Barnes & Noble

Not just a remake of the classic TV sitcom, this ambitious and generally amusing spin-off uses the same basic premise while adding meta-spin on things. It begins with fading movie star Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) reluctantly accepting the role of Darrin in an updated version of the ‘60s TV show. Along with his somewhat oily agent (Jason Schwartzman), Jack attempts to turn the project into a showcase for himself and therefore insists on casting a total unknown as Samantha. Enter Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman), a real-life witch who’d love nothing better than to leave her past and powers behind, much to the chagrin of her suave, sarcastic father (Michael Caine). The impossibility of doing so animates much of the plot, during the course of which Isabel rather improbably falls for the egotistical, too-clever-by-half actor. Kidman makes a charming witch and a perfect foil for Ferrell, whose improvisational antics steal the show (and continue to get laughs with alternate takes played over the end credits). The script, written by director Nora Ephron with her sister Delia, is a bit uneven and offers more opportunities for Ferrell than for Kidman. But it gives some pungent lines to supporting players Caine and Shirley MacLaine, who’s a hoot as the superannuated spell caster hired to play Endora. Best of all may be Steve Carell, who channels Paul Lynne and plays it to the hilt as Uncle Arthur. One can’t help but feel that Ephron and company failed to realize the concept’s full potential, but on the whole Bewitched works wonderfully well as a comedic showcase for its personable stars. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Nora Ephron directed and co-wrote this updated adaptation of a classic situation comedy that also casts a satirical eye on the entertainment industry. Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is a movie star whose career has been going into a slow and steady decline. Desperate for a project that will give his reputation a jump start, Jack agrees to star in a film version of the once-popular television series Bewitched as hapless hubby Darrin Stephens, under the condition that an unknown actress be cast as the female lead so he won't be upstaged. After auditioning dozens of women who fail to make the grade, Jack meets lovely and charming Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman), and is immediately certain she's the perfect choice to play witch-turned-housewife Samantha. However, there's one thing neither Jack nor the producers of the film know -- Isabel really is a witch, and while she's been trying to get along without her powers to better fit in among mortals, she will use her special talents when need be. The film also stars Michael Caine as Isabel's father, Nigel, Shirley MacLaine as Iris Smythson (the actress hired to play Endora), and Jason Schwartzman as Jack's agent. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 043396102101
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Time: 1:42:00
• Sales Rank: 10,696

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Hitch / Bewitched (2005)

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