Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
A Review by Elaine Hunt
Staff Writer
 Last night, I saw Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters at the beautiful Esquire IMAX Theater in downtown Sacramento. The title perfectly describes this movie. Take the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale of two young siblings narrowly escaping death in a witch’s house of candy, add 20 years of revenge hunting and killing witches, and you have this movie. You know what to expect going into this film. It is rated R for the violent, creative ways to destroy witches. Witches are apparently difficult to kill, after all. The title characters are mercenary witch hunters with cool weapons that are a cross between modern and medieval weaponry. Jeremy Renner plays Hansel. Renner splashed onto the movie scene a few years ago in the Academy Award® winning Hurt Locker, The Avengers, and the latest installment of The Bourne Legacy. Photo: Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters
 As Hansel, Renner is charming and tough. Gemma Arterton plays Gretel. An up-and-comer, Arterton’s biggest screen role credit to date is starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia, Sands of Time. I love a tough female lead who can hold her own and does not cower in a corner, waiting for the hero to save her. Gretel is strong and feisty, but still eminently likable. The credit goes to Arterton. Not many actresses could bite off a man’s nose (yes, that’s pretty gross. I would have preferred if that scene had fallen to the cutting room floor) yet still have the audience rooting for her. Gretel is the heart of the film. Her scenes with the troll Edward, played by Derek Mears, were tender and endearing. And let’s face it: she looks smoking hot in her form-fitting leather suit. Photo: Jeremy Renner as Hansel
 Written and directed by Tommy Wirkola, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters moved from one exciting fight to the next. Those looking for action certainly will not be disappointed. The movie also offered a couple of humorous moments between bloody witch fights, but not quite enough. This movie plays to those who want wall-to-wall action. Those of us who want a little more plot and character development are a little disappointed. I would have preferred more opportunity to get to know the characters. For example, I left not understanding exactly what powers the witches did and did not have. In one scene a witch was locked in a jail cell, and I wondered what kept her there. We’d seen other witches blast through several doors earlier in the story. Was this a plot flaw, or was there an ostensible reason that she could not escape? I was just wondering. Photo: Gemma Arterton as Gretel
I prefer more light moments to offset the numerous fight scenes. To me, the non-fighting scenes offered some of the best moments in the movie. In fact, some of my favorite scenes involved the character Ben, portrayed by Thomas Mann. He was not better or more compelling than the lead actors, but since Ben did not fight much, I found myself appreciating those moments of relief. In all, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is a good popcorn romp for those who enjoy action movies. The top-drawer special effects and the cool medieval weapons will satisfy the action fans.
 And if you plan to see a bigger than life action movie, IMAX is the best place to see it, on its bigger than life screen. This movie is available in 3-D at the IMAX. The 3-D added to the experience, making us feel like we were inches from the action. I also love the reserved seating that the Esquire IMAX Theater offers. And the Esquire retained the old Hollywood glamour in the décor of the entrance and lobby. Check the Esquire IMAX’s website at http://www.imax.com/oo/esquire-imax/movies for upcoming shows. They are showing Top Gun the first week in February, and the latest in the Die Hard franchise, A Good Day to Die Hard, starts February 14, 2013. Photo: Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters now playing at the IMAX
IMAX: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience® with IMAX DMR® technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
The Esquire IMAX theater in downtown Sacramento is a comfortable venue for family theater enjoyment, centrally located at 1211 K Street (adjacent to the Convention Center), Sacramento, CA. For information, go to the Esquire IMAX website for shows and show times www.imax.com/oo/esquire-imax/ or call 916-443-4629. Enjoy the IMAX experience soon.
Free parking is at the Capitol Lot on L & 10th Streets, weekdays after 5pm, and all weekend with validation sticker. Present your parking ticket at the Box Office. Matinee specials, Mon-Fri before 5pm, Sat and Sun before 2pm, all feature film tickets are $13; all traditional IMAX tickets are $8. Also at the IMAX El Dorado Hills location. For birthday parties and field trips, email aatilano@imax.com or phone: 916-446-2333x200. For events, fund raisers, IMAX educators and private show screenings, email wrussell@imax.com or phone 916-446-2333 x201.
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