Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (3½ Stars)

This was the first film that I went to see as a member of the Birmingham Film Club. Mike McAuley organised it, and there were another eight in attendance, including me. I wasn't the only new face, there were three others who had never attended a film club meeting before. We met in a Wetherspoons pub on Broad Street, the Figure of Eight, an hour before the start to have a drink and a chat. It was great to meet other film fans, but the time we had to get to know one another before the film was far too short. Probably the weekly film quiz evenings would be a better opportunity for socialising. When I signed up as a member I wasn't sure whether it was the right sort of club for me, but I told myself I would go to four meetings before deciding whether to stay. After today's meeting it's looking positive. The only negative thing was the film price: £11.90 (about $18) is far too expensive, in my opinion. Okay, it was a 3D film, but that's just a poor excuse to increase the prices.

The film itself was an enjoyable romp. It tells the story of the fairy tale characters, Hansel and Gretel, after they have grown up. As adults they have become bounty hunters who hunt witches for money. The film's action is fast, and the anachronisms fit in surprisingly well. Judging by the clothing the film takes place in the 18th Century, but Hansel and Gretel have an assortment of weapons including machine guns and hand grenades to battle the witches. The film is an obvious self-parody, but it's fun and worth watching once.

Click here to view the trailer.