When a film becomes financially successful, a second is almost a given. While a sequel is the natural option, one could also take the less-travelled road and make a prequel. But if it can't be decided between one or the other, then why not both? That's what's happened with The Huntsman: Winter's War.
While this dark fantasy may have originated in the retelling of Snow White's tale in the 2012 Show White And The Huntsman, this prequel/sequel follow-up abandons its previous titular lead to focus on the hunky Eric (Chris Hemsworth traded his Mjolnir to reprise this axe-wielding hero) and how he became the Huntsman, as well as his romance with his wife, Sara (Jessica Chastain).
Opposing the Huntsman is still Ravenna the Evil Queen, played by none other than Charlize Theron who has returned in her beautifully menacing role. Theron's character was seemingly vanquished by Snow White in the first film; now, she's being resurrected by her sister Freya (Emily Blunt), the Ice Queen. The queen of this wintry kingdom doesn't sing, and understandably can't just let it go, mourning the loss of her infant daughter. To fill that void in her heart, Freya decided to raise an army of huntsmen who don't hunt, per se, but instead invade kingdoms on her behalf. Enter Eric, Sara and lots of stolen children.
The film opens with the prequel scenes, showing how Freya lost her child and fled Ravenna's side to build her own icy sanctuary and gritty army. Betrayed by her noble ex, Freya enforces a rule that nobody is to fall in love. So when Eric and Sara -- who grew up together in the huntsmen's training camp -- broke her rule, things didn't end well for the couple. Sara was presumably dead, which led to Eric's status as a widower in the first film, wherein he awoke the fairest of them all with a kiss.
Then we learn that seven years have passed, in which the events of Show White And The Huntsman took place. Eric is back to mourning his wife, and Snow White is married to her prince (Sam Claflin makes a short cameo without Kristen Stewart). But when Ravenna's golden magic mirror disappears, the prince comes asking for Eric's help. However, they're not the only party to seek the talking mirror. Freya the Ice Queen is also after it.
From boring backstories to loose plot threads, The Huntsman: Winter's War is a very predictable work filled with elaborate CGI wonders and extravagant costumes. Its timelines remain inert and unconvincing. The story is stuck in both the past and the present, with no hope for a future.
Saving the film somewhat is the four dwarves who provide much-needed comic relief. Theron is still splendid as the drop-dead gorgeous evil queen. She steals the show whenever she graces the screen. As for the others -- it's quite a waste of talent to cast Blunt and Chastain in these forgettable roles. And Hemsworth doesn't offer much more than his smiles and muscles.
Aspects that manage to give the film some random wow moments are the costumes and CGI. Colleen Atwood brings yet another set of intricate attire to the show, helping prevent the film from being more stale than it would be otherwise. And with Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, the visual-effects supervisor on the first film here making his directorial debut, it's guaranteed we'd be getting something visually spectacular. Some of the effects -- like ice glitters floating in Freya's castle -- are made all the more enchanting when seen through 3D glasses.
As visually impressive as it may be, the storyline still fails the film. And while many may agree it's best to steer clear of any future developments in this franchise, we remain optimistic that the fairy-tale mash-up could still find redemption. This, however, came sadly with the defeated realisation that yet another sequel/prequel/spin-off/whatever of this franchise could be coming our way. It's practically inevitable in Hollywood.
The Huntsman: Winter's War
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt and Jessica ChastainDirected by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan
