Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Nicole Kidman | ... | Isabel Bigelow / Samantha | |
Will Ferrell | ... | Jack Wyatt / Darrin | |
Shirley MacLaine | ... | Iris Smythson / Endora | |
Michael Caine | ... | Nigel Bigelow | |
Jason Schwartzman | ... | Ritchie | |
Kristin Chenoweth | ... | Maria Kelly | |
Heather Burns | ... | Nina | |
Jim Turner | ... | Larry | |
Stephen Colbert | ... | Stu Robison | |
David Alan Grier | ... | Jim Fields | |
Michael Badalucco | ... | Joey Props | |
Carole Shelley | ... | Aunt Clara | |
Steve Carell | ... | Uncle Arthur | |
Katie Finneran | ... | Sheila Wyatt | |
James Lipton | ... | James Lipton |
Out in California's San Fernando Valley, Isabel is trying to reinvent herself. A naïve, good-natured witch, she is determined to disavow her supernatural powers and lead a normal life. At the same time, across town, Jack Wyatt, a tall, charming actor is trying to get his career back on track. He sets his sights on an updated version of the beloved situation comedy Bewitched (1964), re-conceived as a starring vehicle for him in the role of the mere-mortal Darrin. Fate steps in when Jack accidentally runs into Isabel. He is immediately attracted to her and her nose, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the nose of Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha on Bewitched (1964). He becomes convinced she could play Samantha in his new series. Isabel is also taken with Jack, seeing him as the quintessential mortal man with whom she can settle down and lead the normal life she so desires. It turns out they're both right, but in ways neither of them ever imagined. Written by Sujit R. Varma
Actor Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is not happy about getting a job playing Darren on a remake of the '60s show "Bewitched" until he meets Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman), his beautiful co-star who will be playing the role of his witch wife, Samantha. Except that Isabel really is a witch and she's not happy about playing second fiddle to Wyatt.
The plot is decent enough and it's also something different. The film wasn't as good as I thought it would be but it was still mildly enjoyable. Bewitched is really the type of film you see when you're looking for light comedy. It's something that's enjoyable while it lasts but it will be forgotten after viewing it. I can see why a lot of people hated it since it could have been so much more than that.
The acting is nothing special but still decent enough. Nicole Kidman gives a nice performance as Isabel. This isn't her usual type of role but she did a surprisingly good job. Will Ferrell does an okay job. Some of his lines are funny while some of his other jokes fall flat. He also gets annoying towards the end of the film and he is getting annoying overall since he tends to play the same character in every movie. The supporting cast is very good and they help keep the film alive. Shirley MacLaine plays Iris and she gives a funny performance. Jason Schwartzman plays Ferrell's agent and he also gives a funny performance, too bad there isn't much of him though. Michael Caine only gives an okay performance, he looks bored in the role.
The biggest flaw of the film is the direction. This film changes its mind so many times that it's hard to tell what they were trying to accomplish. There is also not a lot of chemistry between the two stars. There is some but not enough to make the film really effective. Nora Ephron has directed some other chick flicks in the past like You've Got Mail, which wasn't so bad. She does an okay job with this film but it's not her best work. Another thing I didn't like about the film was the cameo by Steve Carell as Uncle Arthur. His performance was so annoying and he usually is pretty funny too. In the end, this is strictly a fluff film and it should only be viewed as one. If you're looking for something that will be extremely funny or very deep then look elsewhere. Rating 6/10