Bewitched

[dissention]

I came across this review and figured I'd post it since Pip is a Bewitched buff and I know a few people want to see it (mainly Krista and myself ).

http://www.nypost.com/avantgo/avantgossip/48027.htm

MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT and romance in film have been a plot device for decades, from René Clair's "I Married a Witch" through "Bell, Book and Candle," "The Witches of Eastwick" and"Prelude To a Kiss." So it is no surprise that the wise and witty director/writer Nora Ephron and screenwriter sister Delia would bring forth a witchy comedy for our century — "Bewitched."

The movie is about the remaking of the Elizabeth Montgomery TV series. (And Montgomery is paid homage throughout.) But in this fantasy-fiction, instead of finding an actress to play Samantha, the producers inadvertently find a real-life witch, Nicole Kidman who wants to be "normal." And she wants a mortal man to "need" her.

So far so good. And I think Nicole may actually be a witch! The 38-year-old star appears to be about 19 or 20 here. She has somehow, gone back in time, showing us her most vibrant, appealing and adorable self. (A less deadly version of her "To Die For" character!) In fact, people who long for the original Meg Ryan will find themselves very satisfied with Nicole in this charming film.

"Bewitched" looks great. It shines and sparkles. Hollywoodland has never looked better. It also has quite a few divine moments of romance and humor. But there's a problem. It has hitched its wagon to so many little plots that it sometimes confuses.

But there are many plusses in "Bewitched," as when Michael Caine as Nicole's father is on the screen. Conjuring an umbrella when it rains or speaking to his wayward daughter from a can of veggies as the Jolly Green Giant, he is perfect. (Mr. Caine is another advertisement for a rich later life where one looks soooo attractive that age doesn't matter!)

I assume that Will Ferrell, the leading man of "Bewitched," is supposed to be acting like a total screw-up and jerk from the very beginning. But he overplays his hand. He is so unappealing as the failed movie star turned to self-serving TV actor that when he melts into Mr. Perfect by falling in love with Nicole, it's too late. Ferrell is a talented guy, but he needs to calm down, slow down and underplay occasionally. (This was true also in his recent unwatchable kids movie "Kicking & Screaming.")

Still, the presence of Kidman, Caine, Shirley MacLaine, Carole Shelley, Kristin Chenoweth and one of the best soundtracks in ages makes "Bewitched" incredible fun. (The music is right up there with the priceless "Sleepless in Seattle.") Kidman can't make a wrong step — what an actress! I shudder to think of another star in this role or the fate of this movie without her. And wait a minute, in spite of my few reservations, "Bewitched" has to be a big red-hot hit for Sony!