Let me start by saying I really hated Snow White and The Huntsman. It was a boring mess of a film. If you can even call it a film. It was more of a series of images pasted together without a legit story or even a real reason to propel you toward the next image. That said I went to The Huntsman: Winter’s War with a bit of low expectations. Figured what the hey, let’s go check out three insanely hot girls, and Thor in the live version of Frozen Meets The Dark World. However, not only did I find myself laughing at the one liners, and smiling throughout the film, I found myself invested in the characters! Could it be? Was this actually a good movie?
Actually, no, it is not a good movie, but it is not bad. It can be entertaining, and dare I say, worth the money. I had fun in it. The story is not complex or deep by any means, and there are enormous plot holes, but it did what a film should do, and that is being entertaining. I never found myself bored, or wanting to check my watch. While it is not something I feel I need to own or see again, it was definitely a good time at the theater.
The number one thing about this The Huntsman is obviously the cast. It stars Emily Blunt, Thor, Charlize Theron, and Jessica Chastain. While Blunt is mailing in her performance a little bit, even when she does that she is incredible. Years ago when I first started my movie awards blog, I created an award for Charlize Theron called “Crazy Chick of the Year” and I gave it to her for Snow White and The Huntsman. And I’m not going to lie; I think she deserves it again. She gives this witch such a complete edge of crazy is awesomely fun to watch. Other stars include Nick Frost reprising his role as one of the seven dwarfs. He and his brother, played by Rob Brydon, are responsible for the most of the laughs with their quick witted one liners
The other major positive is the great chemistry between Thor and Jessica Chastain. These two are great together. While Thor is a compelling ad fun actor, his near trademarked smirk helps drive the belief in these two. I would really like to see these two in another project together. Light Bulb! Chastain needs to join the Marvel Universe. As an Asgardian of some sorts. Either way, they need to be put in another project together, one where they can really shine. Another positive is an uncredited role of narration done by Liam Neeson. Don’t let it bug you as it did me, it is Liam Neeson!
Now it is not all good. There are major story holes. And if you have seen too many of the trailers, the writers, and probably director, made a few mistakes. While the trailers gave away many of the plot points, they continue to try and hide these storylines as the film goes on. Like we were not going to notice. As well the reveal for the return of the Theron’s dead character is a pretty weak plot device. As if they couldn’t come up with a reason to bring her back, but had to have her back because they had her under contract. And if you have Charlize Theron, you find a way! Even if it is as bad as this.
The cinematography and CGI were pretty lackluster too. CGI especially. While the ice scenes are pretty cool, there is a scene in the middle of the film, that didn’t need to be there, but involves Goblins. These Goblins have terrible CGI and are completely too cartoony. The action scenes shift back and forth from being shot acceptable, to being done with extreme close-ups that make them hard to understand who is fighting who.
Most of these issues I feel steam from new comer in the director’s chair, Cedric Nicolas-Troyan. His storytelling is all over the place, and his action sequences are weak. Not to mention the fact that he has Emily Blunt who is noticeably mailing it in. Hopefully this guy will take a step back and work with a few smaller films before trying to tackle another big budget film.
This will feel weird to say, but the film also missed Kristin Stewart’s Snow White. Mainly because there is a body double for one seen, that was obviously not her, and the many mentions of her character, without actually having her there hindered the film more then helped it.
All in all I actually enjoyed watching this film, despite its many flaws. It has made me really want another film or project involving the Mighty Thor and Jessica Chastain. As well it was fun to see Charlize Theron step back into this crazy witch of a role. And Even if Emily Blunt is sleeping walking through it, her sleep walking is better than most when they are fully awake. Maybe it was my low expectations, maybe it was the company I was with, but I had a good time. Maybe not good enough to give it a great score though. I am scoring Huntsman: Winter’s War and 1.8, with a Jeebus bonus of .3 for the chemistry between Thor and Chastain. That gives us a Jeebus Score of 2.1
The Jeebus Score explained
The Jeebus score is out of a possible 5 points with a .5 bonus. Films are giving a max of 1 point each for Entertainment Value, Story/Writing, Performance, Direction, and Production. There is also a possible bonus up to .5. Any film between 2.5 and 4 is considered a good film. 4-5 is a great film. Anything over 5 is an incredibly amazing film. To get a perfect score of 5.5 a film will pretty much have to be The Empire Strikes Back or The Godfather.
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