Prepare to be spellbound! Get ready for a wild ride filled with mischievous mice, a truly terrifying Grand High Witch, and a whole lot of bubbling potions. My The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft dives into Robert Zemeckis' adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic tale. Is it a faithful adaptation? Does it capture the darkly humorous spirit of the book? Is it scary enough for kids, or will it leave them hiding behind the sofa? We'll explore all this and more! (Is 'The Witches (2020)' a bewitching success or a magical misfire? My review explores the spooky fun and delves into whether it captures the spirit of Roald Dahl's classic.)
This remake takes the story to 1960s Alabama, introducing us to a young boy (Jahzir Bruno) who goes to live with his grandmother (Octavia Spencer) after a tragic accident. She's a cool grandma – sassy, wise, and knows how to handle a witch or two (or a coven!). But when they encounter a group of suspiciously strange women at a fancy hotel, they soon realize they've stumbled upon something much more sinister than a ladies' convention. Anne Hathaway chews the scenery as the Grand High Witch, delivering a performance that's equal parts hilarious and horrifying. The movie throws in plenty of CGI, maybe even a bit too much for some folks' liking, but it does attempt to make the witches genuinely creepy. It touches upon themes of grief, family, and finding strength in the face of adversity, all wrapped up in a spooky package.
So, who exactly is this movie for? Well, it’s geared towards a younger audience, but it's not afraid to get a little dark. If you're a die-hard fan of the original book or the 1990 film, be prepared for some changes. This version amps up the visual effects and leans into the comedic aspects, making it a different experience overall. Families looking for a Halloween-themed movie night might find this entertaining, but parents should be aware that some scenes could be too intense for very young children. It’s a mixed bag, for sure, and whether you enjoy it will likely depend on your expectations going in.
Ultimately, The Witches (2020) offers a modern take on a beloved story, with mixed results. While Anne Hathaway's performance is undeniably captivating and Octavia Spencer provides a warm, grounding presence, the over-reliance on CGI and some narrative departures may disappoint purists. Despite its flaws, the film delivers moments of genuine spookiness and fun, making it a potentially enjoyable watch for families seeking a lighthearted Halloween adventure. This The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft highlights both the movie's strengths and weaknesses, leaving you to decide if it's worth casting a spell on your viewing schedule.
A Spellbinding Cast: Who's Who in The Witches (2020)?
The cast really makes or breaks a movie, right? Let’s take a look at who’s bringing these characters to life:
Jahzir Bruno as Hero Boy
This young actor plays the main character, the boy who gets turned into a mouse. He does a pretty good job portraying the fear and determination of a kid facing some seriously scary stuff. It’s a demanding role, requiring him to be both vulnerable and brave.
Octavia Spencer as Grandma
Octavia Spencer is, well, Octavia Spencer. She's amazing in everything she does. Here, she brings warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of sass to the role of the grandma. She’s the heart of the movie, providing comfort and protection to her grandson while also being a formidable witch hunter. Her performance is definitely one of the highlights.
Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch
Now, let's talk about Anne Hathaway. She goes ALL OUT as the Grand High Witch. We're talking a ridiculously over-the-top accent, exaggerated movements, and a seriously menacing presence. Some people might find her performance too campy, but I think it's perfectly suited for the tone of the movie. She's clearly having a blast, and that energy is infectious. She is what make The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft interesting.
Stanley Tucci as Mr. Stringer
Stanley Tucci is always a welcome addition to any movie. He plays Mr. Stringer, the manager of the hotel where the witches hold their convention. He brings his usual charm and wit to the role, even though he doesn't have a ton of screen time.
How Does it Compare to the Original?
Ah, the big question! Let’s dive into that, shall we? Comparing the 2020 The Witches to both the book and the 1990 film is like comparing apples, oranges, and…well, maybe some slightly rotten fruit. Each has its own distinct flavor, but some are definitely fresher than others.
The Book vs. The 2020 Movie
Setting: The book is set in England and Norway, while the 2020 movie moves the action to 1960s Alabama. This change is significant, adding a layer of racial dynamics that wasn't present in the original story. Tone: Roald Dahl's book is darkly humorous and genuinely scary. The 2020 movie leans more heavily into the comedic aspects, sometimes at the expense of the horror. Visuals: The book relies on your imagination to conjure up the witches' horrifying appearances. The movie, of course, uses CGI, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Some viewers might find the CGI witches genuinely creepy, while others might find them cartoonish. Ending: The ending of the book is quite bleak, with the boy remaining a mouse for the rest of his life. The 1990 film softened this ending, and the 2020 movie goes even further, giving the boy and his grandmother a much happier resolution. Character Portrayals: The book’s portrayal of witches is more subtle, relying on their actions and descriptions to build suspense. The movie's witches, particularly the Grand High Witch, are much more outwardly grotesque and theatrical.
The 1990 Film vs. The 2020 Movie
Practical Effects vs. CGI: The 1990 film relied heavily on practical effects, which, while dated by today's standards, have a certain charm and realism that CGI often lacks. The 2020 movie is almost entirely CGI-driven. Anjelica Huston vs. Anne Hathaway: Anjelica Huston's portrayal of the Grand High Witch in the 1990 film is iconic. She's terrifyingly elegant and understated. Anne Hathaway's performance is much more flamboyant and over-the-top. It really comes down to personal preference which you enjoy more. Faithfulness to the Source Material: The 1990 film is generally considered to be more faithful to the book, both in terms of plot and tone. The 2020 movie takes more liberties with the story, adding new elements and changing existing ones.
The CGI Conundrum: Too Much or Just Right?
Okay, let's talk about the elephant (or should I say, the mouse?) in the room: the CGI. The 2020 The Witches is packed with computer-generated imagery, and opinions on its effectiveness are definitely divided.
The Good
Visual Spectacle: The CGI allows the filmmakers to create some truly fantastical and visually impressive scenes. The witches' transformations, the mouse characters, and the bubbling potions all look pretty slick. Modern Appeal: Some argue that the CGI helps to modernize the story and make it more appealing to a contemporary audience accustomed to high-tech visuals.
The Bad
Uncanny Valley: For some viewers, the CGI falls into the "uncanny valley," where the characters look almost real but not quite, creating a sense of unease and artificiality. Overuse: Many critics feel that the movie relies too heavily on CGI, to the detriment of practical effects and character development. The over-the-top visuals can sometimes distract from the story and the performances. Dated Look: Ironically, some CGI can age quickly. What looks cutting-edge today might look cheesy in a few years. Practical effects, on the other hand, often have a timeless quality.
The Verdict
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the CGI in The Witches (2020) is a matter of personal taste. Some viewers will appreciate the visual spectacle, while others will find it distracting and artificial. There's no right or wrong answer.
Spooky or Silly? Rating the Scare Factor
How scary is The Witches (2020) ? Well, that depends on your tolerance for creepy critters and villainous vixens.
For Younger Viewers
If you're watching with younger kids, be aware that some scenes might be a bit too intense. The witches' transformations, particularly the Grand High Witch's unmasking, are definitely designed to be unsettling. The scenes with the mice could also be scary for some children. It might be wise to screen it beforehand or watch it with the lights on, especially when you do The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft .
For Older Kids and Adults
Older kids and adults are less likely to be truly frightened by the movie. While there are some creepy moments, the overall tone is more comedic than terrifying. The movie relies more on jump scares and grotesque visuals than on psychological horror.
Overall
The Witches (2020) is more of a spooky-fun movie than a genuinely scary one. It's a good choice for families looking for a Halloween-themed film that won't give them nightmares. But if you're looking for a truly terrifying witch movie, you might want to look elsewhere.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Alright, let's tackle some of those frequently asked questions about The Witches (2020) . I'm seeing a lot of chatter online, so let's clear things up!
About the Story and Characters
Is the movie a faithful adaptation of the book?
Not entirely. While it follows the basic plot, there are some significant changes, including the setting, the ending, and the overall tone.
How does Anne Hathaway's portrayal of the Grand High Witch compare to Anjelica Huston's?
They're very different. Anjelica Huston's Grand High Witch is elegant and understated, while Anne Hathaway's is flamboyant and over-the-top. It's a matter of personal preference which you prefer.
What are the main themes of the movie?
The themes include grief, family, finding strength in the face of adversity, and the importance of believing in yourself.
About the Production
Where was the movie filmed?
The movie was filmed in various locations, including Georgia, Alabama, and England.
Who directed the movie?
Robert Zemeckis, the director of Back to the Future and Forrest Gump , directed The Witches (2020) .
Is there a sequel planned?
There are currently no plans for a sequel.
About the Controversy
Why was the movie criticized for its portrayal of limb differences?
Some disability advocates criticized the movie for depicting the witches with hand deformities that resembled limb differences, arguing that this could perpetuate negative stereotypes.
How did the filmmakers respond to the criticism?
Warner Bros. issued a statement expressing regret for any offense caused and stating that they were working with disability organizations to address the issue. It is important when you do The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft to take into consideration the public response.
Conclusion: A Witchy Brew Worth Sipping?
So, is The Witches (2020) worth your time? It's a mixed bag, that's for sure. If you're a die-hard fan of the original book or the 1990 film, you might be disappointed by the changes. But if you're looking for a lighthearted, spooky-fun movie to watch with the family, you might find something to enjoy. Anne Hathaway's over-the-top performance is definitely a highlight, and Octavia Spencer provides a warm and grounding presence. Just be prepared for a heavy dose of CGI and some narrative departures. This The Witches (2020) Movie Review - A Spooky and Fun Tale of Witchcraft hopes it has given you all the information you need to decide if this is the movie for you! So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a witchy adventure!