This fantasy adventure from executive producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay contained none of the charm or comedy of Shrek or Stardust and fizzled down to a awful lot of running around in the woods.
The concept of a grown-up Hansel and Gretel wreaking revenge on witchkind following their escape from the candy cottage- and Hansel’s diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes from sweet consumption- did have some kind of appeal. However, a combination of false American accents in what is meant to be medieval Bavaria, anachronistic dialogue, unnecessary gore, uninspiring 3D effects and distinct lack of humour made Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters less a modern fairy tale adventure than a soggy, blood-spattered mess.
Instead of cheering on the angsty siblings as they sought revenge for their childhood trauma, I was busy wondering how to avenge the two hours of my life that I would never get back. Though I hate to say it, the acting was entirely bland from academy-award nominee, Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton, whose stunning performances in The Hurt Locker and Tess of the d’Urbervilles were utterly eclipsed.
Overall, a promising concept was made entirely convoluted and incoherent by a script peppered with irritating outcries of “awesome”, and an uncalled for amount of exploding witch heads. Grimm viewing indeed.
Verdict:2/10