Soaring budgets have film studios hedging their bets
and taking as few risks as possible. That’s why sequels to major hits
are made; why proven concepts, such as big-screen adaptations of hit TV
shows, receive the green light. Some adaptations (The Fugitive) work well; others (The Beverly Hillbillies and Wild, Wild West) fail miserably.
The latest TV-inspired motion picture, Nora Ephron’s Bewitched, which puts a new spin
on an old premise, falls somewhere in between.
Will Ferrell is Jack Wyatt, a major Hollywood star
whose popularity is waning. In dire need of a hit, the actor reluctantly
agrees to star in an updated version of the TV show Bewitched. Demanding to be the focal
point of the show, Wyatt insists that an unknown actress be hired for the
part of his TV wife, Samantha. After an exhaustive search, he and his
cronies settle on Isabel (Nicole Kidman). What they don’t realize is
that this babe in the Hollywood woods is really a witch who’s turned
her back on her heritage, much to the chagrin of her father, Nigel (Michael
Caine). Thinking that taking the job will help her be more
“human,” Isabel agrees, but, once she realizes that she’s
nothing but Wyatt’s pawn, she decides to show him what a real witch
can do.
There seems to be no end to Kidman’s talent, as
the actress shows here that she can handle light comedy as well as anyone.
Her Samantha is an innocent among wolves, and Kidman is able to pull off
her character’s wide-eyed point of view with nary a hint of
insincerity — a nice balance to the wonderfully funny brand of
narcissism Ferrell brings to Jack. His trademark meltdowns are offset by
Kidman’s cool demeanor.
Fans of television’s Bewitched will be pleased with the
respect Ephron pays the show and should be delighted by the many twists she
includes. This fluffy concoction is hardly memorable — or, for that
matter, worth remembering — but it does provide a pleasant diversion
from the many overwrought summer films now showing.
Also in theaters this week. . .
Batman Begins [PG-13]
The humble beginnings of our favorite caped crusader. The fifth Batman
installment comes with an all-star cast including Michael Caine, Liam
Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Christian Bale as the bat himself. ShowPlace East, Parkway Pointe
Herbie: Fully Loaded [G]
Everyone’s favorite roadster Herbie, the Love Bug is back in action
with Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan) as the new owner of the Volkswagon bug
with a mind of its own. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East
Land of the Dead [R] Zombies have taken over Earth
with the exception of a small walled community that sustained the initial
attack. But, as the zombies begin to evolve, how long can the humans keep
the living dead out? Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace
East
War of the Worlds [PG-13] Working-class Jersey boy Ray
Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is forced to defend his family when aliens threaten
the future of the world. Based on H.G. Wells’ epic story, you can bet
Cruise will be the hero. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East (opens June 29)
This article appears in Jun 23-29, 2005.
