By Warren Gordon
Staff Writer
Vin Diesel always hunts to kill the viewers expectations, and once again succeeds to impress in “The Last Witch Hunter”.
Breck Eisner’s “The Last Witch Hunter” takes a spin on the stereotypical witch and turns most of them into caring humans. The film contains poor computer generated graphics, but is saved by a talented cast, coupled with an intriguing plot.
Kaulder (Vin Diesel) watched all of his family and friends parrish, but in a suicidal attempt to kill the witch queen he is granted the power of immortality. Kaulder has gone generations keeping black magic, the evil magic used by the queen, suppressed in order to maintain peace with humans.
After his guardian Dolan 36th (Michael Caine) was murdered by the use of black magic, he realizes that someone is trying to bring back the ways of the queen. A new guardian is assigned to him, Dolan 37th (Elijah Wood), in order to assist him. In his search for the evil witch, he starts showing emotions, for the first time since the death of his wife 800 years ago, towards Chloe (Rose Leslie), while she helps Kaulder destroy the remaining witches who wish to bring back black magic.
The film’s computer generated graphics make the film’s scenes feel fake. For example, at the start of the film, Kaulder kills many witches, but as they die in a burst of dust you can see the pixels on the screen. Due to the poor graphics the audience is not as drawn into that specific scene, as compared to other scenes or films.
Another example of the poor graphics is when the film shows dead bodies. After a fight scene, the dead bodies are pixelated and you can tell they are not actually dead. Although most viewers are aware they are not actually dead, it takes away from the intensity of the fighting scenes.
Many films have attempted to take a simple plot like this and turn it into a huge film. Unlike most films though, this one pulls through. This film is able to tie in character development, a love story, and the significance of friendship through a film about witches. Through all of these aspects to hook the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats on what will happen next.
Vin Diesel has starred in many movies where his bulky appearance and intimidating voice play a contributing factor in the success of his character. In this film, his character is complimented by Diesel’s diminishing voice and his overwhelming body build. These factors, along with his soft caring side, contribute to help the viewers be drawn in, and hooked on one character waiting to see his fate.
Most people know Elijah Wood as a timid innocent actor for his amazing performance in “The Lord of the Rings”. His reputation of those characteristics help him perfect his role. Wood’s shy reputation leads the audience to love his character and gets them to trust him. As the movie progresses he is able to provide a twist to his reputation and shock the viewers.
Overall this film turns its poor graphics into an all around shocking film. Through the help of the talented cast and the diversity of an overused plot, Eisner puts together one of his best films yet.
This film is rated PG-13 and is showing nationwide.
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