Rated PG-13 for language
Starring Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine,
Directed by Nora Ephron
The Story:
Jack Wyatt (Ferrell) is on the ropes with his movie career. He's had a few bombs, so he is hoping that a trip to the small screen in a remake of the beloved 60s sitcom Bewitched will be just the ticket. But Jack wants to make sure he's the star, so the plan is to find an unknown to play Samantha and that way Darrin can be the focus of the show. When he meets Isabel (Kidman), Jack realizes that she is perfect. He's smitten, and she's cast. However, what Jack doesn't know is that Isabel really is a witch, and she's got some ideas of her own.
So where did this one go off the rails?
Nearing the 10th anniversary of this film, and I gave it a spin again recently.
It was still cute.
No, it's nothing to set the world on fire or change cinema forever...
But come on, it wasn't that bad.
Perhaps it had a built-in hatred from audiences even before it was released?
After all, people complain about the bankruptcy of Hollywood ideas and the constant recycling and remaking of old properties.
Then you advertise that you are remaking Bewitched, and audiences hated it on principle alone.
Of course, it arrives with a twist, it's a remake within a movie, so it's very clever in NOT being a remake.
Add to that the clever notion that Isabel and her family are witches, and it should have been enough to appease the haters, but it failed.
Why? Hard to say.
Ephron gave it her best as writer and director, and the cast is first-rate.
Kidman gives a spunky, humorous performance as Isabel/Samantha. Even down to the nose twitch, she plays the part well.
Ferrell plays the ego-centric but mostly harmless Jack with his usual goofy, everyman charm.
MacLaine vamps it up as an aging Hollywood diva and Michael Caine plays pretty much himself.
Don't forget the delightful cameo by Steve Carell channeling his best Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur, and this was a movie that should've been better than it was.
It should've been better received and remembered.
Final Grade: C+/B- Range
Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: It's cute..it's sweet..it's harmless. Perfect movie to watch on a slow night.
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