Bewitched Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Be warned. Be ready.
Out in California's San Fernando Valley, Isabel is trying to reinvent herself. A naïve, good-natured witch, she is determined to disavow her supernatural powers and lead a normal life. At the same time, across town, Jack Wyatt a tall, charming actor is trying to get his career back on track. He sets his sights on an updated version of the beloved 1960s situation comedy Bewitched, re-conceived as a starring vehicle for himself in the role of the mere-mortal Darrin. Fate steps in when Jack accidentally runs into Isabel. He is immediately attracted to her and her nose, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the nose of Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha in the original TV version of Bewitched. He becomes convinced she could play the witch Samantha in his new series. Isabel is also taken with Jack, seeing him as the quintessential mortal man with whom she can settle down and lead the normal life she so desires. It turns out they're both right—but in ways neither of them ever imagined.
| Nicole Kidman | Isabel Bigelow/Samantha |
| Will Ferrell | Jack Wyatt/Darrin |
| Shirley MacLaine | Iris Smythson/Endora |
| Michael Caine | Joey Props |
| Jason Schwartzman | Ritchie |
| Kristin Chenoweth | Maria Kelly |
| Heather Burns | Nina |
| Jim Turner | Larry |
| Stephen Colbert | Stu Robison |
| David Alan Grier | Jim Fields |
| Carole Shelley | Aunt Clara |
| Steve Carell | Uncle Arthur |
| Katie Finneran | Sheila Wyatt |
| James Lipton | Himself |
| Nora Ephron |
5.00 out of 10 (13199 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Garbage
posted on 14 Aug 2009My wife wanted to go see this at the cinema. So glad I did not waste my money paying to see this.I have endured the worst 2 hours of movie entertainment in a long time.Kidman tried hard, however her true acting talent has been wasted on this rubbish.I understand that they were not trying to make a re-make of the original TV show, but the script in this and acting overall is terrible.It makes me wonder if some of the great actors in this movie actually read the script and plot before agreeing to do it. Speaking of plot, I think they all lost it.I felt embarrassed for them all.Now we have the DVD, it's going to make a great drink coaster !!!
Waste of talent
posted on 08 Aug 2009Here's the thing about the original 1960's TV show: it was good. Here's the thing about the Bewitched movie: it ain't. The original TV show should have translated very easy to a simple and fun comedy, it didn't need much, just some simple set up and it could have taken off with little to no story and been very entertaining but instead for some reason the writers decided it would be better if they changed everything. This isn't really a Bewitched movie, it's a witch movie with some Bewitched references at best.It was the simplicity of the original series that made it work, several of the jokes can easily fall flat now, the show's innocence won't necessarily stand up to today's crowd, I know I prefer stuff with more edge. But that's really superficial and could have been easily updated. But instead of updating the original premise they decided to make a movie about a washed up actor who decides to reboot his career by doing a remake of the old Bewitched show and hire an unknown to play Samantha and leave him free to hog the spot light...unaware that the unknown he's hired is a witch in real life.When I first heard that this was the premise of the movie I thought there was some potential, it would basically be the same premise but skewed enough that it would stand alone as its own movie. It doesn't. Elizabeth Montgomery was a witch who wants to hang up her broom and be normal. Nicole Kidman is a witch who wants to hang up her broom and be normal. The difference is Liz was always slipping up and using her magic, causing all kinds of trouble and then using her magic to fix the problems that arose. Nicole barely ever uses her magic for anything more than turning on a light bulb. About thirty minutes into the movie a Who song starts playing and she starts using her magic to blow open doors and light things on fire. I thought this was where the movie was gonna take off but needless to say it didn't, it just fizzled down into nothing and dragged on for the rest of the 102 minutes.I think they set out to make something special but instead sucked the magic and the fun out of the source material. If they had only taken that original premise and updated it I could guarantee this movie would have been pretty good. Maybe not an award winner and maybe not a classic, but it would have been enjoyable and funny and sometimes that's all movies need to be. To add even more to the disappointment of the whole thing is it was actually really well cast. I think all the actors in this would have been great if they'd had a decent script to work with. Nicole Kidman and Will Farrel actually played well off each other, they just didn't have anything funny to do. Steve Carell made a great Uncle Arthur and was one of the best parts of the movie, but his jokes were buried under the rest of the movies faults. Michael Caine and Shirley MaClaine made good parents but were underused and Carole Shelley certainly looked the Aunt Clara part, though she wasn't given enough bumbling witchcraft to do. Possible spoiler below.The best part of the movie was the ending when Richard Kind and Amy Sedaris have cameos as their new neighbors and do a great job of imitating the neighbors from the original show, further reiterating my comment that the movie would have been great if they pumped up the nostalgia and actually based it on the source material instead of stealing the title and referencing it once and a while. The original show was actually before my time and I only know it through reruns, I'm not a Bewitched expert by any stretch but even I could see all the lost potential.I'm done bitching now.
Calling Dr. Bombay... Calling Dr. Bombay... Emergency... Come right away!
posted on 02 Aug 2009For the record, I favor the "next generation" or "continuation" approach to straight "re-makes" of classic franchises. The story concepts worth revisiting are usually fine in their original form; and, it is not easy to improve upon the original work (especially if reached a level of excellence). This doesn't mean a classic story can't be re-made successfully - nor does it mean all well-intentioned re-inventions work. Nora Ephron's "Bewitched" wisely decides not to "update" the original story; but, it doesn't succeed.The original series was about a witch who sought to give up her powers for love. In this story, Nicole Kidman's "Isabel Bigelow" decides to give up her powers because she wants to be "normal". Later, she falls in love (unconvincingly) with Will Ferrell's "Jack Wyatt" character. It's not really very clear what, exactly, motivates Ms. Kidman's character. Kidman is also much more silly than strong and smart (like Elizabeth Montgomery was, circa 1964-72). Mr. Ferrell is also very silly. Between them, there is little spark.Obviously, this film is not about marriage (and, there probably won't be a sequel). Still, it would have been nice to see some of the original's "subtexts", so artfully written into the original series, addressed. Bill Asher, Ms. Montgomery, Sol Saks, and their team made "Bewitched" about different kinds of prejudices (both explicit and implicit). And, while it was included for comic reasons, the show had an "alcoholic" undercurrent. There is nothing as interesting going on in this 2005 version. However, there are, in isolation, a few funny and well-produced scenes.Some of the characters are confusing. For example, "Aunt Clara" and "Uncle Arthur", while they are fun to see included, seem to fall into the storyline inappropriately, from the original series - or it may be the "Jack Wyatt" series. Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine are saddled with a stomach-turning take on the old "Endora/Maurice" relationship. The better characterizations are from the lesser known cast, in original parts - like "agent" Jason Schwartzman (as Richie), Kristin Chenoweth (as Maria Kelly), and David Alan Grier (as Jim Fields). At least, the cat was purrfect.**** Bewitched (2005) Nora Ephron ~ Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Michael Caine
I smell a summer stinker, oh what is it? It's "Bewitched"
posted on 23 Jul 2009"Bewitched" looked like a pretty lame movie, from the first time I saw a teaser trailer for it. I then saw additional trailers for it, along with TV spots which did nothing to peak my interest. I just thought it was the work of bad marketing which we have seen so many times before and looking at the cast consisting of Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman, Michael Caine, Stephen Colbert, Jason Schwartzman, and Steve Carell, I figured it had to be half way decent. So how was it you ask? Well continue reading to find out.In the movie "Bewitched," Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is a big time actor who has made some bad film choices and is now a down on his luck actor. He then gets offered the role of his life as Darren in the remake of the TV series Bewitched. His agent Ritchie (Jason Schwartzman) makes Jack demand things including an unknown co-star to play Samantha. Why? So that Jack can look great as Darren. So Jack finds Isabel (Nicole Kidman) to play Samantha. But guess what happens, Isabel is a knock out on the set and not to mention a ratings grabber. Later on, Jack and Isabel actually fall in love on the set. But then Jack finds out that Isabel is really a witch like the character Samantha, she plays on the TV series. Fun times are supposed to ensue… Bewitched is one of the biggest pieces of crap to hit the big screen this year. I am really sickened by this movie. I know most don't know this but Jason Schwartzman, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell are some of the most underrated people in the film industry. However, even with being a huge fan of those guys, none of their characters in this sad excuse for a movie can save this movie.This movie made me want to vomit. I sat in the theater waiting to laugh and the laughs never came. Seeing so many funny and talented people on screen that were just wasted made me question what were the filmmakers thinking. I sadly know this movie will sell even though the reviews for it are horrible because people love Will Ferrell. I actually like the guy too but he's picking bad scripts so far this year. "Kicking and Screaming" was passable but was something I have seen 10 times before and now the incredibly awful "Bewitched." Please start reading your scripts again Mr. Ferrell you can be funny; you just need to actually be in a movie that has a funny or witty script There is no excuse what so ever for how badly this film sucked! None! The movie had three good writers, two of them wrote "When Harry Met Sally, "My Blue Heaven," and "Sleepless in Seattle." The other writer, Adam McKay, wrote "Anchorman" which as a hilarious film, so these guys know what a good script looks like. What I want to know is this, how does it take three people to write something as poor and boring as this film? I'll never understand it.I can't give this film any credit. The only thing I wonder is how the hell they convinced so many talented people to be in a film that was such a bad idea in the first place. How could anyone look that this script and say oh yea that looks a must-see movie or an average movie at this point. I chuckled three times in the entire movie and that's really sad. This will be one of those films that everyone involved in the film will want to have it erased from their resume in the near future.So to sum everything up, DON'T SEE THIS SORRY, LAME EXCUSE FOR A MOVIE! I repeat, do not see it. I thought the "The Honeymooners" movie was bad but this film was worse. When will Hollywood learn to stop turning TV series into movies especially classic TV series! "Charlie's Angels," "The Honeymooners," "Car 54, Where are you,""Lassie," "Flipper," and "Bewitched" to name a few and guess what they all stunk. Sure, there are a few that are decent (never great) but for the most part they are pure crap. Up next is "the Dukes of Hazard" which is going to be another piece of garbage and will only sell because Jessica Simpson is showing off her body. So once again what ever you do, do not see this movie. Go see Batman, Go see Herbie, go see Cinderella Man, go see the Perfect Man, see anything else but this film. I really don't think anything else at the moment can be as bad as "Bewitched" and that's the bottom line.MovieManMenzel's final rating for Bewitched is a 2/10. Avoid it!
Great cast, but poorly coordinated.
posted on 19 Jul 2009The casting for this film was great, in fact, it's the only thing that saved this movie from a poor telling perspective and a bad script.Will Ferrel's comic relief was a welcome offering to an otherwise dry and slow moving remake. There wasn't much of a plot here, and from what story segments we were given, they were so choppy and poorly executed, we almost were forced to come to our own conclusion in scenes. There were just moments in this film that had no coordination or any real purpose at all. After the movie, you're left wondering, "Where were they trying to go with that?" or "What happened? They never came back to that."
Rubbish
posted on 17 Jul 2009Ewhhh what rubbish is this! The only reason this movie ever made it to the public is it rode the wave of the classic original show.This remake gives the original show a bad name! Not worth watching on TV free, yet alone paying to see it. Nicole Kidman should retire, she had NO spark like Elizabeth Montgomery. She looked flat and depressed, like the movie.The storyline was terrible,and Will Ferell seems to be an amateur actor.None of his acting seemed genuine or convincing. The only good bit of the movie was the last 10 seconds when it seemed to have the same feel to the classic show,when they showed the house and the Kravits neighbors.They should have started the movie from there!!! Not worth the time!
Could have been a lot better
posted on 09 Jul 2009So many television series are being turned into movies these days. Some shows turned into movies are Charlie's Angels, The Brady Bunch (which was pretty good) and just recently, we had The Dukes of Hazard (which was not good at all). When I heard that Bewitched was being turned into a movie, my first reaction was "Oh no, that will suck." But when I heard the plot for the movie (Bewitched is being remade into a TV show with a washed up actor and an unknown who happens to be a real witch), I thought "That might work". I was very wrong. The script was not a good script at all, and although the acting was very good, the talents of Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell and Shirley MacLaine could not save this film from being just plain terrible. Although it did have some cute, funny moments and an excellent supporting cast (Schwartzman, Chenoweth and Carell are names worth mentioning), this film wasn't worth the 7 bucks I paid to see it.
Not the TV show, but enjoyable with Ferrell's help
posted on 09 Jul 2009OK, I knew this film wasn't going to be a very good adaptation based on what history has told us about TV adaptations. I mean, the Honeymooners is coming out with a completely horrible cast (excluded Mike Epps as Norton). But I really didn't know anything about the real plot of this film until it was out (as it is now) on DVD. I watched it and realized what they were going for. It was OK, but that was about it.I rented it for Will Ferrell, of course, to see what he had to add to this questionable role as an actor who plays "Darrin." (Kind of weird to throw that into the mix, but whatever.) Then Nicole Kidman as a "Samantha" character gone wrong...what can I say? JUST MAKE THE ADAPTATION ABOUT THE DAMN SHOW! It was an interesting twist to make the film about the story of the shooting of "Bewitched" (the TV show), but you might as well just make the film about the show using the plot and actual, memorable characters (like the Brady Bunch film) to make the audience like the movie.It was hard to dislike the film. It flowed nicely, had an interesting take on the history of the show (which aired from 1964-72...a very popular show), and introduced the characters is a very fluid manner, however unbelievable. But it still lacked in the soul of the original cast and grounded characters from the TV show. I thought that the fact that the actual actress who plays "Samantha" was a witch in real life was completely absurd.The saving points of this film go to Stephen Colbert, whose impersonation of Uncle Arthur is the best I've ever heard, and to Will Ferrell for his over-the-top performance as an actor who is trying to revive his career after many failed movies and TV shows. His speech during the scene when it's him and Kidman on her porch is hilarious. And his writing/delivery just adds a lot to a so-so script. Also, I have to give props to Kidman for her acting, who can play as naive a girl can in this film. She really needs this film in her repertoire of what great characters she can play, seriously, because she doesn't have that many roles that allow her to play goofy, silly, growing-up-and-maturing roles in movies.I gave it a 6/10. It was enjoyable, however it can wait a little longer for you to rent it. If you're a fan of Ferrell's (and I know you are), you should get it ASAP if you haven't already to witness a little slice of a different kind of character (even though during a line on his Bewitched taping in the movie he sounds a lot like his impersonation of James Lipton from Inside the Actor's Studio).
Ignore the grumpy critics!
posted on 09 Jul 2009I felt compelled to write this review, since I read some negative reviews before attending a special screening last night, where I was not only pleasantly surprised, but downright delighted by this film. It is a light, frothy romantic comedy, with plenty of laughs courtesy of Will Farell. If you're looking for a fun little farce, Bewitched should be your diversion of choice. I left the theater still chuckling and smiling from ear to ear.My favorite part, where I was laughing so hard tears were coming out of my eyes, involves Will/Darin singing to Nicole/Isabelle. Shirley Maclaine is also wonderful, and the way she holds her man (Michael Caine) is wish gratification for many women of substance.
"Would you like a water chestnut?" "I'd love a water chestnut."
posted on 05 Jul 2009It's truly sad when three, count 'em, THREE Oscar winners are this hard-up! Caine and MacLaine have been whoring themselves out for eons, but that didn't make it any less painful to watch. Kidman is just two or three more clunkers away from wearing out her welcome. Really, all that's left for her to do is a Halle Berry/Charlize Theron, don a black latex suit, and kick some CGI booty!As if to prove that two hacks are better than one, Ephron recruits her sister, and they crib "Bruce Almighty": Isabel makes Jack speak silly stuff. Carell, the a-hole anchor in "Almighty," plays Uncle Arthur while Ferrell does everything except talk out of his obnoxious, no-talent, Jim Carrey wanna-be butt!Anyone else notice that Jack's manager is a chipmunk-faced midget who strikes a pose every 5 seconds? Any resemblance to a certain Oscar winner's superstar ex-hubby is purely coincidental, I'm sure!I howled when the producers told Jack it'll be hard to find a nobody for Samantha! If Hollywood is chocked with anything, it's nobodies! Isabel lands the gig, but CAA never beats a path to her door and she is rep-less throughout? I don't think so!How is it Ephron can churn out such misogynistic crap but is never called on it because she is supposedly a woman? Worse, she take a potshot at Dick York, the original Darrin, because she can! Too bad York's estate can't sue for defamation. And too bad Isabel couldn't "rewind" this turkey back to the development stage that so someone with talent could have done justice to it!
Skip the film - go straight to the soundtrack
posted on 03 Jul 2009Much like Paul McCartney' Give My Regards To Broadstreet, Bewitched is an awful film with GREAT music. When I first saw Give My Regards To Broadstreet I told folks to skip the film and go straight to the soundtrack. I feel precisely the same way about Bewitched. It could have been so much more than it is and had the real potential for a classic. I truly enjoy watching Nicole Kidman but even this talented lady could not save Bewitched! The script is terrible, Will Ferrell stinks (no talent what so ever), and the story is promising, but never develops properly because of the script.Buy the CD and enjoy the tunes!
A nice little romantic comedy
posted on 03 Jul 2009Am I missing something here.For after reading some of the reviews from IMDb and the media and after having now watched the film, well I thought that I mustn't be switched on. All in all I enjoyed this film and will probably buy it on DVD. This movie was never going to live up to the high expectations by hardened fans of the original 1960's hysterical comedy. Indeed there really aren't all that many belly laughs. This film, with it's clever script, is every nice little romantic comedy. The performances were very good and how any one can call Nicole Kidman a poor actress is beyond me - She is just great. I don't believe in getting too analytical about these sorts of movies and I urge everyone too watch it and enjoy!! 7 out of 10
Its no wonder that Elizabeth Montgomery is spinning in her grave after what Nicole Kidman to her beloved and respected sitcom of the 1960's
posted on 27 Jun 2009Like the previous comment stated,I don't walk out of theatres,but for me I walked out of "Bewitched" within the first ten minutes of the film. The reason? This in my opinion was not the updated version of the classic 1960's TV-Sitcom,in which Nicole Kidman plays Samantha Stephens,but here we get Nicole Kidman playing a different character that is far worse. Didn't she learned anything for her last film that the character she played was a witch(opposite another sorry actress who played her sister in the film,Sandra Bullock)in the 1998 movie titled "Practical Magic". I guess not. This was one of the trashiest version of a remake ever made,especially for someone that has been hoping for the long awaited theatrical version of a television classic,is not only adapted by instead ransacked from beginning to end. And this was not the movie version I thought it would be,but instead can we say sucked! Some parts were not even funny,nor I wasn't laughing. I thought it was pathetic from beginning to end. This is another movie that is on my list for the worst of 2005. This wasn't "Bewitched" the movie,this was utter garbage and it shows. Its no wonder that the producers,who waited three years to get this off the ground and has been in development that long and from the actresses who could take on the role played by Elizabeth Montgomery(from actresses like Bridget Fonda,Jennifer Aniston,Gwyneth Paltrow or to either Alicia Silverstone),and to pick an Aussie actress whose last film was a total failure could pull this off. But it didn't worked. Nicole Kidman joins Jennifer Lopez and Sandra Bullock as one of the worst actresses in Hollywood.Its no wonder that Elizabeth Montgomery is spinning in her grave after what Nicole Kidman has done to her beloved show of the 1960's. And here's why. Its not like the TV show,but its the awful version of another summer comedy flick/TV remake gone bad to worst to pathetic. Blame that on the director,Nora Ephron,who has no business behind the camera in charge of destroying a vintage classic with is nothing but poor direction,poor writing,and bad effects. From that a mess on top of a mess. From,subplots that are established and discarded to underwritten characters that have no development is another way that this was not like the TV show. From there it is a savvy meta or megafest where characters run around like chickens. Also,to point out is the miscasting especially from Will Farrell who is funny at times,and funny here. Farrell is only funny in certain parts but the rest of it falls flat,and the only saving grace of the film. The only thing that saves this movie from drowning is the casting of Shirley MacLaine as Endora,and Micheal Caine as the father of Kidman's character. The only supporting player who left a mark,and here is also miscasted is the role of Uncle Arthur(played by Steve Carell of The Daily Show),and they should have been better with a grand casting of Sean Hayes(of Will and Grace fame)in the same role. Not funny,not lame,just repulsive. Come on? No Larry Tate? No Aunt Clara? No Doctor Bombay? Let's hope that is not a sequel to this,please!
Going against the grain
posted on 21 Jun 2009I haven't had time recently to write reviews regularly, but my views on this one are so against the grain of the consensus that I felt I had to add my two cents.I'm a big fan of Will Ferrell's film work, as I was of his work on Saturday Night Live. Even in films of his that I feel are below par, I usually love Ferrell's performance. I can easily see someone who doesn't like Will Ferrell not liking Bewitched, as he's just as much the focus as Nicole Kidman, and like usual, he's very over the top and frequently surreal. In some ways he's even more over the top than normal, as he's playing a character who is something of an over the top actor, and in at least one scene, he's pushed to be more over the top by another character.Further, although I an also a fan of the television show, I'm not watching the film necessarily expecting it to be just like the television show. This film is obviously not trying to recreate Bewitched, even in some alternate universe, ala The Brady Bunch Movie, so we can't expect that of it. This is a different story, with different characters, and clever at that. Every character is a bit quirky and a bit out of touch in their own way with mainstream society. I like that. I'm a bit quirky and out of touch in my own way with mainstream society, too (as you can tell just from this review).If you have at least some familiarity with the original Bewitched series (although not recreating the show, it's important to be familiar with it to get a lot of the material here), you're open to things being different than your expectations, you do not strongly dislike Ferrell or Kidman in many or most roles, and you have a quirky and sarcastic sense of humor while not expecting realism, you may very well enjoy Bewitched. I found the story engaging and frequently hilarious with just the right touch of corniness (ala the original show), the romance sweet, and the technical elements (direction, production design, editing, etc.) excellent. It also has a great soundtrack, with a lot of classic pop from many eras.
It made me cry, it was so bad...
posted on 19 Jun 2009This is what happens when the writing is execrable and when the directing is at the same level of a very bad sitcom. No need to comment on the acting, because, yes, hammy is the word!Deciding to warm up an old show that had its own charm, to today's standards, demands a good reason. I am still trying to figure out why someone, in this case Nora Ephron, should choose to massacre a potentially good idea.When one does not have anything to say in a script, it is perhaps better to just sit at a Coffee Bean, stay there and do nothing, preferably in the company of your sister, and forever.Without bad pun, the boredom of sitting through this horror was painfully painful!
Delightful!
posted on 17 Jun 2009My wife and I loved this movie! Interestingly, we read two completely opposite reviews regarding this film: The national review just destroyed it! Hated everything about it--wrote that the casting was dull, Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman had zero chemistry and that the writing was disjointed and bland. On the other hand, our local newspaper gave it a glowing review. They refuted everything the national reviewer wrote. Being big fans of the TV series (and fans of the stars in the movie) we decided to see it long before the Jeckyll & Hyde reviews. And like I said at the beginning--we loved it! Casting was brilliant. Nicole Kidman has never been more adorable. Will Ferrell is naturally funny. Michael Caine is a legend as is Shirley MacLaine. Chemistry amongst all the leads was electric and seemed genuine. The movie was quite respectful and reverent of the TV series and everyone seemed to be having a good time. It was funny, smart, and sweet. See it--repeatedly--and then buy it on DVD or VHS when available. One of the few TV series adapted to the big screen that actually works.
I thought it was a comedy
posted on 17 Jun 2009I watched this film thinking that it would be funny. I was wrong.The script was very bad. Characters literally appear out of the blue, say a few lines and then disappear. The jokes in the film (if there were any) were not funny. The film tried too hard to look nostalgic, and hence ended up being out of touch with the modern times. Nicole Kidman's way of speaking really annoyed me, I wish she was more natural. Will Ferrell tried so hard to pull many funny faces to make us laugh. but unfortunately we have seen them all before. What's worse, there is a serious lack of chemistry between Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman. The way that they interacted left me unconvinced that they were attracted to each other. I think they didn't match each other to start with anyway.This film could have been much better.
Charmless
posted on 15 Jun 2009BEWITCHED (2005) ** Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Michael Caine, Shirley MacLaine, Jason Schwartzman, Kristin Chenoweth, Heather Burns, Jim Turner, Stephen Colbert, David Alan Grier, Carole Shelley, Steve Carell. Middling big-screen adaptation of the cult classic '60 TV sitcom this time with Kidman as a real witch attempting to shirk her powers to be 'normal' and winds up the co-star of a television revamping of "Bewitched" with Ferrell as a washed up vain film actor that scores some points for a fairly original premise but ultimately is straining no thanks to director Nora Ephron's screenplay adaptation with sis Delia that feels dated and laughless. One note worth is the uncannily channeling of Carrell as Paul Lynde's Uncle Arthur that makes one smile and reminisce what the TV show clearly had : charm.
Nora Ephron lays another noraphronic and highly formulaic egg.
posted on 13 Jun 2009A mediocre comedy. But what else can one expect from Nora Ephron? After all, this is the woman who brought us such classics as "Mixed Nuts", "Sleepy In Seattle", and "You've Got Very Dull E-Mail". She should go back to doing what she does best, which is... er... reading romance novels...? Jabbering with other women about make-up? Playing basketball? There must be SOMETHING this woman does well, but writing and directing she should leave to professionals. Btw, her parents were successful show-biz writers, as well, which at least explains how she got her talentless foot in the door. (Their movies were crap, too. They themselves must have been offspring of further show-biz couples.)"Bewitched" is a comedy (apparently) but with practically no laughs. The premise - the movie being about a remake of the original sitcom - isn't nearly clever enough to make up for major problems with the script. This movie doesn't come anywhere close to the charm or even humour of the likable 60s sitcom. The gags range from almost cute to downright embarrassing to watch (like Kidman hopping with another female character). Even Caine and MacLaine can do nothing to save this turkey.Ferrell tries hard, but he is no Steve Martin, plus the script doesn't do him or anyone else in the cast any favours. Kidman looks prettier than ever. (Finally! After years of facial surgery she at last lives up to her formerly "supposed " beauty; a rare example of cosmetic surgery improving a face). However, while she does look the part, she is on and off, rather unfunny. She is no Goldie Hawn. However, the Worst Actor Award - bad script or not - goes hands down to Jason Schwartzman, or should I say: Jason Coppola Shire, cousin of Nicholas Cage and Sofia Coppola, son of Talia Shire, nephew of Francis Ford Coppola (the godfather of the bunny-speed-multiplying nepotistic Coppola clan) etc. "Schwartzman" is a tiny little (around 5 foot 2) talentless non-charisma geek who would have never even gotten a job as a lamp-post (a very small one) in movies had he not had the Coppola clan pull their considerable weight behind jettisoning his pathetic movie career. But I guess if David Arquette can be a star, anyone can. After all, it's the dawn of the Age of Paris Hilton. Amateurs and morons, an die Macht!In fact, Ferrell's character says "Anyone can be an actor" at one point in the movie. So true. Just like anyone can be a Hollywood writer/director these days.If you want to have a look at my Hollywood Nepotism List, with over 400 entries with photos, contact me by e-mail. Or you can go to http://rateyourmusic.com/~Fedor8 and check out my "TV & Cinema: 150 Worst Cases Of Nepotism" list.
Wonderfully Done
posted on 16 Aug 2009I'm a huge fan of the TV series Bewitched and when I first saw the previews for this movie I was so excited about it and at the same time a little worried about how they would handle it. But I've just seen it and I think it was done wonderfully. You have to remember when you go see this movie that it's not a complete remake. Who could remake the classic TV show? The character Will Ferrell plays, Jack, is a washed up actor looking for a way back into show biz and does this by remaking Bewitched. So right away you know this movie is not entirely about remaking the old TV show. It's about the movie's characters and how they are a part of this new remake. Nicole is wonderful as Isabel who gets cast as Samantha after Jack spies her twitching her nose. If you've seen all of the old TV episodes you will spot a lot of stuff from them in this movie. There are a lot of funny moments, there's romance, and of course, lots of magic. Go see it before you listen to anyone else saying it was a dumb remake because it is absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to own it on DVD.