No nice tale of magic in this version of Hansel and Gretel
EVERYONE knows the story of Hansel and Gretel but the fairytale duo's new film is far from the kids' movie you might be expecting.
In Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters the brother and sister grow up to hunt black magic practitioners after their harrowing experiences in the gingerbread house.
Called to the town of Augsburg where several children have been abducted by witches, the pair face questions about their own past and why their father abandoned them in the forest.
Full of ultra-violent witch killing, the MA-rated Hansel and Gretel definitely isn't suitable for children, but adult action-movie fans should have a great time.
It's best to leave your brain at the door though, or you might start wondering why there are so many rifles and Gatling guns in a medieval kingdom!
Jeremy Renner (Avengers, Bourne Legacy) and Gemma Arterton (Clash of the Titans, Quantum of Solace) make a pretty good Hansel and Gretel, despite the actors' massive age difference - he may not look it, but Renner is actually 15 years older than his on-screen sister.
For me though, the real star of the show is Famke Janssen as evil witch Muriel.
Famous for her roles in Goldeneye and the X-Men films, Janssen is obviously having the time of her life playing the film's villain and it's great to see her on screen again.
Yes, it's all a bit silly, and very gory, but Hansel and Gretel is a fun fairytale romp.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Rating: MA
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Pihla Viitala
Verdict: 3 stars out of 5
