Film Preview: The Last Witch Hunter (2015)

Page Revisions:

(September 13, 2015) Original
(October 11, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Posters (#7-#12)

Release Date:

October 23, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history.”

Poster Rating: B- / C+ / C / C+ / C / D / B (4) / B- / C

Review: (#1) This incredibly busy design is compelling if nothing else. Whether it truly evokes the essence of the film isn’t very evident. (#2) Similar to poster #1, this design looks to be a modern-set version of what this character and his environment would look like. I’m not opposed to either, but would appreciate something less overwrought.

(#3) We go from overdesigned to underdesigned quickly with this weak, uninspiring design. (#4) Like the first poster, this one is so overly complex that it makes for an interesting artistic statement, but not one that makes people want to see the film. (#5) More of the same. The theme of this film is designed to the hilt without consideration of the power of simplicity. (#6) While different from most of the others, this just doesn’t have anything that roots it to the film, not even a noticeable title.

(#7-#10) A dark, moody series of four character posters that look interesting and are so far the best general designs for the film produced, which isn’t always the best thing. (#11) This differing hue is highlights the nighttime setting that creates creepiness, but the trailer shows the film being set mostly during the day, which makes this design a little less compelling. (#12) These faux artistic designs don’t give the audience any real interest in the film and may only be valuable to collectors who don’t quite realize these won’t be worth much one day.

Trailer Rating: B- / B

Review: (#1) While the posters are supremely busy in their design elements, the trailer tries hard to get there, but must convey the story as simply as possible and still highlight Vin Diesel’s presence. The designers do a better job of that, but where this differs from the other assorted fantasy-driven modern epics is hard to isolate.

(#2) There are some decidedly cool effects in this trailer and there are some added touches of humor that make the movie appear fun. However, there’s also a lack of sufficient depth to a film that looks patently suspenseless.