Movie Review: Bewitched

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Original reworking of a classic sit-com.

Cons: Formulaic romantic comedy plot

The Bottom Line:

A TV remake

And romantic comedy

Enjoyable film

Magical Romantic Comedy

Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) has hit a career snag. His last couple of movies have flopped at the box office and he desperately needs a hit. The answer comes from a surprising place, a TV remake of the classic sit-com Bewitched. Initially reluctant, he gets talked into it. But he’ll do it only if his co-star is a complete unknown.

Enter Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman). She's just moved to LA and is in need of a job to pay for the house she's renting. As chance would have it, the two meet one day at a bookstore, where Jack spies Isabel twitching her nose unconsciously. He's immediately struck with her ability to recreate the original show's signature move, and talks her into being his co-star.

There's just one thing Jack doesn't know. Isabel is a real witch trying to give up her magic. As his ego continues to run the production, she feels compelled to do little things to keep him in check. Or big things if the need is called for. And the two co-stars seem to be actually falling for each other as well.

Unlike many of the straight remakes being done today, this one offers a cleaver twist, the remake within a remake. This alone gives the movie an edge above many similar movies coming out every year. And it really does need that edge.

For the most part, the movie is a simple romantic comedy. The plot complications may take on a different nature, but they aren't too different from the normal boy meets girl, they fight, they make up and live happily after ever storyline. As always, it's how the movie carries it out that makes the difference. This one entertains with lots of magic jokes and references to the original series. We get to see lots of the original pilot remade, which is fun. There are also a couple cameos by characters from the original series, even if played by different actors.

All the actors do a fine job with their rolls. Nicole Kidman is great as Isabel, an innocent trying to do without her magic. I'm not normally a Will Ferrell fan, but his many personality changes as Jack were great to watch. Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine are outstanding in their supporting rolls. And I must mention how much fun it was to see Kristin Chenoweth on the big screen as well.

As is usual these days, the movie has been released in a special edition. The movie is presented in wide screen and full surround. Extras include the usual deleted scenes, director commentary, and outtakes.

A masterpiece? No. But Bewitched is worth watching for an entertaining hour and a half or so. Just sit back and enjoy the magic.