The Good Witch

Movie Review 8

A town full of problems and prejudice. 

Luckily a good headstrong witch named Cassandra is ready to tackle these woes.  

So it's not ABC Family but it's Hallmark Channel so it's just as light and warming and far from scary. As the holidays near I figured a movie as suiting as this, The Good Witch would be a nice watch. This made for TV movie starts off a soft tint and slow music as it shows an array of eye catching items that witch would probably use for line of work. The credits roll and the movie officially begins as Jake Russell (Chris Potter) a local cop gets startled as a cat hops onto the hood of his truck. The cat scurries off into an alley in which Jake follows. The cat leads him to an older fellow named Walter who's sleeping under a tree. It seems he knows Walter and the predicament he's in. Jake helps Walter up into his truck away from the cold.

As Jake returns home the pressures of family life come barging in as his daughter Lori (Hannah Endicott-Douglas) is constantly having nightmares and his son Brandon (Matthew Knight) is having some rebellious issues of his own. Later we see Martha, a well to do lady, who walks by and sees Walter wondering down another alley. This upsets the lady as she storms into the police station having a word or two about Walter's appearance. She also continues on stating about a rumor of someone “occupying Grey House.”

Jake and busy body Martha go by to the Grey House and walk on in. The house looks very dusty and but occupied. The same black cat runs by startling both Jake and Martha. The light switch turns on as a beautiful woman walks down the stairs. She introduces her self as Cassandra Nightingale and is somehow not upset by the trespassing. They verify that she is the new owner of the house. Martha expects her to fix her new home up but Cassandra disagrees and thinks the house has character. This offends Martha as she walks out angrily. Later Brandon and Lori are walking home from school they get chased by the local dog and run into the premises of Grey House. They both run in and Lori falls scraping her knee at the same moment the dog runs in through the gate as they forget to close it behind them. Cassandra who is somehow just standing there sees the situation and with just a glare calms the barking dog. (Finally MAGIC!) The dog sits quietly as she walks up and talks to him and scolds him for scaring the children. Lori and Brandon are amazed and confused. Cassandra introduces herself as Cassie as she notices Lori is got a pretty bad scrape on her
knees.

Had to take a Screen Shot, sorry for the quality.

Cassie brings the children into the house which is a bit cleaner and actually quite homely during the daytime. She leads them toward her kitchen where it's obviously her favorite room in the house as it's well decorated and probably something you'd expect to see in witches kitchen. Cassie has a way with children and puts some healing herbs on her wound and places a band-aid with a kiss. She offers the children some Gingerbread and gets up to get her trey. Though by then it's too late Brandon sees the kitchen's supplies. Isis, Cassie's cat busts out of the closet and knocking down a unique broom in the process. Both frightened Brandon and Lori run away from the house. Cassandra confused and sad as the first problem of a line of problems begin.

Okay here's the low down, the movie starts off slow and has some scenes and dialogue that could really use some work. On the other hand the morals and the plot over all as a whole is actually quite inspiring. The way the movie depicts magic is not flashy at all and is not overly obvious which is also one of the appealing aspects of the movie. It's non Hollywood. Would I recommend this movie yes and no. Yes if you're planning to show it to a friend who's very sensitive with religious issues. It would make a good starter movie. If you're a fan of witch movies in general also a yes as I said there are some things that's worth learning and seeing. Plus this movie made me a fan of actress Catherine Bell. I would not recommend this movie if you're want to see something funny, fast pace or something overly magical.

Title: The Good Witch

Length: 89 min

Ratings:PG

Year: 2008

Director: Craig Pryce

Starring: Catherine Bell, Chris Potter, Matthew Knight, Hannah Endicott-Douglas

Over All Score: B – Parts of the movie has me shaking my head but Catherine Bell (Cassandra Nightingale) and her scenes have me doing the exact opposite. There are ups and downs with this movie.

Entertaining: B- The movie is definitely Hallmark you'll love and hate characters.

Cinematography: B Nothing dramatic or stunning.

Storyline: C- The story is okay but seems half baked at times. If a few added scenes and better dialogue in the beginning of the movie would greatly improve the over all quality. Also it seems everyone in the town including Brandon and Lori is up to try the nerves of their father and Cassandra.

Acting: B- Acting from the main cast is good. Some of the minor actors seem borderline sub-par.

Music: B+ The score is good and crisp. Nothing horrible about it.  

Blog Advertising Post for Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Sorry about this just trying to gain some traffic. If you like what you see why don't we share links to each other ^_^.

I Married a Witch

Brewing up a whole lot of trouble

First off sorry for not posting anything for October... I know shame.

This classic movie starts off with a great traditional witch score as the movie's intro begins with listing the credits first. The first scene starts off as a burning in the times back when America was just a bunch of struggling Pilgrims. A clergy man says some condemning words then turns as a man starts selling fresh popcorn before the burning. What? Yes that's right this 1942 black and white film is obviously not a serious flick at all but a comedy. The movie focuses on a pilgrim named Jonathan Wooley (Fredric March) who regrets revealing the family of witches. As she cursed them that him and his line would be unlucky in love.

The witches ashes are guarded by an oak tree which they planted over them. The movies flashes into the year 1770 where Nathaniel Wooley is proposing to a beautiful girl name Martha under the very same oak tree. She was about to say yes when a strange giggling startles her from accepting. The year suddenly flashes to 1861 where Samuel Wooley is more than happy to leave his wife Nancy to fight in the war. Again the year flashes to 1904 where we see another Wooley just married to his new nagging wife late in his year. Finally it's the 1940's where Wallace Wooley is having an argument with a beautiful girl named Estelle. He's currently running for Governor and hosting a grand party where his speech is constantly interrupted by a thunder storm. His family line is truly cursed.

A piece of lightning strikes the tree and spirits of  the witches are released in the form of witches smoke. These wispy spirits are quite upset as they float across the yards and notice that the times have changed since they deaths. Both father and daughter are delighted to be set free and ready to cause revenge for their untimely deaths. The dialogue exchange between father and daughter are devious and playful at best as they watch the party take place and examine the difference between the puritan way of life and the time they're in. Soon they hide in a pair of liquor bottles as a man steps outside. It's Wallace Wooley and he's seems to be lost in thought. He walks back in and the bottles are carried inside by the bar where Wallace is smoking. The daughter recognized him and his expression knowing that her curse has lived through it's time.

The two spirits fly off on a broom through the night and set a hotel on fire as they were taken from fire they shall be born from it. His daughter drops off and leaves her drunk father spirit flying through the night. The building is completely on flames as Fire Fighters can not put it out. Wallace Wooley, with his lady Estelle (Susan Hayward) and friend Dudley (Robert Benchley) arrive to stop to see the commotion. They all watch it slowly burn until he a woman's voice crying for help. Strangely no one else can hear the woman's cries as Wallace Wooley rushes in try to help the damsel. He finally finds her on the second floor the petite girl is Jennifer (Veronica Lake) naked and is quite happy as she has a body again. However they're stuck on the second floor with no way out. She has a lot of trouble walking and is also undecided if she should have been reborn as a blonde. Wally (Wallce) finally finds an exit and carries the bemused blonde out of the burning hotel to a very lucky snap shot opportunity.

The story continues as he can't get rid of the scrumptious blonde who he tries to push away. But the witch is is determined and with a few hours has him captivated by her. She's succeeded in her first step but is still determined to ruin his life further. The witch and her father brew up a potion that will force him to fall in love with her however things go wrong for the witch and her father. The movie is a must see. The actors did an outstanding job. Maybe it wasn't very much acting on Veronica Lakes's part as IMDB trivia mentioned how other actors considered acting with her was a pain in the behind. Either way the film is a classic that should be seen more often. I highly enjoyed and would recommend it.

Title: I Married a Witch

Length: 77 min

Ratings: PG

Year: 1942

Director: René Clair

Starring: Fredric March, Veronica Lake, Susan Hayward, Robert Benchley

Over All Score: A+ A Must See

Entertaining: A- Very lively film it was devious and magic through out the film.

Cinematography: B standard for it's time and done well. Loved the smoke effects.

Storyline: A- Original by most of it very whimsical but not completely original as a whole.

Acting: A The actors obviously did a great job there was no half acting or cheesy work. Even their voice acting scenes and dialogue where done with character.

Music: B the score is cute and catchy. I liked listening to it and timing was spot on.

The Initiation of Sarah

Movie Review 6

The Initiation of Sarah

These sororities are not what they seem.

Ah first off I was planning on posting this up in August but didn't have the time. I figure school starts for the learners again so how about a school movie. Yes I'm cheesy. Anyways as fall my favorite season comes and Halloween nears, there should be an increase of movies to post, hopefully. Okay The Initiation of Sarah, my first ABC family movie post. Hmm ABC family movies I'm really am confused about who runs your network. You really have a love for magical movies and for that I'm grateful to you. Okay some if not most people know this a remake of 1978's made for TV movie Initiation of Sarah. Which I haven't seen yet. I know shame. So I'm going to have to do a review on that sometime in the near future. The setting starts off dark at first...(for ABC family of course) as we see a ritual taking place of young hooded women. They try to perform a sacrifice when something goes wrong.

Okay eighteen years later Lindsay Goodwin (Summer Glau) and Sarah Goodwin (Mika Boorem) are being driven by their mother Trina Goodwin (Morgan Farichild) through the campus of Temple Hill University. They drive past a whole bunch of sororities and fraternities discussing who's who on the campus. Soon they reach a set of old looking dorms. Their mother leaves and Lindsay and Sarah have a sisterly discussion about how important it is to get into Alpha Nu Gamma (ANG) their mother's sorority and becoming popular. Sarah disagrees with Lindsay but agrees to be on her best behavior anyways. They give each other hug and we see the first scenes that something is special between these girls. 

The girls get ready for Rush, Sarah meets a full figured pretty girl named Vita (Amber Brooke Wallace). Who's nice but gets teased by two snooty-stuck up girls. Sarah defends her and befriends Vita. Soon their RA of their floor Finn (Ben Ziff) comes over, he doesn't knock and opens the door, they converse and he drops off an invitation for Pie Epsilon Delta (PED), Alpha Nu's rival house. They make their way toward ANG's rush where it seems like pastel's is a must. Sarah is immediately turned off by some of the demeanor the girls have. Ezmee (Tessa Thomas), see's how Sarah and Lindsay are put off by their first impression and sweeps in with a air of decency. Before they leave Chorine (JoAnne Garcia) makes her way down and introduces herself but some freak accident, Chorine's glass breaks and stains her dress. Sarah and Lindsay embarrassed rush out of the house.

On their way home they walk pass PED, where Lindsay trips and hurts her ankle. Soon PED girls rush out of their house and help Lindsay and Sarah inside. Eugenia Hunter (Jennifer Tilly) comes down and greets them they talk to each other for a while. Eugenia checks Lindsay's ankle which is mysteriously healed. The girls leave the house a bit weirded out of Eugenia mysticism. Days go on and Lindsay makes it to Alpha Nu Gamma. While Sarah makes it into both Alpha Nu and PED. Lindsay's ecstatic while Sarah is a bit unsure. Both Ezmee and Chorine notice and make their moves to try to pledge Sarah as well. It' obvious that both houses want Sarah and go to crazy and dirty lengths to get her. Finally PED wins Sarah and decides to pledge with them along with her friend Vita who's also accepted into PED.

The story continues Vita and Sarah grow stronger magic wise and Lindsay is beautified by magic. They use Lindsay as bait for Sarah as they continue to try and trap Sarah. Over all I thought this movie was not bad. It's entertaining as it goes through the history of these two seemingly sororities and how they use magic in different ways. I liked the movie and part of me wishes there was a sequel. Who knows might be one.

Title: The Initiation of Sarah

Length: 90 mins

Ratings: PG-13

Year: 2006

Director: Stuart Gillard

Starring: Mika Boorem, Summer Glau, JoAnne Garcia,Tessa Thompson, Ben Ziff, Morgan Fairchild, Jennifer Tillly, and Amber Brooke Wallace

Over All Score: B+

Entertaining: I thought it was entertaining with no wasted scenes. I like how it wastes no time with showing the magical scenes. Don't have to wait long to first see it or in between as well well. It's a movie that tweens and up could enjoy.

Cinematography: Solid B What's there to see? It takes place on a University campus. Good scenes of college life and interior designs of well... College. The sets don't look shabby just nothing breathtaking.

Storyline: B- It's a remake haven't seen the original. Though some of the dialogue of the minor characters can be a bit annoying, as they're suppose to come off as I suppose. I like the modern college spin to it and thoroughly enjoyed most of the movie.

Acting: B+ Trying not to be harsh, the main characters of the movie acted really well. There is some really annoying chicks in Alph Nu.

Music: B+ Decent, soundtrack with decent score. Good timing and choices.

The Covenant

The Covenant

Boys will be Boys

Title: The Covenant

Length: 97 min

Ratings: PG-13

Yes I took the URL from a Russian Forum site.

The Covenant, at first look seems like a male version of 1996 The Craft. Especially with the Rob Zombie opening with flashes of occult pictures and year book pictures of the characters. Though that's where most of the comparison ends. I've been wanting to see something male oriented for a while and had been hesitant about watching The Covenant. However I pushed aside my negativity and was pleasantly surprised as the Covenant mixes a bit of literature and originality into a fun watch.

The story doesn't waste anytime as four guys, gather upon a cliff, watching a teenage party in the forest. Caleb (Steven Strait), Tyler (Chace Crawford), Pogue (Taylor Kitsch), and last Reid, (Toby Hemmingway) get together exchange a few words before jumping off a cliff and landing as if they only fell for three feet. It's obvious that these group of young and attractive men are different from the others. They make their way into the party strolling from the lightened mist behind them. They immediately zoom in on the new girl, Sarah (Laura Ramsey) and introduce themselves, they cause some unwanted attention from a few local jocks. Then suddenly an announcement is made, the authorities are heading their way. The party disperses as teenagers run around heading towards their cars. The Ipswich boys head into their hummer, as Laura heads into her old SUV, that doesn't seem to start. Caleb who has an apparent interest in Sarah offers her and her friends a ride. Sarah thankfully declines, though Reid who also has an interest in Sarah jumps at the chance to help her out. He opens the hood of her car and with a brief gold flicker of his eyes, he then closes the hood and tells them to try it out now. The car starts and Sarah and her friends escape the raid like the others. However the Ipswich boys are now being chased by cops whom they all agree to send the authorities to a fun chase through the woods. They lead the cops towards a cliff where they gather their powers, all their eyes turn pitch black and fly their hummer off another cliff, flying through the fog and into the night sky, leaving the cops lost for words.

Some history is now shed upon the Sons of Ipswich, which are sons who come from the original five families that colonized Ipswich, who are also come from a long line of old money. Sarah quickly makes an observation that they were only four guys out there tonight. Which her friend Kate states that the fifth family died out with the Witch Hunts. Sarah isn't impressed with this information and continues on her way. The plot thickens as the police finds a dead student in his car and Sarah is haunted as she takes a late night shower. Reid appears and checks the shower and finds nothing. Caleb wakes and news about the dead student travels fast, the group suspects Reid as he's more showy with his powers. The plot continues and some terminology about Ascending and Darkling comes up as Caleb's powers saves his life as his car comes back together from a head on collision of a 18 wheeler.

Magic has it's consequences as Reid isn't afraid to use his powers anywhere at anytime, as he's jealous of Caleb's ascension and power. The group of four tears into a group of two and Sarah continues to be haunted by something dark, giving her nightmares. There's someone using their powers big time and is risking exposure for the rest them. The story is entertaining and has nice scenes of action mixed up with magic that comes from the group of boys. This movies is very Hollywood and special affects show when the boys do show off their powers. As over all reviews go, I was surprised it was rated so low. It's worth the watch especially if you're fond of good looking guys.

Title: The Covenant

Length: 97 min

Rated: PG-13

Year: 2006

Director: Renny Harlin

Starring: Steven Strait, Laura Ramsey, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Kitsch, Toby Hemmingway, and Chace Crawford

Over All Score: A, Worth a watch.

Entertaining: A- Over all entertaining, a bit of WB teen drama feel to it though over all entertaining. Cool special effects making the movie more interesting.

Storyline: A- Surprisingly original enough to watch, fans of literature might enjoy the plot more than others.

Acting: B+ Acting from most of the cast is good don't expect any Academy Awards.

Cinematography: A- Good views of scenery and architecture. Not too much tint.

Music: A- Good selection of music. It's got the male rock selection to it. Score isn't bad either.

The Worst Witch

The Worst Witch

Poor Unlucky Mildred Hubble

To be honest I haven't seen this movie since I was a little girl. Thanfully I was able to see it on YouTube thanks to sentientred. First off the movie is a made for TV movie and some of the budget can be seen with the costumes and effects. Though the movie is still very entertaining.

The story revolves around a young witch named Mildred Hubble (Fairuza Balk), unfortunately Mildred is one of unluckiest students and is sometimes teased by her classmates and her teacher Miss Hardbroom (Diana Rigg). Luckily Mildred has a best friend Delilah, who she can depend on and is always on her side. Mildred has built some sort of a reputation that even, Principal Cackle (Charlotte Rae), who's also very understanding to Mildred's unlucky situation. The story progresses rather fast and Miss Cackle's twin ,but evil sister. Agatha Cackle (Charlotte Rae) is introduced. Along with a portrait of the Grand Wizard (Tim Curry) as well.

Life isn't fun for Mildred, things just doesn't come easy for her, her cat can't ride on a broomstick, she wrecks her broom and she's constantly picked on by a girl named Ethel Hallow. They play a game where girls make ugly faces to make each other scream. Each scream they let out is a point for the enemy team. Of course Ethel is on the opposite team and cheats when she places on a hideous mask. Mildred screams her head off which automatically loses for team. Out of anger Mildred grows the courage to try to turn Ethel into a frog. Though she ends up turning her into a pig, being able to change her into anything in the first place gives Mildred the confidence she needs in school. News soon comes in that the Grand Wizard (Tim Curry) is heading for their school for Halloween. All the girls including the staff have huge crushes on him. The school announces that they will perform a flying show, showcasing their maneuvering on brooms. Mildred gathers the courage to practice and tries-out for the performance. Though things don't come easily for Mildred Hubble and many obstacles stand in her way.

The movie is cute and short. It brought back a lot of child hood memories and the special effects well are not that special now days. Though Tim Curry as the Grand Wizard reminds you how good and unique a singer he actually was. Watch this moview with young kids, as they will most likely to judge less harshly on the special effects that the made for TV movie used in 1986.

Title: The Worst Witch

Length: 70min

Ratings:PG

Year:1986

Director: Robert Young

Starring: Diana Rigg, Charlotte Rae, Tim Curry, and Fairuza Balk

Over All Score:B-

Entertaining: B Yes there are some slow parts but the movie is actually fast pace.

Cinematography: B Interesting camera angles though had some flashy effects (Also, I honestly think most of the Harry Potter films were filmed at the same castle)

Storyline: B Simple nothing particular new but for it's time it was.

Acting: A+, I simply adored the acting, even with its budget, the actors did a great job.

Music: B- Good sound effects and music, very cute and catchy.

The Craft

The Craft

Epitome of the 90's

Title: The Craft

Length: 101 min

Ratings: R

Some of you readers if not most, have already seen The Craft. It's one of those movies, if you are fan of the genre (Witch Movie Genre), that you tend to stumble across easily. Especially if you were a growing teen in the 90's. Though if you actually haven't seen the movie and you're wondering about watching it or thinking about watching it; you've come to the right place. The Craft takes place around a group of girls that go to a catholic school in California. Though just like typical high school students the urge to use their powers in a responsible manner is easier said than done.

The story centers on a girl named Sarah (Robin Tunney) who's just moved into her new home in LA. Even though Sarah isn't happy about the move she isn't keen on rudely voicing her opinion. Even a mentally disturbed homeless man baring a snake doesn't seem to damper nor brighten Sarah's melancholy mood. Soon school starts and Sarah nervously goes to her first day of school and like all new kids at school the day is full of ups and downs. In lab she's can't find a partner in class and is given the cold shoulder by a group of three girls. Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True), and Nancy (Fairuza Balk). However, she soon catches the eye of a popular jock named Chris, whom Sarah becomes very interested in.

Though in an odd twists of events the group of girls boldly approaches her and apologize for their rude behavior. Sarah can't help but feel drawn to the group of girls and follows them to an occult store. Inside her new group of buddies are sneakily taking objects who the owner, Lirio notices. Sarah makes her way towards a hung blanket until Lirio stops her. They briefly converse with each other as Sarah pays for her random purchases. Night falls and Sarah continues to follow the group of girls through a very shady and crowded street. The creepy homeless man returns and frightens Sarah across the street. All four girls stare at the man as he crosses the street before getting hit by a vehicle. The girls run for it and discuss the event. They carry on with the discussion which freaks Sarah out and walks home.

Time passes and Sarah's back in school, though the whole school hears about her date with Chris Hooker. Chris spiteful about Sarah not going to his house with him spreads a viscous rumor, instantly tarnishing Sarah's reputation. However all four girls have their own problems as Rochelle deals with racism, Bonnie with her appearance, and Nancy at home. Together all four girls find comfort and friendship with each other as they discover and play around with the craft. Eventually their friendship is threatened when a few bad choices in spells comes back three fold as karma dishes out a good spoonful of payback. The Craft starts out fairly well though others might feel disappointed with the ending. Over all the movie is entertaining it delivers a lesson about playing with fire. The movie made an impact on 90's youth in it's day. It was one of the first that didn't use silly audio tracks or cheesy special effects to represent when magic is being done. I recommend you watch it whenever you have time to spare with an open mind.

Title: The Craft

Length: 101 min

Rated: R

Year: 1996

Director: Andrew Fleming

Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True

Over All Score: B

Entertaining: B- The movie is even pace with plenty of scenes of magic being used.

Storyline: B- Story is not as original as when if first came out. Viewers might find the ending scenes a bit long.

Acting: A, Good Acting, actors put their best effort in, you actually believe they might be High School students.

Cinematography: B- No outstanding shots, the effects are great and not cheesy, no over tinting. Over all good quality.

Music: A- Score had some music from great artist and most people will find some of the music memorable.

Outcast

Outcast

The Urban Beast

Title: Outcast

Length: 98min

Ratings:NR/R

Outcast, is Non-Rated, but clearly it should be rated R if not PG-13. Though this Irish horror flick differently knows when to use the gore and how much. This isn't a movie for children period. In my personal opinion it's not a gore flick, there are a few scenes of it, along with nudity, swearing, and of course sex. The story in my opinion was interesting and the air of magic feels very real and very alive in Ireland. I think this is my overall reason why you should consider seeing this movie.

The story takes place poverty stricken complex in Ireland. Mary (Katie Dickie) and her son Fergal (Niall Bruton) are searching for a place to live. It's apparent that Mary and Fergal are hiding something and obviously on the run. The story progresses fast as Fergal meets his neighbors, Petronella (Hannah Stanbridge), her friend Ally, and Patronella's younger disabled brother Jitta. Instantly Fergal and Petronella are attracted to one another but don't exactly communicate well. They also meet the local male thugs of the complex as well. While Fergal is socializing his mother Mary is setting up a warding spells through out the house.

The story progresses and we come to a dark and angry man, Cathal (James Nesbitt) getting some symbolic tattoo work on his back. We soon realize he's after Mary and Fergal and is not afraid to go through any lengths necessary, including delving into the world of magic. He soon meets up with another tracker Liam, who has more experience in using magic and shows him the basics as they team up for the hunt for Mary and Fergal. Meanwhile Fergal hangs around outside getting even closer to Petronella and are both typical teenagers with hormonal needs and finds it hard to keep their attraction a secret to his mother.

Mary is upset that Fergal is seeing Petronella and girls in general. She goes through great lengths to protect herself and her son though Fergal is obviously tired of running and tired of being kept hidden. What's even worse there's a strange creature about feeding on the unsuspecting victims of the night. Cathal and Liam grow closer though Mary's spell work has them at dead end. The story shifts as we see Petronella and her family seeing a bitter mother who's tired of who's tired and frustrated with her children and clearly is fed up with taking care of her son Jitta who can't take care of himself. Petronella grows angry and runs to Fergal and give each other comfort. To be honest the romance in the movie is at best puppy love.

As the ending of the story nears, Cathal breaks the rules and uses magic that he wasn't allowed to use and finds Mary and her son Fergal. Cathal and Mary get in battle of fists and magic which is very subtle but intense. Petronella runs away from home with Fergal though teenage hormones gets the best of them while they get down and dirty on the play set. That's not the ending but I really don't have the means to ruin it for you. All I can say it's dark horror thriller and it's worth checking out. The movie is suspenseful and magic you feel is dark and real feeling. I don't think the story will please all viewers, may it not be scary enough- to wondering about the plot itself. It's an entertaining movie and over all refreshing.

Title: Outcast

Length: 98 min

Rated: NR/R

Year:2010

Director: Colm McCarthy

Starring: Katie Dickie, Niall Bruton, Hannah Stanbridge, James Nesbitt

Over All Score: A-

Entertaining: A-, Good story and unique plot, not much on the horror department. A very real and different look on magic. The language barrier sometimes had me wondering about the dialogue.

Storyline: B+, The story is complete but there is some parts where the viewer might be unclear. Questions might be unanswered.
Cinematography: The picture quality is good, there's obviously a budget to the film. It's urban views are crisp and color filtering isn't overdone. 

Acting: A, Didn't see anything bad/cheesy/ nor corny.

Music: C+, not much on the music or score, to be honest didn't quite here it much at all, which in this movie was a plus, wasn't distracting at all.

Bell, Book, and Candle

Bell, Book, and Candle

Classically Alluring 

Title: Bell, Book, and Candle

Length: 106 min

Ratings:PG 

The movie starts in an interesting item shop, full of ancient artifacts, as the credits roll. It wasn't too long that we see Gillian (Kim Novak) and realize how alluring she really is. Gillian, has her eye on Shepard Henderson AKA. Shep (James Stewart) from the very beginning, as she watches him make his way home towards his apartment. There Shep is startled when Queenie, a very nosy aunt of Gillian (Elsa Lanchaster) who's made herself comfortable in his home. Well her's aunts visit to Shep's home leads him to visit Gillian's, shop. Which they meet and discuss about holiday plans. Shep hears about the Zodiac club and decides to take his fiance to the snazzy mod club. Shep and his fiance Merle obviously don't fit in and have no idea what they've walked into. Shep luckily finds Gillian and Queenie and make their way towards their direction. It turns out Gillian knows Shep's fiance, Merle and takes advantage of her prior knowledge of her fears and with the help of her brother Nicky (Jack Lemmon) cause Merle to get very anxious. Anyone who suffers from anxiety knows how very unnerving that can be. This causes her to storm out the club with Shep following after.

We later find out why Gillian pulled that trick during the walk back. They soon exchange gifts with each other and decide to try out one of the magical ones. Gillian decides to try to summon an author of the book but instead Shep, comes running in thinking the shop's on fire and cuts the spell off short. Gillian and Shep get to have some alone time when she finds out that he's going to get married the next day. At least Gillian, has Pyewacket to give her some comfort when she hears the news and gives her  the courage to cheat.

Lets say you can figure out what Gillian's spell leads to. Soon Shep heads back to his office and low and behold it seems that author Sidney Redlitch (Ernie Kovacs) is there and a bit on edge about his new book. This leads to a very awkward meeting where Nicky takes advantage of an opportunity. As the time passes Shep becomes even more infatuated with Gillian, which forces her to make a hard choice between the life she always known or the one she's been yearning for.

Over all the movie is must see classic. Even though it's full of old school superstitions and contradictions that might offend some viewers. The movie is really entertaining and fans of these timeless actors should check it out.  

Title: Bell, Book, and Candle

Length: 106 min

Ratings:PG

Year:1958

Director: Richard Quine

Starring: Kim Novak, James Stewart, Jack Lemmon,

Over All Score: A

Entertaining: A, very fast pace movie and entertaining. You didn't have to wait long for juicy scenes.

Cinematography: B+, Probably one of the best of its time. Scenes and shots are done well.

Storyline: A The story it's self is unique, and not played out. Though viewers can come to their own reasons why.

Acting: A, acting is done with skill by the cast, everyone seems believable as their characters.

Music: Score B, Soundtrack N/A. Soundtrack is typical of its time, though it isn't abundant or underplayed. Gillian's tune is quite catchy.  

Teen Witch

Paving it's way for the genre in a retro aspect of course.

Title: Teen Witch

Length: 90min

Ratings: PG-13

Yay my first movie review!

Ahem now I got that out of the way then. Well Teen Witch, where can I start, well I guess there's no denying it, this movie is loaded with 80's pop culture, down to clothes, cars, topics, and of course score. Even the first scene where the credits roll and when Louise the main character is having a dream; I had to make sure I was watching the right movie and I was. So here's a warning to the everyday modernist and fashion sensitive, this movie is truly a byproduct of it's time.

Alright, moving on, the story is about a young girl, Louise, (Robyn Lively) who's very smart, so smart that she's even skipped levels on certain subjects in her school. Though this poor Hermione Granger, I mean, Louise has a typical annoying little brother (Joushua John Miller) and a high school crush on a good looking guy named Brad (Dan Gauthier). It doesn't help much that Brad is a senor, popular, jock, and is already dating a very attractive and popular girl, Randa. Louise also has a dick of an English teacher, Sev- I mean Mr. Weaver. So high school isn't really pleasant for Louise. Her life doesn't get any better as her day progresses. Until she runs into an old house with a rickety sign. Louise takes a chance and walks on in. Luckily, Madame Serena (Zelda Rubenstein) is actually nice and quite happy to see her. 

The movie progresses slowly and you won't see any signs of magic or spells until 30 minutes in. Louise's magic comes in uncontrollable waves like hormones. Luckily it doesn't take long for Louise to learn how to take control of them. She then gets revenge on her teacher and a few others along the way. She also gives a lot to people who treat her nice. Though, impatient for Brad's affection Louise casts the Big Kahuna of spells, a popularity spell. Which turns her from unnoticeable geek to outrageously popular, along with a flood of perks and consequence. Poor Polly gets the bad end of the spell while she finally gets to snag Brad. Louise however, starts to doubt Brad's affection towards her leaving her wondering if his feelings are true or just another victim of her popularity spell. Finally, her popularity gets so ridiculous that even Louise herself can't stand it and makes a break for it. It leads her to spend some real quality time with Brad and makes her feel guilty when he tells her what he likes best about her. The ending of this movie might leave a lot of people hanging with questions and I don't blame them as the credits start to roll.

Over all, this cheesy 80's movie is entertaining to say the least. I also need to mention this movie is one of the premises of High School Musical. The strange break into dance and song sequences really doesn't fit into the story and in my opinion unnecessary. I actually cracked up a few times. I almost feel bad for Louise in the girls locker room scene, believe me you will too. Needless to say this isn't everyone's cup of tea and some might enjoy it's cheesy quality while others might be rolling their eyes a bit too often. In my personal opinion there are good parts that had me laughing out loud and there were bad ones that had me sighing for relief. The film paved it's way for future witch movies and with all do respect for the genre I recommend seeing this film with a group of friends, whether to reminisce or pick fun, or both.

Title: Teen Witch

Length: 90 min

Ratings:PG-13

Year:1989

Director: Dorian Walker

Starring: Robyn Lively, Dan Gauthier, Joshua John Miller, and Zelda Rubenstein

Over All Score: B- or 7 out of 10

Entertaining: B+ There are plenty of cheesy laughs in the film, depending on your sense of humor. You may have to wait a while to get that magic feeling as well.

Cinematography: B- The film is done with hardly any tacky special affects nor does it contain visually striking scenes. The setting is realistic and believable and the quality is done well.

Storyline: B, It was original for it's time though may be too played out for avid book readers and movie watchers.

Acting: B Most of the actors seem to do their best, some out of character during the dance scenes, no outstanding acting here.

Music: Score C, Soundtrack C, Typical polyphonic keyboard score you hear in every 80's movie, soundtrack didn't contain any memorable songs.

Reviewing System

I just realize that before I start dishing out my reviews I should inform people of what qualities I take in account. I'm not trying to overly judge these films/shows there are tons of anal review critics out there. I'm just not one of them. (Hint: Grammar is far from perfect and I suck at catching mistakes). So basically I'm going over on how I Critique/Review a movie just in case you're wondering.

First off I just go with the over all basic review/summary of the movie. Meaning Title, Length, Ratings,Cover/Movie Poster and a few added scenes of the movie/show. Summary will most likely contain some minor spoilers. Though its a review site so that shouldn't be too shocking. This seems to satisfy most readers or reviews. Though just in case I also have another system which I put below this one.

Name of Movie/Show:

Length:
Ratings:

Director:

Year:
Starring:

Over All Score: I rate an over all Rating based on the following qualities below.

Entertaining: Was it over all funny, witty, interesting?

Cinematography :Was a eye catching, plain, visually striking, special effects, etc.

Story Line: New, Refreshing, Boring, Half-Baked, etc.

Acting: Bad vs Good Acting.

Soundtrack/Audio: Soundtrack, other audio performance.

I'm not sure most people care about these other aspects of reviewing and if you don't it's perfectly fine too. Though if you're a movie buff and just want something a bit more extensive this part is for you.

Hope that covers it, next post should be my first review.

Movies about witches

This blog is devoted to movies/shows about witches, mostly, maybe with a few supernatural flicks. I promise to review them to the best of my ability and get a hold of all movies about witches I can. I may throw in a few fantasy/horror/ghost or any side-genre that has something to do about witches as well. Though, I do not plan to please everyone, I'm not trying to promote a spiritual way of life or religion. Just reviewing flicks on a genre I love to watch. I love watching movies about witches. If you have any that you think I should review please leave a comment thank you.