Directed by André Øvredal, Troll Hunter is a Norwegian film telling the story of some film students who investigate bear killings for a college assignment. But it turns out to be a bit worse than bears.. yes, the guy they follow is a Troll Hunter and the government are trying to cover it all up. The team led by Thomas try to get trolls on camera, something that has never been done before.
Here’s my dilemma, I really enjoyed this film and I thought it was really funny. I’m not sure it’s supposed to be funny though, I think it’s supposed to edge further to the horror genre than it actually does. The first problem is that most people have seen ‘The Blair Witch Project’ or ‘Paranormal Activity’ and we know these things are acted out, so it immediately makes the movie seem a little out of touch with reality.
If you look at Troll Hunter as a serious film, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you look at it from a lighter side of life, it’s 103 minutes of entertainment.
The story comes from Norwegian mythology and plays through the old wives tales of ‘smelling the blood of Christian men’, turning to stone and Trolls not ‘liking’ the light. What makes it funny is the little things, like when the bridge is down and the reason Hans, the Trollhunter gives. Or the electrical cable layout in the country. Keep an eye out for how the bear tracks are made!
It’s hard for me to diss this film, I enjoyed it so much. They should have just left the ending though, the message at the end pushes the film too deep into the cheese shelf. Great for a relaxing night out, don’t take it too seriously and be prepared to laugh.