Hemsworth Charms in "The Huntsman"; "Hardcore Henry" is Frenetic Fun
As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Freya (Emily Blunt) escalates, Eric and fellow warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain), members of the Huntsmen army raised to protect Freya, try to conceal their forbidden love as they combat Ravenna's wicked intentions. Given that this film takes place both before and after "Snow White and the Huntsman", you'll quickly learn why Charlize Theron's Ravenna is in the film, given that (spoiler alert) she dies at the end of the first film. Both the first film and this one seem to center a lot of the drama around the magic mirror, and for most of the movie Eric and company seek to rid the world of its evil. I like this twist on the mirror, giving it a more sinister aspect.
The story leaves much to be desired, but the acting is really well done. Both Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt are phenomenal actresses, and you can tell they're having fun playing these over-the-top queens. Charlize Theron blew it out of the water with her performance in the first film and continues that aspect in this one. Blunt's Freya is an ice queen, thanks to "Frozen" these icy dignitaries are popping everywhere now. Freya is hardened by events early on and though her motives behind her rule seem over-the-top, they're still relatable. There are a couple of dwarves in this film. Nick Frost returns in his role from the first movie and is joined by his character's half brother and a couple of female dwarves who round out Eric's traveling company. They bring most to all of the comedy in the film. The high point is watching the chemistry between Hemsworth and Chastain. Both bring such a fun, energetic and intriguing aspect to their characters and I would love to see them work on something else together.
The movie has a lot of action, drama, and thematic elements that drive the story. It's more of an intimate story in comparison to the larger scale of "Snow White and the Huntsman". I enjoyed both, however I have to say "The Hunstman: Winter's War" is more fun. I think you'll find something in the movie for everyone. It's an entertaining time, that's for sure.
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"Hardcore Henry" is an interesting movie. It's a first-person action film from the POV of Henry, a man who can't speak, whose limbs have been replaced by robotic counterparts after being resurrected from death with no memory. He must save his wife from a telekinetic warlord with a plan to bio-engineer soldiers like him. With the help of a reappearing soldier named Jimmy (Sharlto Copley), he battles through bad guy after bad guy while you as the audience member get to see as if through his own eyes. In a word, this movie is ambitious.
If you''re susceptible to headaches, this movie may not be for you. It's like watching a feature length video game, with its first person POV. It's a hectic ride with a butt-load of action, violence, gore, and enough stunts that would make Evil Kenevil think twice before doing. Ilya Naishuller wrote and directed this movie and I applaud him wholeheartedly for attempting such a feat. Critics have panned the movie as nothing more than a gimmick, and I totally get that. After about the first half hour, the coolness of the POV aspect wears off a bit. But the ending fight scene is worth the wait. I can't wait to hear how they made this thing, really.
If you're at all curious about the movie, check it out. See a matinee and experience it on the big screen. Sharlto Copley is by far the best part of the movie. He plays multiple 'characters' and acts as your guide throughout the movie. You never see Henry's face nor hear his voice, and I believe that was done on purpose. This movie is meant for the audience to experience as if they were Henry. It's an interesting ride that I enjoyed, but I hope this doesn't catch on as a "thing to do" (like all those found-footage horror movies). At any rate, I found myself enjoying the mayhem and I think any action junkie will do the same.
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