The Huntsman is out this week. Check out our early review.
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| Hey. Let's see if we can make this look like Frozen at all. I bet we can. |
The apt title for this film should be The Huntsman: The Quest for Summer Blockbuster Cash.
It’s all looks
and no story, focusing more on the set design and special effects as opposed to
a plot. Even the title of the film doesn’t apply as there is no war, instead just an
angry character that looks like she came from Frozen. Even the film’s poster looks similar to Frozen’s. It’s
clearly obvious that this release is guilty of the summer blockbuster fever
and was destined to be made because the original did well financially. It
features the Nordic god Thor Chris Hemsworth and a fiery Charlize Theron doing her best after
Mad Max: Fury Road. Both are suffering sequelitis.
That’s not to say that this isn’t a decent movie and that
you shouldn’t go and spend your money to see it. It really comes down to what
you’re looking for in a movie. If you want action and special effects, then
this film will deliver. If you want a strong story without any plot holes then
this is not the one for you. The special effects are excellent and that
should be expected since it’s being directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, who had
previously worked as a visual effects person until his directorial debut here.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Special Effects
in 2013 for Snow White and the Huntsman.
He also was involved with the visual effects on The Ring and Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. He was second unit director on Maleficent and Snow White and the Huntsman. It should be expected that this film will
be nominated for its special effects, because they are the best part of the movie.
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| You're cute. Come over to my place later. We can play Furiosa finds a girlfriend. |
The other areas that this film excels in are the set design
and costumes. It’s hard to say how much of the set design is actually computer
generated, but they all look spectacular. The costume design is great as well;
with ornate and grand dresses and headwear, period costumes, and medieval type
armor for people and the horses. It has a nice overall look and the filmmaking
is competent, as Nicolas-Troyan does a credible job and provides us with
sweeping scenic shots and well blocked scenes. He is destined to have a future
in movies involving a large amount of special effects.
There is a comedic element with two dwarf characters played
by Nick Frost and Rob Brydon. Frost is known from Shaun of the Dead and Hot
Fuzz. Bryden is known for Cinderella
and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
The comedy feels like outtakes from some other fantasy film, but some
may still find it mildly amusing. There's also a love story subplot between Hemsworth
and Chastain’s characters, which is somewhat weak and not completely realized.
Most potential viewers are only going to see this if they
have already seen the first one. So if you enjoyed that, then most
likely you’re going to enjoy this too.
Share this review like the princess you are.
Share this review like the princess you are.
Score
-Raul Vantassle