Bewitched (2005)

There was a good film somewhere in 'Bewitched'. A potentially clever premise, a good cast on paper (had reservations about Will Ferrell though), having liked some of Nora Ephron's other work like 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'Julie & Julia' and being based on a classic TV show.Sadly, one doesn't see a good film in 'Bewitched' in my opinion. It is not a case of the film not making an effort, there are sporadic moments of quality here but nowhere near enough. If anything, 'Bewitched' is a case of trying too hard, especially in the performance of Ferrell and trying to throw too much in. Is it as bad as critics say? No. There are certainly far worse films out there that don't have sporadic moments of quality and are far more complete messes, whereas 'Bewitched' is more a frustrating missed opportunity.'Bewitched' is not completely awful. The photography, costumes and production design look great and are very colourful. The music has energy and whimsy with some clever song choices with groovy titles.Although good moments are too far and between, they are there. Faring best are Steve Carrell's cameo (the highlight), Isabel and Jack cavorting to the title song and the missing dog monologue. A few of the cast members stand out. Carrell turns his short appearance into comedy gold, so much so that he and his character deserved a better film. Michel Caine and Shirley MacLaine show themselves to be conscientious professionals and have fun, though they did deserve better. Kristin Chenoweth has charm.There are other elements that left me with mixed feelings. Nicole Kidman has some great, delightful moments as Isabel, but there are other times where she looks self-conscious. A far larger part of the problem is the way Isabel is written here, she is stripped of her charm and is reduced to a simpering and indecisive idiot and it gets annoying. The special effects vary, never amateurish but never special, some give off a little magic while others are sloppy.Many elements of 'Bewitched' don't work. The fun, class and charm of the show is lost thanks to the lack of lightness of touch, the scattershot writing and Ephron (showing her most ill-at-ease direction and a complete misunderstanding as to what was so appealing about the show) trying to throw too much into the cauldron, making for one less than magical and overcrowded potion.Ferrell is a big problem here. He overdoes it to the extreme to the point of being too abrasive and irritating, seeming to think that he is in another of his louder, raunchier comedies when the film and role should be much more lightly approached by that meaning he just doesn't fit.Pacing is very stodgy as a result of trying to cram in too many situations and characters, a lot of the former being unresolved or rounded off abruptly and a lot of the latter given short shrift or written poorly. The story is charmless, dull and is as idiotic and brain-deprived as the lead character, also feeling very repetitive. The script has moments but they don't feel enough to save a vast majority of it being embarrassingly weak.Overall, not that bad but less than bewitching and a frustrating missed opportunity that won't put a spell on the viewer. 4/10 Bethany Cox

maybe expectations, maybe the cast or the comparison with the legendary series are causes for the bitter impressions about the film. because only fact who remains after its end is the good intentions. and nothing else. Will Farell is far to be the best choice and Nicole Kidman remains in middle of fight for save the appearances. maybe, not the film is wrong but the idea to do it. because, like in other situations, the desire to do a remake has only childish ambition. sure, the film has a huge potential. but only if it has the right script. in the case of Bewitched, all seems be improvisation or, in few scenes, crumbs of stand up comedy. the charm of the original is definitely lost. the original cast remains so seductive than nothing could be used for replace them in memory. so, only a nice film.

What makes this movie so wonderful and exceptional is that it is not a typical attempt at a remake of a classic hit TV series - in this film, the characters are actors making a "Bewitched" remake! Very clever! Will Farrell plays Jack, an egotistical actor, desperate to have a hit after his latest movies flopped. (Nora and Dela Ephron deserve a ton of credit for this creative storyline - it's the most clever remake of a hit TV show ever!) Shirley MacLaine is hilarious as Endora! Nicole Kidman is wonderful, believably naive and sweet, suddenly thrown into the harsh reality of Hollywood. Steve Carrell as Uncle Arthur is utterly hilarious and one of the greatest highlights of this excellent movie! Carole Shelley as Aunt Clara is a delight! Kristen Chenowith is awesomely funny (and adorable)! Heather Burns is fantastic! Nicole, Kristen, and Heather have a great chemistry as friends and their scenes together are so enjoyable. We love every second of this film! We have seen it about 15 times and always find it fresh, clever, charming, and oh-so-funny! This will always be our favorite Will Ferrell movie and our favorite Nicole Kidman movie. The scene where Isabelle (Nicole) and Jack (Will) are dancing during Steve Lawrence's smooth rendition of the hit song, "Bewitched," is wonderfully romantic and fun. This film should receive more than 10 stars!! P.S. If you are a die-hard classic TV Bewitched fan, watch it with an open mind: Will Farrell is not Darren - he is Jack, an actor hired to play Darren in a "retooled" remake of "Bewitched". Nicole Kidman is Isabelle, a new actress hired to play Samantha. This film pays perfect homage and respect to the original classic TV show. Everyone should be able to enjoy and appreciate this ultra-clever, very funny, very quote-able, often hilarious, endlessly creative, absolutely amazing, surprisingly sincere and romantic, sweet film. (Wish Hollywood could make more funny, sweet, sincere, romantic movies like this!)

This movie was fairly well cast with the notable exception of Will Ferrell as Darrin. Frankly, he was terrible in the role - not at all like Darrin Stephens (either of them).Shirley MacLaine and Michael Cain were made true victims by Will Ferrel's poor performance. It's as if Will Ferrel had never watched a single episode of the show and had only bothered to memorize his lines, rather than make any attempt to understand the character he was portraying.Steve Carell deserves accolades for his performance as Uncle Arthur. But, Shirley MacLaine deserves best supporting actress in this movie for nailing Endora. She could have been just as good as Agnes Moorehead in the original show. Nicole Kidman's performance was less than memorable - and, I imagine she would prefer we forget it, too.The script and plot left much to be desired. I did not care for the film maker's approach to this movie at all. Will Ferrel made this movie a one-timer for me. I will never watch it, again. The fans and the original show were both short-changed by this half-hearted and largely incompetent attempt.