Amusing and Charming... slightly
Added 9/27/2009
Bewitched / B000ASDFGI
*Spoilers*
Seeing that I am old enough to remember "Bewitched" when it was back-on television, but young enough to remember few-to-none of the details, I'm probably the target audience for this movie. The initial set-up is a little bland - I'm not usually a fan of "meta" movies where the titular subject matter is known in the fantasy world in the same manner that it is in our real world (see also Journey to the Center of the Earth) for the simple reason that the contrivance usually breaks flow.
To elaborate, "Bewitched" the movie takes place in our 'real' world where everyone is aware of the old "Bewitched" television show, and Hollywood is hoping to revive the franchise with new actors, which is at least plausible if not original, obviously. Enter Isabelle (Kidman), who is actually a "real" witch (who now wants to be 'normal'), with a very "Bewitched"-like nose twitch, and a family that is pretty much lifted straight out of the "Bewitched" cast - and now we have a woman who is a witch, pretending to be normal (to live a 'real' life), pretending to be a witch (on television), pretending to be normal(for her 'husband'). Wacky hijinks ensue.
Kidman is charming and Ferrell plays up his usual role of jerk very nicely. And, indeed, the supporting actors bring magic to the film - Caine and Maclaine are particularly apt opposite each other, especially when Maclaine starts subversively sabotaging Caine's dating opportunities. And if the film takes all the old "Bewitched" characters and charm and boils it away in a quick cash-in attempt, it at least does so earnestly - you can feel the actors really *trying* to make their roles work, even as they struggle with the overall ennui in the movie. Which is probably the real problem - "Bewitched" doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. There are some good comedic elements in place, but a lot of that gets abandoned in favor of the burgeoning romance and Isabelle's existential angst. But since we don't really care about Kidman or Ferrell's characters (Isabelle seems something of a ditz; Ferrell's role edges too far into annoyance), it fails as a means to entertain the viewer. In the end, "Bewitched" will displease fans of the original due to the strange and unnecessary liberties it takes, and it will fail to endear itself to newer viewers. Like most "meta" movies, I can't help but think that a more direct approach would have been better - why not have Kidman and Ferrell play Samantha and Darrin rather than having them play people *pretending* to play Samantha and Darrin? It's just too contrived and gimmicky, in my opinion.
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Keep an open mind when you watch it.
Added 8/14/2009
I personaly am a big fan of both Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. They play their characters very well. They could not find better actors for the film. The story line is not bad, but it is not eactly like the show. If you are they type of person who wants to see something that pertains to the show COMPLETELY, then I suggest you don't watch it. Watch it with an open mind, and you may like it. I can promise you will like the actors... maybe not so much the directing...
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Is there lower than 1 star
Added 8/1/2009
Seldom do I watch movies where it is so unbelievably bad that I sit there with my mouth open in disbelief throughout the whole thing. But this is the one. The script is nearly non-existent, the direction is inept, and Kidman and Ferrell overact so badly one hopes both of them stay away from comedy for a very, very long time. While trying to be a sweet romantic comedy, the amount of unfunny improvisation from Ferrell and the over-the top acting make this movie into an amateur night at the community theatre. Ephron was trying to skewer the industry, but misguided attempts at humor and the horrible script makes this movie more of an industry joke than commentary on the industry itself. I'm surprised this movie actually got a theatrical release.
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"Buy The Bewitched TV Series DVD's!
Added 3/30/2009
O.K. here goes...my first ever negative review I have written for Amazon. I have tried and tried to like this movie version of the "Bewitched" tv series, but I can't muster up enough positive response for it. This is a terrible film. I love Nicole Kidman, and Shirley McClaine is wonderful, but this is simply a rip-off of one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. The studio and the producers could have done so much more with this film, but they got lazy and obviously didn't care enough. When I heard they were making "Bewitched" into a full-length feature film I thought they would pretty much follow the script of the original series, where Darren and Samantha meet, fall in love, have Endora interferring in their marriage, and ultimately have baby Tabitha. This wasn't the case. The movie is about a real witch who is going to be cast in a remake of the TV series. I tried to like the film, but simply can't. A borring and rediculous attempt to cash in on the success of a wonderful show. If Elizabeth Montgomery were alive today I am sure she would feel the same way. Save your money and buy the television DVD's of "Bewitched", especially the first two seasons. They come in either black and white or color, but I'd suggest the black and white ones as this is how it was filmed back in 1964. Sorry Sony...you screwed up big time with this mess!!! When I saw sealed copies for this DVD in a bargain bin at Walmart for $1.99 I knew this would never be a classic someday.
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One of the worst films I have ever seen.
Added 3/4/2009
Nicole Kidman: "I'm a witch!"
Will Farrel: "I'm a Clippers fan!"
Devoid of laughs or charm, and a complete waste of all the actors involved. The only bright spot in this enormous cinematic turd was the hilarious cameo performance of Steve Carrel, but even that doesn't make this movie worth watching.
0/5 stars
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