Story: Based on Roald Dahl's 1983 classic book 'The Witches', the story tells the scary, funny, and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real life witches!
I'll admit I felt a bit skeptical when I first read about Zemeckis reimagining of The Witches because the first one is just iconic (especially the scene where Anjelica Houston takes off her human mask revealing a grotesque form) and if there's one thing I've learned from watching so many movies is that lately remakes just suck (looking at you Disney). The trailers for this didn't help create much excitement showing crappy CGI that made Stuart Little look realistic. Now that I've seen the final product I gotta say this left me quite impressed. I think this captures the magic of the original movie so well (I've never read the book by Roald Dahl, to be honest).
What I enjoyed:
Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries) steals the show with a wild performance which looks like she had a blast on set. I've never seen her this wild and over-the-top but she's a delight to watch and gives The Witches proper energy.
Octavia Spencer is just as memorable and charismatic as the Grandma with a kind heart.
The relationship between Grandma and Hero Boy is well made and the heart of the story.
The way the story is told, although quite similar to the 1990 version, still manages to be its own universe.
I found the snake-like design of The Witches quite creepy.
Tonally, this new adaptation is lighter than the first one but there's still a couple of intense moments for a children's movie.
The characters are all well developed and their relationships feel genuine as well as their performances. All the kids do a great job, especially Jahzir Bruno (The Oath).
The music by Alan Silvestri is beautiful. Really gave me a feeling of the classics like The Goonies, E.T., and all those wonderful adventure movies from such an era.
What I disliked:
Without a doubt the crappy VFX. Everything from the mice, the cat, and the characters turning into animals took me out of the story a bit because they look so fake and cartoonish (I wonder if that was the goal?). Like I stated before, the CGI is no better than Stuart Little or Cats & Dogs looked back in the early '00s. I get practical effects take time and money but look at how well the 90s adaptation has aged. This new one won't look good 5 years from now. If anything this is my biggest complaint.
Chris Rock (Head Of State) as the narrator is annoying as hell. I can't take him seriously.
Stanley Tucci's (The Devil Wears Prada) talents are wasted in a nothing role that's mostly there for comedic relief.
I'm thinking this adaptation had no right to be so good. I honestly won't say this is better or worse than the 90's adaptation as both have their sparks. The Witches delivers a fun ride for adults and children alike. A gateway to horror for a new generation. If anything see this for Anne Hathaway's performance alone.
Watch the trailer:
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