Light, sweet and airy - that description is my three-word opinion on the 2005 version of the classic show "Bewitched". Like a refreshing drink on a hot summer's day, the film provides a dreamy 100-minute escape from reality.
Many critics and regular moviegoers have panned "Bewitched" as a lackluster re-doing of the series, with a bizarre and unnecessary plot. Personally, I thought it was an unexpected and innovative take on the story, particularly in the days of our obsession with all things Hollywood. Nora and Delia Ephron are two of the best romantic comedy writers out there, and their ideas match the original storyline in fun, wit and, above all, imagination, all the while taking it to a new level.
The actors are mostly well cast. Nicole Kidman is brilliant in the leading role. She has proved a long time ago that she can be anyone on screen, playing an unhappily married Victorian woman in "Portrait of a Lady", Virginia Woolf in "The Hours", a turn-of-the-century courtesan in "Moulin Rouge!" and a plethora of other roles. "Bewitched" showcases Kidman's talents as a comedian, showing us a side of her we have rarely seen before. She is radiant in the film, looking like a porcelain doll come to life.
As for the rest of the cast, Will Ferrell was good in his role, although I have never been a fan of his humor and the character was nothing new for him. Michael Caine is the amazing Michael Caine, and Shirley MacLaine is lovable and quirky as Iris Smythson/Endora. Another actor who impressed me was Kristin Chenoweth. Her Maria was a hyper, ultra-Californian blonde, and it was a joy to watch Chenoweth act the nearly cartoonish character with such zest.
I would recommend "Bewitched" to anyone who wants some sunshine on their rainy day.
7/10
Many critics and regular moviegoers have panned "Bewitched" as a lackluster re-doing of the series, with a bizarre and unnecessary plot. Personally, I thought it was an unexpected and innovative take on the story, particularly in the days of our obsession with all things Hollywood. Nora and Delia Ephron are two of the best romantic comedy writers out there, and their ideas match the original storyline in fun, wit and, above all, imagination, all the while taking it to a new level.
The actors are mostly well cast. Nicole Kidman is brilliant in the leading role. She has proved a long time ago that she can be anyone on screen, playing an unhappily married Victorian woman in "Portrait of a Lady", Virginia Woolf in "The Hours", a turn-of-the-century courtesan in "Moulin Rouge!" and a plethora of other roles. "Bewitched" showcases Kidman's talents as a comedian, showing us a side of her we have rarely seen before. She is radiant in the film, looking like a porcelain doll come to life.
As for the rest of the cast, Will Ferrell was good in his role, although I have never been a fan of his humor and the character was nothing new for him. Michael Caine is the amazing Michael Caine, and Shirley MacLaine is lovable and quirky as Iris Smythson/Endora. Another actor who impressed me was Kristin Chenoweth. Her Maria was a hyper, ultra-Californian blonde, and it was a joy to watch Chenoweth act the nearly cartoonish character with such zest.
I would recommend "Bewitched" to anyone who wants some sunshine on their rainy day.
7/10