An enjoyable, action packed movie, not for the kiddies!

Rating: 7/10 (4 March 2013)

Okay, so Hansel and Gretel turned witch hunters ? I wasn't sure. However after getting a free pass to watch this film, I couldn't have turned it down and I'm glad I didn't! After reading many negative reviews about this movie, I was completely surprised after watching 88 action packed minutes, filled with excellently shot fighting scenes.
In truth, I'm not a massive fan of 3D. In this movie however, I found it worked brilliantly! and the visual effects were superb. For a film jam packed with high speed fighting scenes, I thought the 3D effects were amazing, not to fast and perfectly used. From arrows flying at you at top speed, right up to seeing Pihla Viitala's (mina) ass up close, the use of 3D in this movie is absolutely brilliant. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the visual effects in this film.
However, there are a few negatives about this film. Often times you find yourself watching explosive fighting scenes, which I loved, but it does take away from the plot. I found that the film wasn't explored enough, in other words, 88 minutes wasn't enough time. I felt during some parts of the film that there was missing scenes. Things happened at a rush and it seemed like the movie didn't link up at times. An example of this is how little Hansel and Gretel talk about their pasted and then suddenly we are excelled into a scene where they're at their old house and find out about their pasted, it all happens so quickly and will leave you feeling that the movie was rushed and how it could have been a lot better, even though as it was,it was good.
The use of humour in this film worked well at times , but in other places felt over used and also made it difficult to take the character's seriously when we were excelled into a serious, emotion filled scene, 30 seconds after a comical one and once again I was left feeling as if it was rushed and that i missed a 5 minute scene in between. I must admit though, I found the twilight spoof/parody hilarious! calling the lovable Troll "Edward", the gentle beast who saves Gretel :P
The actors in this movie gave solid performances and I thought that Renner and Arterton were brilliant together! I could really sense the brother and sisterly love Hansel and Gretel had for each other while they were also very good at delivering comical lines together. The make up artists and costume designers deserve credit also as the witches were terrifying! Its evident that a lot of time went into designing each and every witch.
Overall, this isn't anything amazingly special but at the same time I never once found myself bored! As I said the 3D effects were awesome and the fighting scenes really brought the movie to life. All the guys will enjoy Miss Artenton's ass in those leather pants as well ;). I'd definitely say this movie is worth a watch, in fact i'd happily watch it again :) The way in which the movie finishes also makes it clear to all that there will most definitely be a "Hansel and Gretel: Witch hunters 2" and hey, I'll be the first in line to see it :)