The Huntsman: Winter’s War
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain
Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
Another week, another pointless spinoff.
After performing modestly well at the box office but striking out with most critics, 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman came and went. And while it left only a minimal impact on audiences, Hollywood bean counters were quick to pounce on the opportunity for a possible franchise.
In perhaps her wisest career move yet, Kristen Stewart sits The Huntsman: Winter’s War out as Chris Hemsworth takes centre stage alongside heavy-hitters Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt, and Charlize Theron (reprising her role from the first outing). Set before AND after the events of the previous film (don’t ask), this prequel/sequel features the iconic magic mirror as the elusive MacGuffin, with shades of an adult-oriented live action Frozen adaptation.
A war between rival queen sisters Ravenna (Theron) and Freya (Blunt) escalates as Eric (Hemsworth) and warrior girlfriend Sara try to hide their forbidden love while protecting Freya against Ravenna’s evil intentions. The results are an often joyless slog of a film with a painfully pedestrian script and stilted pacing. It’s utterly painful to watch a talented group of actors work with such monotonous material.
On the surface, however, The Huntsman bears some superficial charms. The production design is impressive, the visual effects are admirable, and veteran Colleen Atwood’s costume design is often impeccable. The inclusion of two female dwarf characters also adds some much needed comic relief and romance to Nick Frost and Rob Brydon’s little people roles. Still, these elements cannot save The Huntsman from the dreary doldrums of spinoff hell.
