And Olafsson manages to be an even bigger slab of meat than Diesel, with added Nordic beardy appeal. Caine and Wood add some emotional gravitas to their roles as Kaulder's concerned protectors. Leslie is terrific as the feisty Chloe, giving the entire film a sense of complexity that the script seems to be deliberately avoiding. Basically, all Diesel has to do is scowl and growl manfully, so he generously steps aside and lets his supporting cast steal every scene. Even after 800 years, he still doesn't understand how pointless it is to take a gigantic gun to fight a supernatural menace. Kaulder is apparently based on a Dungeons & Dragons character, and in Diesel's hands feels rather under-developed. So Kaulder sets out to stop him, teaming up with helpful witch Chloe ( Rose Leslie), who has some special abilities that aid them as things get increasingly crazed. He's determined to resurrect the queen and return humanity to the dark ages. His assistant is the 36th Dolan ( Michael Caine), who has just named the 37th ( Elijah Wood) when they're attacked by the mysterious Belial (Olaf Darri Olafsson). Now 800 years later, he's living the high life in Manhattan and leading the Axe and Cross to contain the world's witch population.

And director Breck Eisner keeps the pace snappy enough to hold the audience's interest, even if we're laughing at it rather than with it.ĭiesel plays Kaulder, who in the 13th century killed a nefarious witch queen (Julie Engelbrecht) and was cursed with immortality. Thankfully, the crazed production design and some solid costars do most of the acting for him. The premise is basically Underworld with witches, and Diesel uses his meathead charm to coast through his role as an immortal warrior. Vin Diesel makes a bid for yet another franchise with a supernatural action romp that's both deeply ridiculous and enjoyably entertaining.

Review of movie the last witch hunter