Action for action-sake

As the title suggests ‘The Last Witch Hunter’ is all about witches and curses and how they function in today’s world. “The plague will be avenged,” says one witch. “I curse you with life,” says another.

Director Breck Elisner relies much on his FX team to create the razzle-dazzlery ambience, flares and witches underground and the big bad apple of New York overland. But that’s about all. What passes for the narrative fails to hold the viewer for even one-fourth of the film’s duration.

There are a number of cameos like Father Dolan (Michael Caine) and the 37th Dolan (Elijah Wood) both priests and cute Chloe (Rose Leslie), a half-witch who bonds with Kaulder and is the saving grace of the movie.

Vin Diesel is not known for his emoting powers and his previous efforts in ‘Fast & Furious’ are ample evidence of the stoic way he goes about his task. The mumbo-jumbo that goes for the screenplay wouldn’t move even the soft-hearted.

So, all that the viewer is left with is to plod on drearily in the vain hope that the curtain will eventually fall. Meanwhile, it is boredom with a capital B. Why such efforts are ever undertaken is hard to comprehend.

But for those who get excited about FX and action for action’s sake this could do. If there’s any semblance of acting it must have fallen to the floor of the editing room. For the discerning viewer ‘The Last Witch Hunter’ is as bare as Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.

Film Name : The Last Witch Hunter

Cast : Van Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood & Michael Caine

Direction : Breck Elisner

Genre : Fantassy-action

Likes : Rose Leslie and running time (106 minutes)

Dislikes : Vin Diesel, unimaginative screenplay and FX overdose

Rating : 11/2