Movie Review: The Last Witch Hunter


I didn't know much about this movie before I got screening passes for it, other than Vin Diesel and Michael Caine were in it. It ultimately ended up being a bit of a miscasting (Vin Diesel) but did have enough special effects to keep my interest.

Kaulder (Vin Diesel) has been hunting witches since the 1200s or so. When he was "young," he met the Witch Queen, and essentially killed her; however, she cursed him with the "gift" of immortality, and now his life is directly connected to hers - if her heart is killed, he dies too. Fast-forward to present-day, and Dolan the 36th (Michael Caine) is about to retire, leaving Kaulder in the capable hands of Dolan the 37th (Elijah Wood). However, Dolan the 36th is murdered - so it seems - hours before his retirement, and now Kaulder and Dolan the 37th must figure out who did it, and why certain witches are back in town. They enlist another witch's help too, Chloe (Rose Leslie, aka Jon Snow's girlfriend from Game of Thrones), and soon Kaulder figures out something rather disturbing: the Witch Queen is back.

I feel like Vin Diesel was a bit miscast here; if I was to recast the role, I'd maybe give it to Chris Pine, or someone else who has done fantasy movies before (perhaps the movie should have been called "You know nothing, Toretto"?). I liked Michael Caine and Elijah Wood in their roles, as well as Rose Leslie - they were all more believable than Vin Diesel - but unfortunately, Caine has only a few scenes in the film, and the movie mostly focuses on Kaulder, with Rose Leslie being a supporting character.

Maybe see this movie. Definitely don't pay full price for it - see it at a matinee - but it's one that can be saved for a Blu-ray/DVD rental. I will say the movie had some fun special effects - the Witch Queen was especially gross/terrifying - but there were so many plot points that could have been expanded more, and I found myself checking my watch near the middle of the movie (never a good sign). The ending seemingly leaves the film open for a sequel, also, so it will be interesting to see if they do one or not; if so, I highly recommend recasting Kaulder's part, because although Vin Diesel was okay in the role, the part seemed more suited to someone else.

The Last Witch Hunter is in theaters today, October 23rd, and is rated PG-13 with a runtime of 106 minutes. 2.5 stars out of 5.

Popular Posts

Review: Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins

Image
*Disclosure: I received a gift card to try the new Polar Pizza at Baskin-Robbins. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. Baskin-Robbins launched its Polar Pizza last month (July), as I talked about in my recent post about them, and because this past month was crazy busy for me, I didn't get to try the Polar Pizza until this past Sunday. My parents and I went to the combined Dunkin' Donuts / Baskin-Robbins near them, in Novi, MI, to split one of the ice cream pizzas.
Read more

Upcoming and GIVEAWAY: Mamma Mia! at the Fisher Theatre, Detroit, April 23-28 {ends Dec. 12}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with Broadway in Detroit. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. MAMMA MIA! will be playing at the Fisher this April, from April 23-28, and I'm excited to see it—I'm a big fan of the movies but I've never seen the Broadway show. About the show: Since premiering in London in 1999 and on Broadway in 2001, the irresistible musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island paradise, all unfolding to the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again. To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office. MAMMA MIA! opened on Broadway in 2001 where it played for a record-breaking 14 year
Keep reading

GIVEAWAY: Duel in the D, February 10 at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit {ends 1/10}

Image
*Disclosure: I have an ongoing media relationship with 313 Presents. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own. I had a great time at Duel in the D last year—I'm a UM alum, but I had only ever seen ONE hockey game in my life at that point, and this was the second one.  I'm looking forward to it again this year, and one of my lucky readers will win a 4-pack of tickets to experience it as well! About the game: The return of college hockey is headed to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 10 at 8:30 p.m.  The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.  The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 346th all-time meeting between the h
Keep reading