Bewitched (2005)

Disapointment

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

As someone who never watched the original television series, I can't really compare the modern actors' interpretations of the classic roles. The preview of the movie looked pretty cute, and since I like all the actors involved, I thought I'd give it a shot.Nicole Kidman looks darling with her lightened curly hair (and so does Will Ferrell), but isn't the entire point of Bewitched that Samantha conducts magic by twitching her nose? Shouldn't the casting director, maybe, have cast someone who can actually do that? As darling as Nicole is, she uses her entire face in the famous twitches, and it kind of loses its effect.The beginning of the movie is really cute. Will Ferrell plays an actor who's been cast as Darrin in a television remake of Bewitched. He's a typical actor (self-centered and afraid for his career) so he pushes to cast an unknown as his costar so that he'll always be the focus. And wouldn't you know it, the woman he chooses for Samantha is an honest-to-goodness witch! The first half hour really is darling and funny.The second half hour makes the smile on your face fall a little, but you're hoping for a reprieve, so you keep those smile muscles at the ready. You can relax; they won't be needed anymore. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie falls flat as the plot and romance (which were once completely adorable) take a different direction than you would have wanted at the start. And don't even get me started about Shirley MacLaine's phoned-in performance as Endora. Normally, I absolutely love her and am quick to complement her every performance, but this one makes it clear she wanted nothing to do with Bewitched.

Thinking he can overshadow an unknown actress in the part, an egocentric actor (Will F.) unknowingly gets a witch (Nicole Kidman) cast in an upcoming television remake of the classic show "Bewitched." The film earned Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Screen Couple. The film was also nominated for Worst Director, Worst Actor (Will Ferrell), Worst Screenplay, and Worst Remake or Sequel. The New York Times called the film "an unmitigated disaster".I give them credit for one thing. Rather than just do a remake, you made a movie about making a remake. That is is a bit more clever, and someone deserves recognition for that saving grace. But Will F seems out of place and never lands the jokes as well as he should. Nicole Kidman is good, but a part like this is really beneath her. How such a talented actress ended up both here and in the "Stepford Wives" remake is a real mystery.

Bewitched (2005) was kind of a let down in my personal opinion. This movie is just pretty bland most of the time. Nicole Kidman does actually do a good job as the lead, even though she doesn't have very good material to work with. Also, I really enjoyed Shirley Mclaine in the film, she gave a solid performance. Kristen Chenoweth was refreshing to see as well, and was perfectly cast for her role as the best friend. I wasn't a huge fan of Will Ferrell in this movie, I thought he went kind of over the top at times. The main issue I took with the movie was the lackluster script and the boring dialogue between the characters. This movie's comedy was alright, nothing all that great though. The actor's performances was really the silver lining in this movie, the performances could not save the film, but at least it was something fresh out of this mostly boring film. Also Steve carrel was fun in this movie, even though his appearance was short and sweet. So overall a 5/10 for Bewitched (2005).

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.