Review of The Witches (1990) by Kyle20Ellis — 28 Mar 2022

I loved Roald Dahl's books as a kid, and I still do. I have also throughly enjoyed the film adaptations especially Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And while I admit I was frightened of it as a kid, I enjoy the Witches now.

While Nicolas Roeg's direction could have done with more subtlety, the film is very well made, with incredible special effects particularly in the scene when the Grand High Witch turns the boy into a mouse.

The script is offbeat and funny,the music is deliciously dark and the film moves quickly. And the acting is excellent, with Jasen Fisher likable as the boy and Mai Zetterling memorable as his granny. Anjelica Huston is superb though as the Grand High Witch, almost unrecognisable she was.

Gene Wilder and Pam Ferris, look out, Anjelica gives you a run for your money. Overall, very dark, perhaps scary but very well done and enjoyable.