The Huntsman: Winters War
Release Date: April 22, 2016
Director: Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
Screenplay: Evan Spiliotopoulos, Craig Mazin
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt
Rated: PG-13My Rating:
I don’t know if anyone is wondering this, but I was so I can’t be the only one: The movie takes place both before and after the events of Snow White and The Huntsman. It shows you what happened to Eric and Sara before, then picks up after the events of the previous film. Just in case you were wondering because I was still unclear when I went to see this movie.
Onto the review!
Ok, where do I even begin?
It was filled with attempts at humor – sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Eric (Hemsworth) was almost always happy, flashing his grin and cracking some ego-filled jokes. There was gender dynamics with the dwarves that was supposed to bring humor too. It was all alright. It consisted of lines like this:
Chastain: “Why are you the hero of all the stories you tell?”
Hemsworth: “It’s because I’m so brave.”
Lots & lots of that. Which wasn’t horrible, it made me chuckle a few times, and it made for a much lighter movie than I expected.
At the same time, the story is actually quite dark. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but it has a lot to do with love, betrayal, and children soldiers. So, you could probably imagine where that’s headed.
I also found it to be extremely predictable. They dropped a lot of hints throughout so I was able to figure it out fairly quickly. That’ll only happen if you are really paying attention to the things they say and then analyze it (like I did) – if you’re not weird like me, maybe you won’t figure out everything, but some of it.
It didn’t take away from my enjoyment, though. I thought this was a fairly fun film. It had plenty of action, a few laughable parts, and it explored the world a lot (I loved the little forest creatures they showed). If you like Hemsworth’s smile/happy Thor, you’ll be pleased – there is plenty of that. Or if you like a movie filled with a bunch of tough chicks, you’ll be pleased as well. Don’t go into it expecting the best movie ever or over-analyzing everything, just go in expecting a simple, magical fantasy.
I also want to take a moment to appreciate the costumes – I loved them all! The gowns Theron and Blunt wear are extravagant and all I want to do is cosplay as them. Just sayin’.
21 Comments
I watched the movie too and my opinion on it is pretty much like yours. I didn’t like those lines by male and female dwarves, they were too forced and didn’t make me laugh, they also sounded a bit too rough compared to the rest of the movie. Also, the tavern scene was too much Prancing Pony style to me, haha. But yeah, happy Hemsworth is always great to see! 😀
Yeah, it wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t terrible. I’d probably watch it again when it comes to dvd. 😀
I want to see the pretty gowns! But other than that… I’m not too interested in this for some reason? It sounds okay so maybe I’ll watch it at some point in time. When I’m not writing/editing/still thinking about Hush and how much it freaked me out. NOW WRITING MOLLY!
If you’re not interested, I’d say wait for DVD. Also, I’m glad Hush was “enjoyable” (?) for you?!! hahah
OKOKOKOK I’M GOING. FOOD FIRST. THEN WRITING. I like it, you’re like my personal trainer yelling in my ear to go write xD
This is my calling in life. Writing personal trainer. Woooo!
I am still freaking out over Hush! Every time I see someone’s hand on the TV I shudder. REALLY.
MUAHAHAHAHAHA
Thanks for the review! I really didn’t enjoy the first film. Or rather, it was alright, but Kristen Stewart’s acting was so bad I couldn’t focus on anything else. This film has still intrigued me though and after your review I think I’ll wait till it’s on the TV or DVD to watch it, instead of spending an extortionate amount at the cinema.
Yeah, I think that’s what killed the first movie for me too. To be honest, though, I barely remember it xD This one left me with a better feeling than the last one, though!
I just assumed this wasn’t very good based on some reviews I saw, but I have t admit it looks kinda good- if you don’t expect too much, like you said. I like Emily Blunt and the fact she was in it is a plus. And the world elements look kinda nice from a fantasy standpoint. I thought the first movie had potential, and a few good moments, and this one looks better than that one.
I definitely recommend you watch it then!
I just saw this movie last night and I loved it. I saw the first movie and I had some trouble with it, but this one just totally convinced me from the beginning. I am so jealous of Emily Blunt because of all her beautiful gowns! What I’d give to wear one of those… Also I really enjoyed staring at Chris for about two hours straight 😛 His smile just softened my heart everytime. Great review! My short review will be also posted this week on my blog 🙂
Ah, yes, I love Emily Blunt! This one was much better than the first one, from what I can remember! I kind of want to rewatch the first one, though, just to compare. I’ll be sure to check out your review! 🙂
Yeah, I want to rewatch the first movie too! I think I’ve just seen it this year though, maybe in January the last time…?
I saw it when it came out so I don’t remember anything about it xD
Also, apologies for such a late response! It was a busy week <3
Haha, well then you should rewatch it and refreshen your memories.
no problem! I know the feeling -.-
I agree with much of what you say, Molly, but overall, I loved this one! My review goes up tomorrow, and I gave it five-stars because it was so darn entertaining (and made me smile), plus I was in awe of ALL of the fantastic details (from the costumes down to the ending credits). I do think they could have balanced the humor a tiny bit better (writers might have been trying too hard to distance themselves from SWATH), but that’s nitpicking, so that’s all I’ll say. 😉 While I missed Snow White’s presence (especially given those romantic teasers between she and Eric), I didn’t particularly miss K-Stew.
Also, yes! I was confused by the promo material too: I didn’t know if this was a prequel or sequel. In the end, I’m glad it was a bit of both. 🙂
My husband would agree with you! He really enjoyed this movie, he’d probably give it a 5-star rating too xD
I’ve heard mixed things about the movie, but I kinda liked the first, so I’m really excited about watching this one. You’ve convinced me 😀 Plus the Blunt+Theron power sibling queens are def a plus.
Ah, let me know what you think! This one is much better than the first. Also, yes, the Blunt & Theron pair was great!
Great review! I’ll be reviewing this film on my blog tomorrow, as well.