A loose adaptation of a novel by John Updike, this engaging, wild ride of a movie stars Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer as the title women. Best friends in their small town of Eastwick - a very conservative burg, indeed - they decry the lack of suitable males in the area, and fantasize about their ideal man.
However, not *knowing* just how great their own powers are, they are able to conjure up just such a man, the mysterious Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson) who soon arrives in town with his mute butler / chauffeur / etc. (Carel Struycken) in tow. Daryl, who is just FULL of personality, has soon successfully seduced all three women, in a way unique to each of them. But eventually they do realize just how dangerous his presence could be.
Directed with style by "Mad Max" series creator George Miller, "The Witches of Eastwick" manages to encompass fantasy, horror, and comedy, and alternates between a rather giddy tone and a very dark tone. Full to the brim with pointed, interesting dialogue, the film has characters actually worth watching. The ladies are appealing, and Daryl is a robust, true life-of-the-party type who predictably turns everything upside down in Eastwick.
Cher, Sarandon, and Pfeiffer make for a believable trio of friends. Nicholson, unsurprisingly, mostly eschews subtlety, and regularly goes to town on the scenery. But he receives heavy competition in that category from Veronica Cartwright. Cast as a sanctimonious local busybody, she'd proved in some of her past roles how well she could deliver utter hysterics. And many of her scenes are memorable. The great character actor Richard Jenkins co-stars as her meek husband; you can't help but feel bad for this guy.
Building up to a frantic, over the top finale that is a lot of fun (and features some Rob Bottin makeup effects), "The Witches of Eastwick" is generally agreeable entertainment that proves that old adage of "being careful what you wish for".
Followed by a TV series and a stage musical.
Seven out of 10.
However, not *knowing* just how great their own powers are, they are able to conjure up just such a man, the mysterious Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson) who soon arrives in town with his mute butler / chauffeur / etc. (Carel Struycken) in tow. Daryl, who is just FULL of personality, has soon successfully seduced all three women, in a way unique to each of them. But eventually they do realize just how dangerous his presence could be.
Directed with style by "Mad Max" series creator George Miller, "The Witches of Eastwick" manages to encompass fantasy, horror, and comedy, and alternates between a rather giddy tone and a very dark tone. Full to the brim with pointed, interesting dialogue, the film has characters actually worth watching. The ladies are appealing, and Daryl is a robust, true life-of-the-party type who predictably turns everything upside down in Eastwick.
Cher, Sarandon, and Pfeiffer make for a believable trio of friends. Nicholson, unsurprisingly, mostly eschews subtlety, and regularly goes to town on the scenery. But he receives heavy competition in that category from Veronica Cartwright. Cast as a sanctimonious local busybody, she'd proved in some of her past roles how well she could deliver utter hysterics. And many of her scenes are memorable. The great character actor Richard Jenkins co-stars as her meek husband; you can't help but feel bad for this guy.
Building up to a frantic, over the top finale that is a lot of fun (and features some Rob Bottin makeup effects), "The Witches of Eastwick" is generally agreeable entertainment that proves that old adage of "being careful what you wish for".
Followed by a TV series and a stage musical.
Seven out of 10.