The Last Witch Hunter is a fantasy/action/horror(ish) film released in 2015. It tells of Kaulder (Vin Diesel), a witch hunter from the middle ages cursed with eternal life, still living in the modern era, and still hunting witches (when they do something to deserve it). Kaulder is aided throughout his immortal years by his keeper and confidant, the 36th Dolan (Michael Caine) is aging, and is training his successor (Elijah Wood). Rose Leslie (Ygritte, from Game of Thrones) also stars as the owner of a witch bar Kaulder must visit in his quest.
+ Vin Diesel is Kaulder, the titular witch hunter. Kaulder is gruff and jaded, after his many years of un-death. Diesel’s voice is as-always resonating, and makes everything he says sound that much more important
+ Kaulder’s allies, the two Dolans (Michael Caine and Elijah Wood) and Chloe (Rose Leslie) are all important in their own ways. Rose Leslie is gorgeous as ever, and her snarky attitude adds to the disconnect between herself and Kaulder. Vin Diesel and Michael Caine mesh surprisingly well, and Caine and Elijah Wood are also very enjoyable in the scenes they share
+ the visual effects/magic are quite impressive, particularly the film’s love of hordes of insects
– the film is quite wildly paced, with big action scenes seemingly cut short for some drama, which never really means much
– the song over the credits was a pretty horrid cover of “Paint It Black”, by the Rolling Stones. Hardly a criticism of the film, I know, but it soured the whole experience for me
> Apparently Kurt Angle was in the film, as a random mook, but I didn’t manage to catch him. If anyone notices him, let me know!
Should you see this film: If you were a fan of Keanu Reeves’ Constantine then you’ll get much the same kick out of this. It is not amazing, but as far as dark fantasy/action films it may be worth your time.
MoshFish Reviews 