“Bewitched” is back, only it is much different the second time around.
Directed and produced by Nora Ephron, “Bewitched” uses the classic television show that aired from 1964-1972 as the premise but incorporates a Hollywood spin.
The movie takes place in California’s San Fernando Valley in present day with Nicole Kidman as Isabel Bigelow, a good witch who wants to be a normal human being.
Jack Wyatt, played by Will Ferrell, is a failing actor attempting to get his career back on track. Wyatt agrees to play Darrin in an updated version of the classic television sitcom “Bewitched.” However, Wyatt insists that the sitcom focus solely on his character and that any co-stars are no-name actors. Bigelow steps in as the unknown playing Samantha.
Adding to the all-star cast is veteran actress Shirley MacLaine who plays Iris Smythson, the unknown actress who receives the part of Endora, Samantha’s mother. Michael Caine also appears throughout the movie as Bigelow’s real-life father who objects to her notion of life without magic.
Kidman and Ferrell do an excellent job playing off of one another in this remake. Kidman is the star of the film, excellently portraying Bigelow as a naïve, good-natured witch struggling to break her old habits. Ferrell’s comedic background also provides laughs in several scenes.
“Bewitched” combines romance along with comedy to create an extraordinary film. Ephron, who wrote the screenplays for films such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail,” shows that she has not lost her romantic comedy touch with this movie.
The soundtrack to “Bewitched” is worth looking into with bands including Talking Heads, R.E.M. and The Police.
Bewitched hits the box office nationwide this Friday.
