Review: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR Is a Tame and Underwhelming Film
Full disclosure: I have not seen Snow White and the Huntsman. I don't think it would have helped. In fact, I think this movie would have benefited from being a stand alone film because it would have been its own mythology and not have the anchor around its neck that I could feel in this movie.
The Huntsman: Winter's War is a unique sequel in that it is a prequel sequel. A presqueal, if you will. The movie shows us how Eric (Chris Hemsworth), the Huntsman came to be such a badass warrior by fighting in the Ice Queen's (Emily Blunt) army called …The Huntsmen! We also meet Eric's true love, Sara (Jessica Chastain). The two best warriors in her majesty's service. Until they commit the greatest sin, love!
Eric is banished, and the fate of Sara is a plot twist that is spoiled in the trailer. Cut to just after the events in the previous film. Snow White, who we only see the back of once, has sent the evil mirror to be locked away so its influence can't hurt anyone. But it never arrived at its destination so it's up to Eric to find out what happened. Tagging along is Nion (Nick Frost) the dwarf from the original film and his cynical brother Gryff (Rob Brydon). Along the way they are met by two dwarven highwaywomen, the feisty Mrs. Bromwyn (Sheridan Smith) and the sweet Doreena (Alexandra Roach).
These five are the best part of the movie. Hemsworth is snarky and likable, which was a pleasant surprise and the dwarves are all funny with snappy one-liners and some slapstick without going too far. Frost and Roach's character even have some tender moments that really make you care about them. Chastain is likable too, in the beginning, then she falls a little flat after she is reunited with Hemsworth. Which, honestly, is kind of the problem with the film as a whole.
It's too safe. I feel like the filmmakers were too scared to do anything too fantastical that could be perceived as hokey or stupid. I'm sure first-time director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, having come from a visual effects background, would have like to have flexed his VFX muscles for his debut, but the whole production just felt reined in.
All in all, The Huntsman: Winter's War was mediocre. Fun characters, great but tame visual effects, and a underwhelming story. Let's hope Cedric finds his voice before he makes the Highlander remake.