THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR (2016) Review
Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
Four years after the positive turn out of Snow White and the Huntsman at the box-office, Universal Pictures felt the film could become a franchise. Not to mention the noise it made because of the shenanigans off cam which probably the reason why Kristen Stewart and the director wasn’t in this project.
Taking the director’s chair for the second installment is its predecessor’s Visual Effects Supervisor which made him earn a nomination at the Oscars. Cedric Nicolas-Troyan is a proven visual artist, his work with Snow White and The Huntsman is enough to prove that. But is he also a good storyteller? Not as good as his visuals.
The weight of the film is the story of the two sisters; Freya (Emily Blunt) and Ravenna (Charlize Theron) but it builds its story around Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and Sara (Jessica Chastain). Each of the characters has their own journey, of course. But the film focuses on the characters that doesn’t have the emotional depth. Truly enough, the film boasts visually stunning pictures that might entertain the eyes of the audience but it never did make you completely compelled by a scene.
The story gets tedious by the minute as it explores more on The Huntsman but not really investing on his emotional journey . While it may present the longing of a loved one, the film tackles it lightly and offers remedy through generic scenarios that isn’t as tastefully done as its pictures. Even though Chris Hemsworth is a star on his own, you do feel that the real story in here is Freya’s. It’s flavorful world is undermined by its inability to engage its audience to a story as rich as its visual details.
Theron may have a big part in the film but it does feel like her character is used because the film needed a big finale. You won’t regret or complain because it is Charlize Theron but you get disappointed because she was underused. The film felt rushed or maybe has a different plan before it was shot, the ending isn’t cohesive to its story even to Snow White and the Huntsman’s that it looked liked it was written separately because it needed to have a grand spectacular ending that fits the director’s talent.
2. 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
TO 3D OR NOT TO 3D?
TO 3D. It may not be the best movie out there but its visually stunning pictures in effecive at times 3D is enough for you to spend the extra money.
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide from United International Pictures Philippines, released through Columbia Pictures Philippines. Also available in 3D. Rated PG by the MTRCB.