BEWITCHED

Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman bring Darren and Samantha to the small and big screen in Nora Ephron’s BEWITCHED. Ferrell is Jack Wyatt, a former movie star who is attempting to revive his career on television as Darren in a remake of the popular 60’s television series “Bewitched”. Jack is the star of the show, and to ensure that he remains the show’s focus, he informs the show’s producer’s that he will cast an unknown in the role of Samantha. Enter Isabel, played by Kidman, who is not only an unknown, but she’s not even an actress. She does have experience as witch though.

Thanks to a clever spin on a remake, and the charm of its two stars, BEWITCHED casts a spell of humor and romance that is hard to deny. The Ephron sisters, Nora and Delia, construct a creative screenplay that allows the film to play off the original, while still maintaining an identity of its own. Jack and Isabel are great examples, as Ferrell and Kidman are allowed to create one-of-a-kind personalities, while still portraying the original characters of Darren and Samantha. Kidman’s performance is a pleasant change of pace from her recent darker roles, while Ferrell proves ELF was no fluke as a leading man. It’s a joy to watch Ferrell when he’s on top of his game, and when he has a competent director to funnel his energy. Despite a slow beginning and a tame finish, BEWITCHED has a lot of fun in between.

Grade: B-