Bewitched Review

A semi sequel to the cult sixties TV series which is still popular today, Bewitched is a comedy about a feal life witch who decides to give up being a witch, and who attempts to live a normal life, and not use her powers. The film is not a direct sequel or continuation of the TV series, despite having plot similarities with the series, the film is set in a world in which the series exists, and is referenced multiple times, the main character is an actress who is acting in a revival of the series.

Overall i like the premise of the film, i think it is smart, tongue in cheek and pleasantly self referential, and i like the fact that the plot concept is significantly updated from the series. This is for a good reason, the series was set in the sixties and seventies, when being a housewife was the norm, and the film significantly modernizes this concept, with Samantha becoming a single working woman, whilst retaining the overall essence of the series, with the main character trying to hide her 'gift'.

Nicole Kidman stars as the Isabel Bigelow, a witch who attempts to become normal, and the performance is refreshing and comedic, a departure from Kidman's usual dramatic performances. Will Ferrell stars as Jack Wyatt, and arrogant actor. Here the casting is problematic, i have never been a huge fan of Ferrell, and here he plays a failing, has-been, irritating actor, and the film from then on becomes an uncomfortable metaphor, with the characters history mirroring that of Ferrell himself, with the actors once promising future now, unfortunately, in the gutter. Good time for an anchorman revival anyone?The plot of the film starts of being engaging and sweet, whilst quickly going downhill into a mess of silliness and typical overacting. The pairing of Kidman and Ferrell is also slightly odd, with the two lacking any real chemistry.

Overall the film despite having an interesting concept and an engaging performance from its leading lady, slowly tumbles down to its messy messy demise in a cacophony of silliness and slapstick which do little to improve the chemistry of its on screen couple, or the films convoluted plot, in other words, a disappointment. Rating: C