Sci-Fi Pick: Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters
I’ve spent much of my space in this column discussing the Sci-Fi parts of the Science Fiction and Fantasy category, but it’s important to not ignore how fun a good fantasy movie can be – and there are few on Netflix more fun than Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The story of Hansel and Gretel is a super dark one, like so dark that I would never consider reading it to my kids, at least not when they’re young. Witches eating children definitely doesn’t make for pleasant before bed thoughts. With that in mind, Tommy Wirkola went and wrote a story that emphasizes the PTSD that these two woodland kids would suffer. But instead of sitting around, terrified of any cackling witches who may fly into town, they work as witch hunters, tracking down some of the most vile creatures while finding ways to ensure that no more children will be lured into candy houses.
Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner star, which seems like a way better cast than a movie with this premise should have. The result is a way more awesome movie than a movie with this premise should be. This isn’t some straight to SyFy rubbish that you can only have fun watching with a bit of mind-altering substances in you. This is Hawkeye and a Bond girl destroying witches.
I could go into more plot details, but is that really necessary? A bunch of witches get blown to pieces. Just watch it.
