Review of Bewitched (1981) by Christina H — 08 Apr 2011

This isn't an adaptation, but a deconstruction of the show itself. That's bullshit because why even call the film 'Bewitched' when it doesn't have the same elements of the show itself.

This is only about two characters: Isabel who is a real witch and Jack the ego maniacal actor. They fall in love through the process of a reboot of the show 'Bewitched'. However, Isabel hasn't told Jack that she's a real witch. The only real dilemma of the film is her having to tell him she's a witch. Everything is so loose and filled with shallow situations that it overshadows any real moment where you can like the characters.

Kidman is alright. She brings a cute quality, but Will Ferrell seems to be trying too hard. He almost fills up every scene. I suppose they thought if giving Will more screen time would improve the film itself by having him say random one-liners. He almost gets a tad irritating and makes Kidman seem 2nd rate as she tries to catch up with him in his performance. It was weird.

More has to be blamed for Nora Ephron and her sister Delia for writing a screenplay that is both foolishly slapdash and inappropriate for fans of the series. What you may expect seeing a film called 'Bewitched' isn't anything that really deals with the characters Darrin and Samantha, but about Isabel and Jack. It's so fucking strange and reminds me of Madea Goes to Jail. That film wasn't really about Madea going to Jail, but about two other characters: Candy and Joshua.

So don't waste your time on this film. If you want to watch the real 'Bewitched' than stick with the show because that's about as close as you'll ever get (unless they do another film version of it where the characters Samantha and Darrin are the actual characters and not about two people playing those characters. So stupid.).