That Magical Feeling
Bewitched
Review Review by Ross Anthony

Great open, really great first act, far into the second act this is a strong production. It's light and airy, fun at every turn. Unfortunately, it slips a bit during the last third.

The film chooses an interesting way to remake the old TV series "Bewitched." They decide to make a movie about the revival of the series (a film within a film). Will Ferrell plays Jack, a vain actor who is to play "Darrin" on the TV series, he stumbles into Izabel (Kidman) who not surprisingly (because she is a witch) would be perfect for the part of Samantha for his show. Anyway, since Jack insisted on an "unknown" in the story, I thought it would be appropriate to cast an unknown for the film. Nevertheless, the casting of Kidman for this part proves a good choice. She's charming, likable, and at certain angles, reminds old fans of Elizabeth Montgomery. (That said, Reese Witherspoon would have nailed the part.)

Ferrell, is a risk. He's certainly very very funny, but when a film depends on him to work "his magic" that's when things get dicey. Fortunately, "Bewitched" is backed by a good strong script. The film doesn't depend on him to be funny ... but he fills the role and adds strong accents of humor. Well done. The big surprise for me is Steve Carell. Steve garnished the biggest laughs from Ferrell's "Anchorman," I expected him to explode here. But his brief appearance as Uncle Arthur near the end, is just barely mediocre. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to his new movie "40-year Old Virgin." He's busted my gut before; I'm not losing faith.

So in sum, the film has a great deal going for it, strong writing, acting, direction and an interesting spin, but struggles to tie itself together -- doesn't end strong. The very last gag before the screen goes black is sort of telltale in its lack of luster. Still I'd have given it an A- overall, because I enjoyed the first half+ so much. But I'm dropping to a B+ because of noisy product placement.


  • Bewitched. Copyright © 2005.
  • Starring Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell,Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine.
  • Directed by Nora Ephron.
  • Screenplay by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron.
  • Produced by Douglas Wick Lucy Fisher, Penny Marshall, Nora Ephron at Columbia.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:19:02 PDT