MovieChat Forums > The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016) Discussion > Enjoyable, but preferred the first (poss...

Enjoyable, but preferred the first (possible spoilers)

posted 8 years ago by Hillius
6 replies | jump to latest

I enjoyed this film re-emerging myself in that world and seeing the characters and the action, but I think I preferred the first film out of the two.

I have to agree with other posters that Jessica Chastains accent was just unnecessary and rather distracting. It also sounded like Chris Hemsworth was also affecting something unusual. I liked their performances otherwise.

The other thing I really could have done without was all the British language. The dwarves in the first film made me wish for subtitles so I could understand what half of them are saying. The lesser amount was better in this film and while it's fun to throw in a "wanker" here and there it just felt really overdone. I wonder if this was intended to make the film more marketable/successful in UK theaters?

I felt like the film plagiarized a bit from Game of Thrones. Chastain really reminded me of Rose Leslie in the show, and I think the main Huntsmen attacker at the Inn scene looked like a double for Ned Stark in both hair and dress.

I enjoyed the rest of it pretty well, but in one of the final scenes in the Ice Palace battle Chastain got thrown in such a way it looked like it might snap her spine. I hope the stunt person was alright. The only other thought I had was how ridiculous the climbing the icy cliff really was, and I did not much care for the closing credits song.

I think both Charlize Theron and Emily Blunt were wonderful however. I have to say those were two of the most unique hairstyles I have ever seen and their costumes were magnificent.

“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”

[–] Firelink20 8 years ago

Just finished this movie myself... I pretty much agree with you!

Also.. do you think not having Snow White / Kristen stewart as the star killed the box office? The numbers are terrible compare to the 1st film but i think if they had Kristen Stewart return to fight Freya, would've been more epic and maybe thatll help the box office more

[–] Hillius 8 years ago

I also noticed the terrible financial numbers. I think the first film had a larger budget and did better in returns than this installment, however many films can make up for a poor theater turn out with video sales.

A lot of people seemed to be very anti-Kristen Stewart in the first which I couldn't understand as I thought she was actually pretty good. She isn't the WOW beautiful of some other choices other posters I read would have preferred, but I actually enjoyed her understated and softer appearance. She reminded me of Mia Sarah in 1985's Legend, especially the scene with the Stag. Personally I wouldn't have minded at all to see her reprise her role, but I can't say for sure if her being in the film would've changed the public's interest.

“The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.”

[–] jberning 8 years ago

Yea I'm not sure how much Kristen Stewart herself would have really helped. Don't think she really has that huge of a fan base, especially compared to the stars this movie had already. However, do think the lack of the Snow White character might have been a factor. Think people wanted to see more of the Snow White/Huntsman story.

Also, it was pretty much advertised as being a prequel so think that made some people's interest wain too, as they wanted what happens next, which we did get but people didn't realize at first.

Overall I like this one almost as much as the first. I just liked the dark forest scenes and the final battle in the first much more so kind of puts it over this one for me.

[–] schubej-1 8 years ago

I liked both films but this one was better primarily because Kristen Stewart wasn't in it. First one would have been much better with a better actress had been playing Snow White. Stewart has had some memorable roles but this one just didn't suit her.

[–] Persephone123 8 years ago

I honestly think they had planned a Freya vs Snow but the scandal put the off it. I truly believe that like her or hate her, the movie wasn't the same without snow white.

[–] Notzi81 8 years ago

I have to agree with the OP. This movie was okay, but it would have been better as a standalone film, not a sequel. I hated all the continuity gaffes this movie had.

If they really needed to make a follow up to Snow White and the Huntsman, they should have just made a prequel (not a prequel and a sequel) where Eric and Sara are kidnapped as children and fight for the Ice Queen (who should have no relation to Ravenna) and then they later fall in love, leave and get married, just as the movie depicted. Then, while living in Snow White's father's kingdom, Ravenna takes over and Finn kills Sara (although Sara makes him earn the victory). Then we see how Eric's character evolved into who he was in the first film: brooding, falling over drunk, and his unwillingness to answer to authority. They also should've kept the dark and gothic theme from the original movie. That would've been a much better film.

Love,

Notzi