The film begins by referring to the original* Grimm’s fairy tale, when young Hansel and Gretel are left in the forest and venture into* a witch’s home which is made of candy. There’s a good joke when grown-up Hansel takes a medieval* version of an insulin injection* to help him deal with that sugar addiction*.

    Two or three decades* later, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) turn their childhood trauma* into their job. The time period is unclear. Some scenes look like the Middle Ages, yet our heroes have modern arms to help them kill witches and warlocks*.

    As they run after their prey, brother and sister find allies* — a “white witch” for Hansel and a troll* who likes Gretel — but basically they have to rely on their own courage to beat their enemies.

    Their chief enemy is a witch who morphs* from beautiful to ugly when the mood strikes. The past year has seen the trend for screen beauties to indulge* their ugly side. Famke Janssen follows Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron in letting out her hidden monster*.

    Despite its few jokes, the story is very simple. Norwegian writer-director Tommy Wirkola loves to film exploding* heads, but the film is too fanciful to be truly revolting*. Wirkola makes the most of the 3D technology.

    Sadly, the director doesn’t bring much out of the actors. Renner and Arterton are good, but this foolish film doesn’t give them a chance to show what they do best. With a running time of less than 90 minutes, the film is smart enough not to wear out its welcome. (SD-Agencies)