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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Jassen, and Peter Stormare
Synopsis: By now, most everyone is familiar with the tale of “Hansel and Gretel,” or at least one version of it. There’s the children’s fairytale, which is a cautionary tale about strangers and candy. Or there’s the original Grimm’s Fairytale version, which is simply a kind of horror story. But it’s fair to say no one has seen Hansel and Gretel like they are in the new film “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters,” which opened January 25. That’s probably a good thing, considering this version is a hot mess. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” seems like the kind of idea that would be best served as a “Saturday Night Live” sketch, or as an action comedy. Instead, this is an overly graphic, overly serious version of this story that just doesn’t work on any level. January is a month that’s not noted for its exceptional releases, but few have been as disappointing as “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.” Sure, it sounds like a dumb idea, but it seemed like something that could have been fun, funny and entertaining. Instead, this film takes itself too seriously, even though it’s completely ridiculous, which makes it a problem. It’s hard to know exactly what co-writer/director Tommy Wirkola had in mind with this film. His biggest film — “Dead Snow” — is about zombie Nazis, so clearly he’s a fan supernatural action films. But something about this just doesn’t translate on the screen. “Hansel and Gretel” would have been best served as a bit of a wry, winking black comedy. That would have made the action and ridiculous story more palatable. Of course there are flashes of that, but on the whole it seems like we’re supposed to see this as a serious action-drama. In which case, it doesn’t work at all. There are reasons people are calling this the worst movie of the year, even though it’s January. Renner — who seems to be vying to be the next Samuel L. Jackson by appearing in every film he can find — doesn’t really work in this role. He is stiff and serious, something the movie doesn’t really need. Arterton, for her part, seems to realize what kind of movie she’s in and tries to make the most of it. The rest of the cast seem to be phoning it in — although that could just be the product of a marginal script and confusing plot. There’s just not a lot positive to take from this film. The story is nonsensical, the story isn’t engaging in the least, the special effects work is awful and the film feels too long even though it’s less than 90 minutes. And the film as the nerve to set up a possible franchise with its little tag at the end. This wasn’t a terrible idea, but the execution makes it seem that way. Mostly, this film is a boring waste of time.
Rating: R for strong fantasy horror violence and gore, brief sexuality/nudity and language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: One star out of four.

The Impossible

Starring: Ewan McGreggor, Naomi Watts, and Tom Holland

Synopsis: In 2004, just a day after Christmas, the worst Tsunami on record hit a small nation on the Pacific Ocean. Among those caught in the disaster was a family there on vacation. "The Impossible" chronicles their story — offering a ray of hope amidst the darkness of natural disaster. A father, mothers, and their three sons are at a beachside resort when the giant wave crashes down. They're instantly separated and fear the worst. But, somehow, among all the chaos and damage not only do they all survive, they all find each other. This is a film for which the trailer — as soon as the acoustic version of "One Love" breaks out — brings you to tears. So, too, does the film, which is beautifully told and difficult to watch at times. It features some masterful performances. Watts has earned a Best Actress nomination, and it is well deserved. The shame of it is that the other two great performances weren't nominated. McGreggor is great in his role as a desperate and grief-stricken father, forced to leave two of his children to find out the fate of his wife and oldest son. But for as good as the adult actors are, the best performance in the whole film might be from Holland. He is simply amazing as the oldest son, who has to hold it all together even while the world around him is going to pieces. The biggest snub of Oscar season might be that he hasn't been recognized for his work. He was amazing, and so, too, is this film.

Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, February 1 — "Warm Bodies," "Bullet to the Head," "Stand Up Guys"

Friday, February 8 — "Identity Thief," "Side Effects"

Thursday, February 14 — "A Good Day to Die Hard," "Beautiful Creatures," "Safe Haven," "Escape From Planet Earth"

Friday, February 22 — "Snitch," "Dark Skies"