Cast
View All
Nicole Kidman
as Isabel Bigelow
Will Ferrell
as Jack Wyatt
Shirley MacLaine
as Iris Smythson / Endora
Michael Caine
as Nigel Bigelow
Jason Schwartzman
as Ritchie
Kristin Chenoweth
as Maria Kelly
Heather Burns
as Nina
Jim Turner
as Larry
Stephen Colbert
as Stu Robison
David Alan Grier
as Jim Fields
Michael Badalucco
as Joey Props
Carole Shelley
as Aunt Clara
Steve Carell
as Uncle Arthur
Katie Finneran
as Sheila Wyatt
James Lipton
as Himself
Crew
Director
- Nora Ephron
Writer
- Nora Ephron
- Delia Ephron
Producer
- Penny Marshall
- Lucy Fisher
- Nora Ephron
- Douglas Wick
Reviews
seking
Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell), a Hollywood star recovering from a couple of box office bombs, is talked into starring in a reboot of the 1964 television series, Bewitched. Desperate to regain his fame, he insists on hiring an unknown actress to play Samantha as not to be overshadowed. When he finds Isabel, she seems perfect for the part. Little does he know, Isabel is a real witch.
I have not seen this movie since watching it in the theaters in 2005, so I didn’t remember much about it. Written and directed by Nora Ephron, there’s a certain amount of expectation when watching it. This is the woman who wrote When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail, after all. Unfortunately, Bewitched doesn’t really live up to those expectations, despite its potential.
Nicole Kidman seems like the obvious choice to replace Elizabeth Montgomery as the witchy Samantha (Isabel). Isabel is looking to put her witchy ways behind her, live a normal life and find love. She seems pretty naïve of the real world but she’s instantly smitten with Jack and agrees to become the Samantha to his Darren. Kidman is wide-eyed and breathy and Will Ferrell is… well, Will Ferrell at the peak of his own comedic career. They work perfectly fine on screen together, but the romantic chemistry is practically non-existent.
Bewitched seems to be missing that Ephron magic that made her previous romantic comedies so enchanting. It could be the miscasting of Will Ferrell, or the overly formulaic plot. It never seems to truly commit to the idea that the love story between Isabel and Jack is the real remake of Bewitched and instead of relies on special effects and some minor, silly spell casting/shenanigans to try and make the movie work. Michael Caine’s talent is completely wasted and Steve Carrell, whom I usually adore, shows up briefly as the obnoxious Uncle Arthur… and he really commits to the obnoxious part.
That being said, there were some parts of the movie that I found to be entertaining. Shirley MacLaine makes the most of her under-developed role as Iris/Endora and some of the sight gags are amusing. As usual, the Ephron soundtrack is full of cozy nostalgia, but it’s just not enough to make Bewitched worthy of its material source. I don’t regret watching it (again), but it’s unlikely I’ll return for another repeated viewing. (https://theromcomcatalog.com/review-bewitched-2005/)
Jul 23, 2022
Andre Gonzales
Not a bad movie. The movie would've sucked if it weren't for Will Ferrell. He made the movie funny and decent.
Apr 26, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Bewitched represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Fantasy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Nora Ephron brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bewitched took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $85.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 2042 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bewitched shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike O Noviço Rebelde, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Bewitched subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Frida and Back to the Goode Life explore similar territory, Bewitched stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 21, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Revenue: $131,426,169
