Once upon a time, in a mystical forest where the sun's rays barely found their way through the dense canopy, stood a magnificent and ancient tree. It was said that this tree possessed powerful magic, capable of granting wishes and bringing good fortune to those who sought it. The tales of the magic tree spread far and wide, attracting people from all walks of life. From humble villagers to brave warriors, travelers of all kinds sought out the enchanted tree in hopes of fulfilling their desires. It was said that deep within the heart of the forest, one could find the tree standing tall and proud, with its branches reaching towards the heavens. Legend had it that to unlock the tree's magic, one must approach it with a pure heart and a genuine wish.
What makes this scenario work are the periodic flashes of intelligence that prove that the film's trio of screenwriters thought about what motivates Kaulder. Diesel's usual cockiness suits his character. As he points out to Dolan the 37th (Elijah Wood), Ellic's successor at Axe and Cross, there's nothing he hasn't seen. Diesel is well-used in that sense, proving he's more than a blunt instrument in scenes where he huskily broods and sweet-talks his way around the film's most unwieldy exposition. Few action stars can convincingly mansplain their way through a scene where mystic rune stones that control the elements are used to stop and start a thunderstorm. Diesel is on the short list.
You know you re seeing an atypically dopey but consummately well-assembled fantasy when poor Michael Caine has to explain to viewers the Witch Queen s plan to spread a human-decimating plague using the various witches that Kaulder locked up over the years in the Axe and Cross s witch prison. There aren t nearly enough scenes where Eisner can flex his muscles and prove that he s a stronger storyteller than the script with which he s working; the best is probably when Chloe comes home and silently tries to ward off a threatening spirit with an array of light bulbs.
Legend had it that to unlock the tree's magic, one must approach it with a pure heart and a genuine wish. Those who found the courage to venture into the mystical forest would be greeted by the tree's presence, radiating an ethereal glow. In the presence of the magic tree, time seemed to stand still, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.
The Last Witch Hunter
Many films try and fail to pull off the kind of densely over-plotted action-fantasy that director Breck Eisner ("The Crazies," "Sahara") nails in "The Last Witch Hunter." The secrets to Eisner's success are confidence and patience, both of which compensate for the film's script whenever it becomes embarrassingly thin (especially during its rushed finale). Still, if nothing else, "The Last Witch Hunter" is so much more adept than other recent convoluted post-"The Matrix" adventure films about a superhuman men-of-action (Vin Diesel, in this case) who see the world for what it really is, and are humanity's last hope of maintaining a peaceful status quo. While most other films sprint through expository dialogue, and bluster their way through action scenes, "The Last Witch Hunter" is measured enough to make you want to suspend your disbelief.
AdvertisementAn especially charming Diesel plays Kaulder, a witch-slayer who was cursed to live forever by the Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht) back in ye olde viking days. An integral member of the mortal-led witch-hunting organization Axe and Cross, Kaulder has grown full of himself after centuries of walking the Earth unchallenged. But when Ellic (Michael Caine), Kaulder's sidekick and the chronicler of his stories, dies on the day of his retirement, Kaulder investigates, and discovers a plot to revive the centuries-dead Witch Queen.
Here's where "The Last Witch Hunter" starts to get so dorky that you may want to give yourself a wedgie for enjoying it. In order to stop the Witch Queen, Kaulder must "remember [his] death," a clue left for him by Ellic in smudged fingerprints all over one of Ellic's most prized books. The Rolodex of enemies and fair weather contacts that Kaulder meets up with on his rocky road to remembering is embarrassingly preposterous. Their ranks include Max Schlesinger (Isaach De Bankolé), a blind pastry chef-cum-magician who makes cupcakes out of psychedelic moths, butterflies, and maggots, and Belilal (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), a squat, curse-slinging warlock whose bushy beard and barrel chest makes him look like one of ZZ Top's touring bassists.
What makes this scenario work are the periodic flashes of intelligence that prove that the film's trio of screenwriters thought about what motivates Kaulder. Diesel's usual cockiness suits his character. As he points out to Dolan the 37th (Elijah Wood), Ellic's successor at Axe and Cross, there's nothing he hasn't seen. Diesel is well-used in that sense, proving he's more than a blunt instrument in scenes where he huskily broods and sweet-talks his way around the film's most unwieldy exposition. Few action stars can convincingly mansplain their way through a scene where mystic rune stones that control the elements are used to stop and start a thunderstorm. Diesel is on the short list.
AdvertisementThere are even fewer directors who are sensitive enough to sell scenes as conceptually all-over-the-map as the ones showcased here. But thanks to Eisner, there are blessedly few scenes in "The Last Witch Hunter" that feel rushed (can we please get this guy to direct the upcoming "Doctor Strange" movie's sequel?). Romantic banter feels genuinely playful in scenes like when Kaulder and Chloe (Rose Leslie), a young witch, flirt at Chloe's hookah bar. There aren't nearly enough scenes where Eisner can flex his muscles and prove that he's a stronger storyteller than the script with which he's working; the best is probably when Chloe comes home and silently tries to ward off a threatening spirit with an array of light bulbs. This scene teaches you how to watch it. No character has to explain that the bulbs' light is Chloe's only defense against whatever is threatening to invade her home. You just pick up that knowledge by watching Eisner work.
Eisner's direction is similarly thoughtful during big special-effects-driven set pieces. He's a sturdy choreographer, and none of the big action scenes in "The Last Witch Hunter" are as good as those from his surprisingly atmospheric, recent remake of George Romero's "The Crazies." But flashbacks to Diesel's "Dungeons and Dragons"-worthy encounters with the Witch Queen and modern-day skirmishes with Belial do look good, and that's not just because of Eisner's keen eye for composition. "The Last Witch Hunter" is just generally poised in ways that most fantasies should be, but aren't. There's breathing room in scenes where characters have to appear to be living with decisions they made a couple of scenes earlier. You know you're seeing an atypically dopey but consummately well-assembled fantasy when poor Michael Caine has to explain to viewers the Witch Queen's plan to spread a human-decimating plague using the various witches that Kaulder locked up over the years in the Axe and Cross's "witch prison." "The Last Witch Hunter" may be corny at heart, but it's cool enough to convince you otherwise while its creators sell you a story you've seen some iteration of many, many times before.
There are even fewer directors who are sensitive enough to sell scenes as conceptually all-over-the-map as the ones showcased here. But thanks to Eisner, there are blessedly few scenes in "The Last Witch Hunter" that feel rushed (can we please get this guy to direct the upcoming "Doctor Strange" movie's sequel?). Romantic banter feels genuinely playful in scenes like when Kaulder and Chloe (Rose Leslie), a young witch, flirt at Chloe's hookah bar. There aren't nearly enough scenes where Eisner can flex his muscles and prove that he's a stronger storyteller than the script with which he's working; the best is probably when Chloe comes home and silently tries to ward off a threatening spirit with an array of light bulbs. This scene teaches you how to watch it. No character has to explain that the bulbs' light is Chloe's only defense against whatever is threatening to invade her home. You just pick up that knowledge by watching Eisner work.
Whispers of past visitors spoke of the tree's ability to grant wishes that were selfless and just. Those who sought personal gain or ill-intentions would find their requests denied, and in some tales, they would be met with dire consequences. But those who sought wisdom, love, and the strength to overcome adversity were said to be rewarded greatly. The stories of the magic tree became a source of inspiration and hope for many, as people sought guidance and answers to their deepest questions. It was believed that the ancient tree held the secrets of the universe, and those who were blessed by its magic would attain enlightenment and find their purpose. However, the journey to find the magic tree was not without its challenges. The dense forest held hidden dangers, mysterious creatures, and treacherous paths. Many who embarked on this quest were tested, both physically and mentally, to prove their worthiness. It was said that only the true seekers, those with pure intentions and unwavering determination, would successfully reach the magic tree and receive its gifts. Through generations, the tales of the magic tree continued to captivate and inspire countless individuals. It became more than just a folktale; it became a symbol of hope, faith, and the power of belief. People would come from far and wide to stand in the presence of the mystical tree, hoping that its magic would touch their lives and bring about a positive change. Ultimately, the tales of the magic tree taught the world the importance of staying true to oneself, having good intentions, and persevering in the face of adversity. It reminded people that in the most magical and unexpected places, one could find the answers they sought and the power to transform their lives for the better. And so, the legends of the magic tree lived on, passed down from one generation to the next, reminding humanity of the limitless possibilities that exist in the world and the eternal power of dreams and aspirations..
Reviews for "Magical Creatures and the Magic Tree"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Tales of the Magic Tree" because I love fantasy books, but I was disappointed. The writing felt disjointed and the plot was hard to follow. The characters were one-dimensional and it was hard to connect with any of them. Overall, I found the book to be lacking in depth and substance.
2. John - 1 star - I found "Tales of the Magic Tree" to be extremely boring and unoriginal. The story felt like a rehash of so many other fantasy novels I've read before. The world-building was weak and the magic system was poorly explained. The pacing was also off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed action scenes. I couldn't wait for the book to be over.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Tales of the Magic Tree" because the premise sounded interesting, but I ended up being disappointed. The writing was clunky and filled with cliches. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. The book had potential, but it fell short for me.
4. Michael - 1 star - I struggled to get through "Tales of the Magic Tree" because I found the writing style to be incredibly dull. The descriptions were overly detailed and dragged on for pages. I felt like the author was more interested in showing off their vocabulary than telling a compelling story. The pacing was slow and the plot lacked excitement. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
5. Emily - 2 stars - "Tales of the Magic Tree" was a disappointment for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent. I had a hard time picturing the magical elements of the story and understanding how they functioned. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear. The book had potential, but it needed more polish and coherence.