The Last Witch Hunter

Rating : 5/10
Release Date : 23rd October, 2015
Time : 106 minutes
Director : Breck Eisner; Writers : Cory Goodman, Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless; Music : Steve Jablonsky;
Starring : Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood, Julie Engelbrecht, Olafur Darri Olafsson, Isaach De Bankole, Sloane Coombs, Lotte Verbeek



There is just a teeny bit more to this than the typical Vin Diesel ‘Wham-Bam-Thank You, Ma’am’. A little less humour than usual but a little more story, one which is a bit more interesting than the normal fast cars, thrilling rides we’re accustomed to from him.

A witch-hunter (Vin Diesel), cursed with immortality by the Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht), has to now, in present day New York, prepare for possibly his greatest challenge yet – one that will involve dream-walkers, resurrection, his chroniclers and some snazzy special effects

The world today has witches among us, but governed by the Axe & Cross Council via strict laws (such as not practicing any of the tricks classified as dark arts), which are enforced by Vin Diesel. He is their main weapon, keeping the dark forces of witchcraft at bay, maintaining the balance between witches and humanity. His deeds dutifully recorded by his Chroniclers (known as Dolans) – Michael Caine has been one for the last 50 odd years (this must be the first time in many years Mr Caine was called ‘Kid’), is about to retire, and Elijah Wood is his replacement.

Rose Leslie (the spunky wildling Ygritte from Game of Thrones ?) is a witch, a feisty one at that, and Isaach, Olafur (both warlocks) play crucial roles as well

Vin pretty much has one expression through the film – that of bored disinterest – with Michael Caine wasted in his role too. The sparkle is brought by Rose (she’s good!) and a succession of good looking women in one minute roles with Isaach, Olafur providing some good old-fashioned menace. The special effects are great, the story is decent enough to keep your interest hooked, despite the predictability / the Hindi filmy-ness of it all – watch, if a fan of Vin Diesel or nothing better to do.