel, the only other actors who do well with their characters are Olafsson as Belial, brilliant as the hulk of a warlock, who is certain of his power and his mission. Michael Caine as Dolan 36th, a cheeky priest who has befriended Kaulder over his tenure.
However, it's the direction, the special effects, and action scenes that will keep the audience entertained the most. Eisner is a good director and uses both camera shots, angles, pans, and lighting to his best advantage. It's also nice that he decided to keep the dark subterranean scenes well lit so you can see the action. It's also refreshing that in the action scenes he doesn't always opt for shaky cam. But, uses quick pans and cuts to add speed, tension, and excitement... phew, no seasickness pills needed.
If the story had been stronger and some of the characters slightly upgraded it would have made this a much better venture. As it is, it's a leave your brain by the door, magical slobber knocker. Not too bad a way to waste an hour and a half... though if you're looking for original, this isn't it... or thought-provoking.
I would recommend this to all viewers who want a not-all-together mindless entertainment. It's a one watch movie.
I give this a magical curse of 6.25 out of 10.
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