Movie Review: Bewitched

If you didn't grow up watching the TV series, you've probably seen it in re-runs; it's the one with the pretty, blonde witch trying to be a "normal" housewife and, of course doing magic anyway. That was the 1960's version. Fast forward to 2005, add Nicole Kidman and hilarious Will Ferrell and you've got the new version of Bewitched.

Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman) is a modern witch who wants to go "straight" and dump her magic. She wonders if a guy will ever fall for her unless she places a spell on him. She lives in L.A. in a cute little cottage while looking for a mortal career. Her dad, a suave warlock played by Michael Caine, is sure she won't make it without delving into the family's hat of magic tricks.

When Isabel runs into tarnished movie idol Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) at a bookstore, he's sure he's found the right woman to play Samantha to his Darrin in a TV re-make of the beloved "Bewitched" series. 'Why not'? thinks Isabel. Besides, this guy seems interested in her. Not really knowing what she is doing, Isabel lands the role and discovers that Will can be quite the cad as he hogs all the attention and publicity for himself. Can these two find a common ground and fall in love? Can Jack accept that Isabel is a witch in real life? Can she take him off his high horse?

Nicole Kidman is bewitching in this lightweight comedy/romance and she's almost enough to make the film work but not quite. Characters like a movie diva (Shirley MacLaine) playing Samantha's witchy mom Endora (on the TV show within the film) and Nicole's playboy warlock dad (Michael Caine) just kind of flit in and out of the so-called plot with not much to do. A hint at a budding romance between Michael and Shirley's characters is just dropped and never paid off. Uncle Arthur, played by Paul Lynde in the TV show is copied very well by talented Steve Carell but we never understand why he's visiting Will's character, nor who conjured him up and sent him after Will. The film just kind of ends suddenly with everything all peaches and creamy for the witch and her TV/movie-star boyfriend.

But, hey, if you aren't looking for a coherent plot and just like seeing pretty Nicole in pretty outfits and watching wacky Will do his usual thing, you'll get a kick out of this semi-lame tribute to a classic, if dated, TV show. Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson were in my row at the screening I attended and were laughing their heads off, but most often at the insider show-biz references. Hey, they should know.

For a somewhat joyful tribute to a TV classic, 3 out of 5 stars

***

Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.