Bewitched

      Classic TV shows are my favorite kind of shows to binge on. Andy Griffith, Dobie Gillis, Family Ties, and Dick van Dyke. Of all the ones I mentioned, the one I like best is the original Bewitched from the 60s. In 2005, a movie remake of Bewitched was released starring Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge! and Eyes Wide Shut) and Will Ferrell (SNL and Elf). It's loosely based on the beloved TV classic we all know.
      Isabel Bigelow (Kidman)  is a modern witch who just moved in to California. She has an objective to live a normal life (kind of like Samantha in the original show). Meanwhile, an egocentric movie star, Jack Wyatt (Ferrell), is having some trouble in his career. Most of his movies bombed miserably. So, Jack tries to revive his former prestige by playing Darrin in a reboot of Bewitched. Jack suggested to cast an unknown to play the part of Samantha. After some bad auditions, Jack runs into Isabel. He is immediately attracted to her for the fact that she bears a resemblance to Elizabeth Montgomery, the original Samantha.   Jack becomes convinced that Isabel can play the new Samantha in his remake. It was fun filming the show until Isabel learns about Jack's real intention. But there's another problem, Isabel is also in love with Jack and she can't decide whether or not she should tell him the truth about her being a witch.
    I can tell that they were trying to make a memorable movie out of a TV classic, but they didn't do a great job. The reason why I watched this movie in the first place was because Nicole Kidman was in it, and she's my favorite actress. Nicole Kidman's performance was good, but Will Ferrell's performance was too much! Literally. Near the end, Steve Carell (The Office and Despicable Me) plays Paul Lynde's character, Uncle Arthur. He does somewhat of a good job, but I think he was trying a bit too hard. If I were to change this movie, I would find someone else to play Will Ferrell's character. Someone like Jimmy Fallon or Dax Shepard. Although there were some laughs in the movie, I have to give this movie a thumbs down. (Sorry Nicole!)

DID YOU KNOW?: Broomsticks were sent out to movie theaters to help promote the movie. Before Nicole Kidman was cast, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston (Friends), Uma Thurman, and Teri Hatcher (Coraline) were considered for the lead character. Mike Myers (Wayne's World, Austin Powers and Shrek) was another consideration for the movie. 

PARENTS GUIDE: There's some references to sex every here and there. Major profanity is included in the film. Not much violence to be concerned about. This movie is rated PG-13.