Melissa Sue Anderson is surprisingly menacing as a California high school senior whose peers and teachers have a way of falling ill around her--or dying! Seems Anderson practices witchcraft and worships the Devil (or is that redundant?); she has plans to use her powers to get everything she wants, but another student (Mary Beth McDonough as the good girl) may stand in her way. TV thriller featuring television stars out of their usual element (Anderson on leave from "Little House on the Prairie" and McDonough temporarily leaving Walton's Mountain behind). Director Rod Holcomb mounts the story well, and he handles Anderson's continual slow-burn without an overlay of the expected camp, but Juanita Bartlett's teleplay runs out of ideas too soon, leaving the third act riddled with "Bewitched"-like special effects. Bartlett confuses telekinesis with witchcraft, turning her lead characters in Carrie-wannabes.
34 Reviews
Mixes teen soap opera with telekinesis and witchcraft
Wuchakk4 March 2022
A new student from the East Coast (Mary Beth McDonough) enrolls in Ocean High in SoCal where she immediately meets a potential beau (Patrick Cassidy), which means becoming the rival of his dubious ex, who just so happens to take the black arts seriously (Melissa Sue Anderson). Cathryn Damon plays the mother of the latter while Marion Ross is on hand as a wise mentor.
Although "Midnight Offerings" (1981) was originally released to TV, it's a formidable witchcraft-oriented horror featuring several iconic television stars from the 70s and the younger brother of Shaun Cassidy. It's basically a mixture of "Carrie" (1976), "Summer of Fear" (1978) and the forthcoming "Christine" (1983).
It works well because the story draws you into the drama of the romantic triangle and everything culminates with a hellish, but fitting, climax. King D no doubt ripped-off the set for the occultic rituals for his diabolic photo ops.
The film runs around 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.
GRADE: B.
Although "Midnight Offerings" (1981) was originally released to TV, it's a formidable witchcraft-oriented horror featuring several iconic television stars from the 70s and the younger brother of Shaun Cassidy. It's basically a mixture of "Carrie" (1976), "Summer of Fear" (1978) and the forthcoming "Christine" (1983).
It works well because the story draws you into the drama of the romantic triangle and everything culminates with a hellish, but fitting, climax. King D no doubt ripped-off the set for the occultic rituals for his diabolic photo ops.
The film runs around 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles.
GRADE: B.
Melissa Sue Shines Through, In This 80's TV Witches Brew
bigbenjr4825 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Here, we have a tale of two teen Witches. One good, one evil.
The Good Witch is Robin Prentiss, (played by Mary Beth McDonough....whom you may better know as the star of the horror film Mortuary (1983)....also from The Waltons TV series) has just arrived in a small town with her Pops, where both want to start a new life. But doggone if things don't go wrong on her first day of school when the captain of the football team wants to hookup with the new hot chick...who just happens to be the boyfriend of that other Witch.
The Evil Witch is Vivian Sotherland, (played by Melissa Sue Anderson....whom you may better know as the star of the horror film Happy Birthday To Me (1981)....also from Little House On The Prairie TV series) don't cotton to new girls being hotter than she is, and also hates being dumped and replaced before 5th period. So what's an evil hot 80's chick to do? Kill her, that's what.
Decided to rewatch this old, but not bad, made-for-TV horror movie of yesteryear (Think ABC, CBS, NBC movie of the week, if you're old like me). 70's/80's cars, big hair, bell-bottoms, tight gym shorts, telephones with a rotary-dial...you dig. Melissa Sue Anderson's 'evil Witch' easily stole the show since her 'vulgar-display-of-power' was always active in the film. She was always casting some sort of spell that resulted in campy, cheesy special effects. But not to be outdone, Mary Beth McDonough's good Witch also stole a few scenes. She was a natural at freaking-out during supernatural or phenomenon-assaults that came out of nowhere. Being the less powerful Witch, she was only able to repel/deflect these attacks, but not launch one. This forces her to seek the help of an older Witch who convinces her that practice makes perfect.
This movie actually sounds better than it is. But that don't mean you won't enjoy this time-capsule. Old-school and dated as it is, it still fits in snugly alongside other made-for-TV horror flicks such as Satan's School For Girls and The Car....although it definitely wasn't 'Salem's Lot' caliber. The best parts of the movie are the scenes that feature the evil Melissa Sue Anderson. That evil, pouty frown and sneer she keeps on her face throughout the film was all kinds of creepy, cute and classic. Also, she's got this cool, dark Gothy bedroom where she chants to Satan, make potions, cast spells and sends curses to anyone who gets in her way of getting her boyfriend back (most of her curses were sent by remote control fashion from this room, BTW). What more could I ask for in a Witch movie? Except for the black cat and black Raven she had at her disposal.
7/10 from me.
The Good Witch is Robin Prentiss, (played by Mary Beth McDonough....whom you may better know as the star of the horror film Mortuary (1983)....also from The Waltons TV series) has just arrived in a small town with her Pops, where both want to start a new life. But doggone if things don't go wrong on her first day of school when the captain of the football team wants to hookup with the new hot chick...who just happens to be the boyfriend of that other Witch.
The Evil Witch is Vivian Sotherland, (played by Melissa Sue Anderson....whom you may better know as the star of the horror film Happy Birthday To Me (1981)....also from Little House On The Prairie TV series) don't cotton to new girls being hotter than she is, and also hates being dumped and replaced before 5th period. So what's an evil hot 80's chick to do? Kill her, that's what.
Decided to rewatch this old, but not bad, made-for-TV horror movie of yesteryear (Think ABC, CBS, NBC movie of the week, if you're old like me). 70's/80's cars, big hair, bell-bottoms, tight gym shorts, telephones with a rotary-dial...you dig. Melissa Sue Anderson's 'evil Witch' easily stole the show since her 'vulgar-display-of-power' was always active in the film. She was always casting some sort of spell that resulted in campy, cheesy special effects. But not to be outdone, Mary Beth McDonough's good Witch also stole a few scenes. She was a natural at freaking-out during supernatural or phenomenon-assaults that came out of nowhere. Being the less powerful Witch, she was only able to repel/deflect these attacks, but not launch one. This forces her to seek the help of an older Witch who convinces her that practice makes perfect.
This movie actually sounds better than it is. But that don't mean you won't enjoy this time-capsule. Old-school and dated as it is, it still fits in snugly alongside other made-for-TV horror flicks such as Satan's School For Girls and The Car....although it definitely wasn't 'Salem's Lot' caliber. The best parts of the movie are the scenes that feature the evil Melissa Sue Anderson. That evil, pouty frown and sneer she keeps on her face throughout the film was all kinds of creepy, cute and classic. Also, she's got this cool, dark Gothy bedroom where she chants to Satan, make potions, cast spells and sends curses to anyone who gets in her way of getting her boyfriend back (most of her curses were sent by remote control fashion from this room, BTW). What more could I ask for in a Witch movie? Except for the black cat and black Raven she had at her disposal.
7/10 from me.
One of my childhood favorite good witch vs bad witch movies
jeaniebotl24 May 2009
What impressed me the most about the script writer Jaunita Bartlett (who also wrote episodes for the Greatest American Hero) was her in-depth research into the darker side of witch craft. The Demonic charges that Vivian Sutherland summons to do her bidding actually came from various text of witch craft. Star packed actors like Melisa Sue Anderson (Little House On The Praire) and Mary McDonough (The Waltons) Patrick Cassidy and Marion Ros (Happy Days) the movie was shocking for it's time. Vivian's complete lack of concern for the welfare of others is disturbing! However, in retrospect the magical show downs between Vivian and Robin are anti-climatic and appear weak and awkward by standards expected by the audiences of today. Yet it still remains a favorite of mine. I keep waiting for this movie to be released on DVD. Two other movies around this period come to mind. The original 1978 "Initiation of Sarah" similar to "Carie" and "Stranger In Our House" (also known as Summer Of Fear) staring Linda Blair. Both are recommended if you like "Witchy" movies.
Middle of the road witchcraft fare
Leofwine_draca26 May 2015
A very middling TV movie from a genre which is usually fantastic. MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS just feels rather weak and tame in terms of its plotting and ideas, and Wes Craven's SUMMER OF FEAR, a similarly-themed TV movie from the 1970s which predates it, was a lot, lot, better.
The storyline involves a couple of teenage witch rivals fighting over a jock in your typical American high school. Some of the fun comes from the fact that both girls come from long-running American soaps: evil witch Melissa Sue Anderson is off the back of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, while good witch Mary Beth McDonough comes from THE WALTONS. Watching these two actresses squaring up is kind of fun, but there isn't much fun overall.
Too much of the running time is dragged out with discussions involving disbelieving characters and the supernatural action, when it hits, is over and done with too quickly. It's not that MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS is a particularly bad film per se - the climax is effective and there are some genuinely spooky moments handled well on the low budget - it's just that American TV movies from this era are often much, much better (like DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW for instance).
The storyline involves a couple of teenage witch rivals fighting over a jock in your typical American high school. Some of the fun comes from the fact that both girls come from long-running American soaps: evil witch Melissa Sue Anderson is off the back of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, while good witch Mary Beth McDonough comes from THE WALTONS. Watching these two actresses squaring up is kind of fun, but there isn't much fun overall.
Too much of the running time is dragged out with discussions involving disbelieving characters and the supernatural action, when it hits, is over and done with too quickly. It's not that MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS is a particularly bad film per se - the climax is effective and there are some genuinely spooky moments handled well on the low budget - it's just that American TV movies from this era are often much, much better (like DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW for instance).
Do they offer something better at 1 A.M.?
JZvezda28 February 2003
It's the Waltons vs. Little House On The Devil Worshipping Prairie. In other words... fun.
The ravishing, outgoing & confident Vivian rules the school. She's pretty, popular and dating the school stud. It's all about her and she aims to keep it that way. Did I mention that she can morph into a crow or a cat and she has a shrine to Satan set up in her bedroom? Enter Robin Prentiss: New girl in town. She's mousey, she's shy, and Vivian's boyfriend takes an immediate liking to her. You know what that means...Meow! Black cat-fight!
If you've seen "The Craft" then you've seen this. There are numerous similiarities, right down to the physical resemblances of the lead actresses. You know the drill: Good witch vs. Big Bad Bitch Witch. Good witch seeks out mentoring from old, dried-up, brittle witch (played here by Marion Ross, "Mrs. C." from Happy Days). They engage in supernatural combat by magically hurling household appliances at each other (the battle in the high-school shop class is priceless and lame, but mostly fun. Think: Attack of the killer paint-sprayer!)
Melissa Sue Anderson is a pure diva riot as Vivian, biggest witch in town, and she plays it to the hilt. Three cheers to Melissa Sue for a truly memorable screen villianess who's not afraid to apply her eye makeup with a butter-knife. Mary McDonough is less fun to watch, and her performance is perhaps a whisker above the realm of bad acting...but hey, the good girls in these kinds of movies are never that interesting to watch anyways.
Look for Vanna White and Dana Kimmel ("Friday The 13th Part 3") in sub-minor roles and pearl-clutching 80's mall fashions.
So bad it's good, accept the offer and have a laugh. Rent it. Then cast a cleansing spell on yourself to help you forget that you did.
The ravishing, outgoing & confident Vivian rules the school. She's pretty, popular and dating the school stud. It's all about her and she aims to keep it that way. Did I mention that she can morph into a crow or a cat and she has a shrine to Satan set up in her bedroom? Enter Robin Prentiss: New girl in town. She's mousey, she's shy, and Vivian's boyfriend takes an immediate liking to her. You know what that means...Meow! Black cat-fight!
If you've seen "The Craft" then you've seen this. There are numerous similiarities, right down to the physical resemblances of the lead actresses. You know the drill: Good witch vs. Big Bad Bitch Witch. Good witch seeks out mentoring from old, dried-up, brittle witch (played here by Marion Ross, "Mrs. C." from Happy Days). They engage in supernatural combat by magically hurling household appliances at each other (the battle in the high-school shop class is priceless and lame, but mostly fun. Think: Attack of the killer paint-sprayer!)
Melissa Sue Anderson is a pure diva riot as Vivian, biggest witch in town, and she plays it to the hilt. Three cheers to Melissa Sue for a truly memorable screen villianess who's not afraid to apply her eye makeup with a butter-knife. Mary McDonough is less fun to watch, and her performance is perhaps a whisker above the realm of bad acting...but hey, the good girls in these kinds of movies are never that interesting to watch anyways.
Look for Vanna White and Dana Kimmel ("Friday The 13th Part 3") in sub-minor roles and pearl-clutching 80's mall fashions.
So bad it's good, accept the offer and have a laugh. Rent it. Then cast a cleansing spell on yourself to help you forget that you did.
I remember this!
shearblack20 February 2004
God I loved this movie as a kid, it was like "Carrie" squared! Mary from Little House v.s. Erin from the Waltons, with Mrs Cunningham from happy days as the good mentor and Mr Carleson from WKRP as the clueless father? Throw in Vanna White as a cheerleader with only one line and Shawn Cassidys little brother as the male lead and you have a hit!
I loved the whole "good witch, bad witch" aspect, with Robin (the good witch played by Erin from the Waltons) slowly learning to use her powers. Melissa Anderson (Mary from Little house) has never been better than here, as a evil witch not above useing her powers and sexuality to get what she wants. The movie builds suspense through out, and a sense of dread for our heroes, and actually logicially (for 1981) explains why these women are witches and how there powers work. one of my favorite tv movies of all time!
I loved the whole "good witch, bad witch" aspect, with Robin (the good witch played by Erin from the Waltons) slowly learning to use her powers. Melissa Anderson (Mary from Little house) has never been better than here, as a evil witch not above useing her powers and sexuality to get what she wants. The movie builds suspense through out, and a sense of dread for our heroes, and actually logicially (for 1981) explains why these women are witches and how there powers work. one of my favorite tv movies of all time!
Good Witch Flick!
ms_chele725 May 2009
I agree with the other guy. It might not have been the best movie, but it was indeed entertaining. And it was especially nice to see Melissa outside of that Namby Pamby role on Little House. I just haven't seen this movie since probably 1981. I didn't know it came on Sci-Fi before. I hope to see it again. I don't think people would be that disappointed in the movie, personally. I guess it all depends on what you look for in a made-for-TV movie. The plot was great. A spin on the generational witch thing. That was the best part of the movie. It had the feeling of, I don't want to do this, but you are making me do this, from beginning to end.
"By This Candle Burning Blue, Serve Me Now As I Serve You!"...
azathothpwiggins11 October 2022
After a high school teacher dies in a tragic, fiery "accident", we're introduced to honor roll student and Homecoming Queen, Vivian Sotherland (Melissa Sue Anderson). It's made clear right from the beginning that Vivian is a practitioner of the dark arts, spouting incantations and performing devilish mumbo jumbo in her bedroom.
Viv's oblivious father (Gordon Jump) is wrapped around her pinky, while her mother (Cathryn Damon) sees through her daughter's overly-sweet veneer.
When new student, Robin Prentiss (Mary Beth McDonough) enters the picture, daring to befriend Vivian's boyfriend (Patrick Cassidy), things get very interesting. Vivian is about to discover that Robin might not be an ordinary girl.
MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS is a wonderfully wicked, made-for-TV horror film, delving into deviltry, and allowing Ms. Anderson to shed her wholesome, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE image. She's perfect in her delectably eeevil role!
Fearful fun right up to the final showdown...
Viv's oblivious father (Gordon Jump) is wrapped around her pinky, while her mother (Cathryn Damon) sees through her daughter's overly-sweet veneer.
When new student, Robin Prentiss (Mary Beth McDonough) enters the picture, daring to befriend Vivian's boyfriend (Patrick Cassidy), things get very interesting. Vivian is about to discover that Robin might not be an ordinary girl.
MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS is a wonderfully wicked, made-for-TV horror film, delving into deviltry, and allowing Ms. Anderson to shed her wholesome, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE image. She's perfect in her delectably eeevil role!
Fearful fun right up to the final showdown...
The Initiation of Sarah 2
saint_brett12 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The intro blares out like it means business.
Hopefully, the rest of the movie can retain this level of confidence.
Oh, not more of this satanic crap I have to translate. With my level of education?
Hack a tay, hear me. Nock tickular hackatay, hear me. Leia, hear me. Bye barubus, bye satanus, by cherry no nose. I did the same thing not long ago with the other movie, 'The Initiation of Sarah.' It's the same deal.
A mistress of the dark, Vivian, practices voodoo and mumbles a whole gang of gibberish in an attempt to hex Harry Grimbridge through a Polaroid, using it as a medium to blow him sky high.
Grimbridge's absence as a teacher the next morning causes an inconvenience in the faculty lounge due to his unforeseen circumstances, as there are no replacements to take his place in fear that they may join him.
It's unusual in this movie that there's only about 15 students for the most part.
A new transfer student arrives in LA and comes between Michael Taylor from 'ET' and Vivian.
One girl uses the dark side of the force, while the other's a regular grifter who looks into crystal balls and burns Palo Santo.
It seems that it's a power struggle movie. Whether it's over Michael Taylor's heart or something more inward between a women's Wiccan union movement is yet to be seen.
The mistress of the dark, Vivian, reminds me of Audrey from 'European Vacation' only slimmer. You can tell Fairuza Balk's Craft character was molded from this Vivian chick, too.
"You're Pete Green, jealous of your own daughter." Or "You're bean-green jealous of your own daughter." What does the father say there? I missed that.
As if this soy-sipping emo Vivian would be the head cheerleader. I'm not buying that for a second.
Another power struggle breaks out between Vivian and her mother, who has Richard Simmons hair. They arm wrestle over a glass of expired orange juice. It's not your typical mother-daughter argument.
The cat in this is kind of cool, if I could see it, as the movie is only in 360p quality. It reminds me of the swishy-tailed cat from that 'Funeral Home' 'Psycho' rip-off.
Vivian one-ups the transfer student and burns her house down using the cat's hire service. After the cat fails in its attempt to burn the transfer student alive, a raven is then employed to scratch people's eyes out, but that's also thwarted.
The transfer student seeks out the guidance of an excommunicated auxiliary member who's trained in the ways of woolens and learns fire starter powers and rowboat nursery rhymes, which are "super," according to Elliots brother, Michael. And it's all thanks to a kyanite crystal made out of dispenser machine plastics.
Before history, first period, a levitation trajectory battle breaks out in woodwork between the two witches. Going to the score cards, I'm inclined to raise Vivian's arm in a close point decision victory.
Why doesn't the transfer student use a surprise attack and just punch Vivian in the face? It'd catch her off guard. Forget all this mind-control Jedi business.
The useless cat has a second stab and tries to kill Elliot's brother Michael again, but fails miserably and should give up as a hitman. For a high school football jock, he sure knows a lot about the occult. He's not your regular Johnny Unitas.
A final showdown is scheduled at midnight on the school grounds, where the transfer student is a heavy underdog. (But we all know she'll win.)
I wonder how many weak-minded, impressionable souls out there believe in all this garbled trash.
Only ten seconds into the fight, a surprise tactic nobody saw coming sees a goat deck the transfer student with a flash knockdown. She dusts herself off and is back up on her feet at the count of three. Call it ring rust, I guess. The fight continues but should have been stopped only 30 seconds in as the transfer student is KOed by fire and the count is up to 2 minutes by now. That's a 120-count on my watch.
Richard Simmons shows up out of the blue and tag teams with the transfer student against his own daughter. The fight ends abruptly when Vivian is consumed by Richard Simmons and fire combined.
They seem to make a sacrifice to save themselves, and apparently, due to the credits rolling, that's all she wrote in a rather underwhelming end to a lousy faceoff.
It seems Richard Simmons still held a grudge over the expired orange juice incident earlier in the movie.
Want my advice? Just watch 'The Initiation of Sarah' instead.
Hopefully, the rest of the movie can retain this level of confidence.
Oh, not more of this satanic crap I have to translate. With my level of education?
Hack a tay, hear me. Nock tickular hackatay, hear me. Leia, hear me. Bye barubus, bye satanus, by cherry no nose. I did the same thing not long ago with the other movie, 'The Initiation of Sarah.' It's the same deal.
A mistress of the dark, Vivian, practices voodoo and mumbles a whole gang of gibberish in an attempt to hex Harry Grimbridge through a Polaroid, using it as a medium to blow him sky high.
Grimbridge's absence as a teacher the next morning causes an inconvenience in the faculty lounge due to his unforeseen circumstances, as there are no replacements to take his place in fear that they may join him.
It's unusual in this movie that there's only about 15 students for the most part.
A new transfer student arrives in LA and comes between Michael Taylor from 'ET' and Vivian.
One girl uses the dark side of the force, while the other's a regular grifter who looks into crystal balls and burns Palo Santo.
It seems that it's a power struggle movie. Whether it's over Michael Taylor's heart or something more inward between a women's Wiccan union movement is yet to be seen.
The mistress of the dark, Vivian, reminds me of Audrey from 'European Vacation' only slimmer. You can tell Fairuza Balk's Craft character was molded from this Vivian chick, too.
"You're Pete Green, jealous of your own daughter." Or "You're bean-green jealous of your own daughter." What does the father say there? I missed that.
As if this soy-sipping emo Vivian would be the head cheerleader. I'm not buying that for a second.
Another power struggle breaks out between Vivian and her mother, who has Richard Simmons hair. They arm wrestle over a glass of expired orange juice. It's not your typical mother-daughter argument.
The cat in this is kind of cool, if I could see it, as the movie is only in 360p quality. It reminds me of the swishy-tailed cat from that 'Funeral Home' 'Psycho' rip-off.
Vivian one-ups the transfer student and burns her house down using the cat's hire service. After the cat fails in its attempt to burn the transfer student alive, a raven is then employed to scratch people's eyes out, but that's also thwarted.
The transfer student seeks out the guidance of an excommunicated auxiliary member who's trained in the ways of woolens and learns fire starter powers and rowboat nursery rhymes, which are "super," according to Elliots brother, Michael. And it's all thanks to a kyanite crystal made out of dispenser machine plastics.
Before history, first period, a levitation trajectory battle breaks out in woodwork between the two witches. Going to the score cards, I'm inclined to raise Vivian's arm in a close point decision victory.
Why doesn't the transfer student use a surprise attack and just punch Vivian in the face? It'd catch her off guard. Forget all this mind-control Jedi business.
The useless cat has a second stab and tries to kill Elliot's brother Michael again, but fails miserably and should give up as a hitman. For a high school football jock, he sure knows a lot about the occult. He's not your regular Johnny Unitas.
A final showdown is scheduled at midnight on the school grounds, where the transfer student is a heavy underdog. (But we all know she'll win.)
I wonder how many weak-minded, impressionable souls out there believe in all this garbled trash.
Only ten seconds into the fight, a surprise tactic nobody saw coming sees a goat deck the transfer student with a flash knockdown. She dusts herself off and is back up on her feet at the count of three. Call it ring rust, I guess. The fight continues but should have been stopped only 30 seconds in as the transfer student is KOed by fire and the count is up to 2 minutes by now. That's a 120-count on my watch.
Richard Simmons shows up out of the blue and tag teams with the transfer student against his own daughter. The fight ends abruptly when Vivian is consumed by Richard Simmons and fire combined.
They seem to make a sacrifice to save themselves, and apparently, due to the credits rolling, that's all she wrote in a rather underwhelming end to a lousy faceoff.
It seems Richard Simmons still held a grudge over the expired orange juice incident earlier in the movie.
Want my advice? Just watch 'The Initiation of Sarah' instead.
I REALLY AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MOVIE
movieboy-126 May 2000
I fell in love with "Midnight Offerings" when it aired August 6, 1996 on MonsterVision on TNT. The movie makes sense if you watch it more than once, it also has a few good lines. For example:
"Tell the police? They'll Put me in a basket-weaving class for sure."
"The police have better things to worry about than your extra-curricular activities dear."
Melissa Sue Anderson is great as a bitch-witch and it totally shows. This one was never released on VHS although, I have a copy with no commercials. Here is a quick review: Robin Prentiss (Mary Beth McDonough; The Waltons) is new to Ocean High School. She makes a boyfriend her first day. But that boyfriend belongs to Vivian Sotherland (Melissa Sue Anderson; Little House On The Prairie), who is a Hectite witch.She tries to kill Robin, because she knows Robin is a witch too. Can Robin save herself or be destroyed by Vivian?
If you ever have a chance, check out this movie. I gave it a 10!
"Tell the police? They'll Put me in a basket-weaving class for sure."
"The police have better things to worry about than your extra-curricular activities dear."
Melissa Sue Anderson is great as a bitch-witch and it totally shows. This one was never released on VHS although, I have a copy with no commercials. Here is a quick review: Robin Prentiss (Mary Beth McDonough; The Waltons) is new to Ocean High School. She makes a boyfriend her first day. But that boyfriend belongs to Vivian Sotherland (Melissa Sue Anderson; Little House On The Prairie), who is a Hectite witch.She tries to kill Robin, because she knows Robin is a witch too. Can Robin save herself or be destroyed by Vivian?
If you ever have a chance, check out this movie. I gave it a 10!
Decent enough drama, but it lacks bite
The_Void3 March 2007
There's definitely the potential for a decent teen based horror drama here, but unfortunately this TV movie doesn't deliver on this and by the end, feels more than a little bit flat. Made for TV horror isn't usually brilliant, but I've discovered a few decent ones recently, although I wouldn't put Midnight Offerings among the best of them. The plot seems to take influence from Stephen King/Brian de Palma's "classic" Carrie, as we follow a couple of high school girls that have supernatural powers. At the centre of the story is David, a young man who's not the brightest bulb in the box, and who also happens to be going out with Vivian. Vivian is a witch, and uses her powers to help David out by murdering teachers that are failing him. However, he's bored with her, and when new girl Robin turns up at the school; David's head is turned. The chances of there being two witches at one school must be pretty slim; but that's what happens here as Robin also has supernatural powers and the two girls begin a struggle over David.
The only film like this one, aside from Carrie, that I've seen is nineties horror 'The Craft'. I actually have a higher opinion of that one than most, and I have to say that it's better than this film. Since it was made for television, Midnight Offerings is somewhat on the back foot from the beginning as it was limited by budget and the potential for special effects wasn't there, so it has to rely on it's performers. The acting from Melissa Sue Anderson and Mary Beth McDonough isn't bad, but it isn't great either and neither one really has enough screen presence to carry the film. There's not a lot of action, and the best scene - a battle of wills inside the school wood shop - is just OK. The film does well at building up the mythology around the witches, as we get details of what they can do and some information on the history of their powers; but the film ultimately lacks any bite, and the ideas on display aren't enough to adequately mask this. Overall, Midnight Offerings is decent enough for a single viewing; but it could have been a lot better.
The only film like this one, aside from Carrie, that I've seen is nineties horror 'The Craft'. I actually have a higher opinion of that one than most, and I have to say that it's better than this film. Since it was made for television, Midnight Offerings is somewhat on the back foot from the beginning as it was limited by budget and the potential for special effects wasn't there, so it has to rely on it's performers. The acting from Melissa Sue Anderson and Mary Beth McDonough isn't bad, but it isn't great either and neither one really has enough screen presence to carry the film. There's not a lot of action, and the best scene - a battle of wills inside the school wood shop - is just OK. The film does well at building up the mythology around the witches, as we get details of what they can do and some information on the history of their powers; but the film ultimately lacks any bite, and the ideas on display aren't enough to adequately mask this. Overall, Midnight Offerings is decent enough for a single viewing; but it could have been a lot better.
bad; how can anyone think otherwise
cameo-527 May 1999
How could 4 out of 16 prior voters give this movie a 10? How could more than half the prior voters give it a 7 or higher? Who is voting here? I can only assume it is primarily kids -- very young kids. The fact is that this is a bad movie in every way. The story is stupid; the acting is hard to even think of as acting; the characters are characterless; and the dialogue is terrible. I saw this one rainy afternoon on the Sci-Fi channel. In the sad event that it is ever rebroadcast, I suggest you read a book instead.
I always knew that A group girls in school were witches.
mark.waltz22 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Actually, it's a word that rhymes with it, but same difference. Melissa Sue Anderson goes from perfect daughter on the prairie to overachiever who has a secret that gets out of control. A beloved teacher dies in a car accident she apparently caused, fire breaks out in her rival's bedroom and her mom suffers cuts from a broken glass when she gets into an argument over her father. When first seen, Anderson is reciting an incantation, accompanied by her black cat who screeches in one of the oddest freeze frames I've ever seen, giving me a nice chuckle.
With Patrick Cassidy as the football star boyfriend, Mary Beth McDonough as the sweet newcomer (who learns white magic to fight against her demonic rival), Gordon Jump and Cathryn Damon as Anderson's perplexed parents and Marion Ross as an older witch, this is perfectly cast. A throwback to earlier made TV movies with young people involved in the occult, and very chilling. Anderson is quite creepy in this, a shock for fans of "Little House". Curly haired Cassidy may not be as well known as other similar early 80's hunks, but handsome and heroic. Definitely perfect for the Halloween season, a good nightmarish film for a gloomy day.
With Patrick Cassidy as the football star boyfriend, Mary Beth McDonough as the sweet newcomer (who learns white magic to fight against her demonic rival), Gordon Jump and Cathryn Damon as Anderson's perplexed parents and Marion Ross as an older witch, this is perfectly cast. A throwback to earlier made TV movies with young people involved in the occult, and very chilling. Anderson is quite creepy in this, a shock for fans of "Little House". Curly haired Cassidy may not be as well known as other similar early 80's hunks, but handsome and heroic. Definitely perfect for the Halloween season, a good nightmarish film for a gloomy day.
Teenage witches in high school
Vomitron_G27 April 2006
After seeing MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS I am still convinced that the first decent movie about (teenage) witches yet has to be made. I didn't think much of THE CRAFT and I'm not into CHARMED either. The only film I more or less enjoyed (about teenage witches) was LITTLE WITCHES (1996), and even that one wasn't very good. But changes are that if you liked all the aforementioned movies, you will also enjoy MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS.
I was expecting a silly and cheesy early 80's movie about teenage witches in high school. But I was rather surprised that this whole movie plays it rather serious. The acting is decent and serious all the time. No jokes are being played by teenagers or something. And the musical score, at first, I thought was pretty good. It added some scariness and also something 'classy', with the use of threatening violins and all. But as the movie progressed I came to the conclusion that the score was just too ambitious. They didn't have to add those threatening violins when you simply see someone back up a car and then drive away at normal speed.
Then there's Melissa Sue Anderson, who was the main reason for me to see this movie. A few weeks ago, I saw her in HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, a rather enjoyable, thick-plotted (and goofy on some occasions) slasher-movie which she had done in the same year as MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS. And I must say, she was very good as the icy-cold bad witch Vivian. But the main problem with the movie is: almost nothing happens! Vivian causes a death and an accident, yes, but that's it. Then there's Robin, the good witch, who is just learning about her powers. And we expect the two of them using their powers more than once, but at only one occasion they use their powers to make some pieces of wood and other stuff fly through the air as projectiles. That was supposed to be a fight between two powerful witches? And what's worse, I was hoping to see a spectacular show-down between the witches at the end of the movie with at least some special effects, flaming eyes or whatever... but nothing happens. There is sort of a confrontation in the end, but it's a big disappointment.
So, the acting of the two witches was good. The musical score was decent (even though overly ambitious). And the cinematography was rather dark and moody at times. But that doesn't make a good movie yet, does it?
I was expecting a silly and cheesy early 80's movie about teenage witches in high school. But I was rather surprised that this whole movie plays it rather serious. The acting is decent and serious all the time. No jokes are being played by teenagers or something. And the musical score, at first, I thought was pretty good. It added some scariness and also something 'classy', with the use of threatening violins and all. But as the movie progressed I came to the conclusion that the score was just too ambitious. They didn't have to add those threatening violins when you simply see someone back up a car and then drive away at normal speed.
Then there's Melissa Sue Anderson, who was the main reason for me to see this movie. A few weeks ago, I saw her in HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, a rather enjoyable, thick-plotted (and goofy on some occasions) slasher-movie which she had done in the same year as MIDNIGHT OFFERINGS. And I must say, she was very good as the icy-cold bad witch Vivian. But the main problem with the movie is: almost nothing happens! Vivian causes a death and an accident, yes, but that's it. Then there's Robin, the good witch, who is just learning about her powers. And we expect the two of them using their powers more than once, but at only one occasion they use their powers to make some pieces of wood and other stuff fly through the air as projectiles. That was supposed to be a fight between two powerful witches? And what's worse, I was hoping to see a spectacular show-down between the witches at the end of the movie with at least some special effects, flaming eyes or whatever... but nothing happens. There is sort of a confrontation in the end, but it's a big disappointment.
So, the acting of the two witches was good. The musical score was decent (even though overly ambitious). And the cinematography was rather dark and moody at times. But that doesn't make a good movie yet, does it?
likeable horror/fantasy outing
myriamlenys3 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A popular male student has been wrestling with the suspicion that his equally popular girlfriend is an actual witch. This suspicion gets reinforced after the removal of one of the human obstacles standing in his way, to wit a teacher who wanted to flunk him. When a new student, a very pretty girl, joins the school it looks as though she might become toast too...
"Midnight offerings" is a modest but well-made horror/fantasy set in a quintessentially American high-school environment. (After class, students drive their car to the ocean in order to go surfing. USA ! USA !) The movie, which tells of the increasingly violent fight between two young witches, develops the premise a) that witchcraft is real and b) that it exerts genuine power. Here, curses and spells can be just as lethal as bullets or arrows ; even a small black cat has the potential to become an instrument of destruction.
Still, there seems to be some confusion about the metaphysical underpinnings of the whole. For instance, does the goddess Hecate exist and if so, is she a colleague/underling/superior of the Judeo-Christian devil ? Or are these names just random labels stuck on external powers of a malevolent nature ?
Behind all the occult trappings one recognizes a tale about the misery of adolescence, with its Sturm und Drang, its peer rivalry and its changing parent/child relationship. Adolescence is also the period in life when the really unpleasant people spread their wings. Here, our dark witch represents the kind of ultra-domineering, ultra-perfectionist go-getter willing to walk over corpses in order to obtain riches and status.
It's a bit of a pity that the three young protagonists look too old to pass as teenagers. Still, they do well enough, and Melissa Sue Anderson's bitchy, vicious witch is frankly terrifying. The movie explodes out of the gate like a champion horse, the pace is maintained throughout and the finale is thrilling. All in all, a pretty toothsome watch.
"Midnight offerings" is a modest but well-made horror/fantasy set in a quintessentially American high-school environment. (After class, students drive their car to the ocean in order to go surfing. USA ! USA !) The movie, which tells of the increasingly violent fight between two young witches, develops the premise a) that witchcraft is real and b) that it exerts genuine power. Here, curses and spells can be just as lethal as bullets or arrows ; even a small black cat has the potential to become an instrument of destruction.
Still, there seems to be some confusion about the metaphysical underpinnings of the whole. For instance, does the goddess Hecate exist and if so, is she a colleague/underling/superior of the Judeo-Christian devil ? Or are these names just random labels stuck on external powers of a malevolent nature ?
Behind all the occult trappings one recognizes a tale about the misery of adolescence, with its Sturm und Drang, its peer rivalry and its changing parent/child relationship. Adolescence is also the period in life when the really unpleasant people spread their wings. Here, our dark witch represents the kind of ultra-domineering, ultra-perfectionist go-getter willing to walk over corpses in order to obtain riches and status.
It's a bit of a pity that the three young protagonists look too old to pass as teenagers. Still, they do well enough, and Melissa Sue Anderson's bitchy, vicious witch is frankly terrifying. The movie explodes out of the gate like a champion horse, the pace is maintained throughout and the finale is thrilling. All in all, a pretty toothsome watch.
Great...you know it was...don't be a coward...admit it
skarphedin-211 June 2008
I saw this when it first came out, probably because I had a big crush on Mary McDonough (that hasn't changed). I was amazed how many of the lines I remembered, particularly in the classic kitchen confrontation between Vivien and her mother (a superb Cathryn Damon). Seeing it again, I was startled 40 minutes into it to realize that there were virtually no special effects at all. Everything was done by suggestion, and by showing Vivien's malice and its effects on others. It took itself completely seriously -- no effort to be hip, no constant pop culture references, no embarrassment at being a witch movie -- and that is the ONLY way to do a good scary movie. A lot of people have mentioned Melissa Sue Anderson's portrayal of Vivien, and she was great, but I think some people miss how perfect Mary McDonough was as Robin. Her beauty has a kind of introspective, far-away quality that perfectly suits the shy new girl in school, who is nonetheless hiding a troubling secret. Now I just have to find Stranger in Our House (Lee Purcell and Linda Blair) and wait for the first installment of Friday the 13th the Series (Robey, John Le May, Chris Wiggins) to come out and I'm set!
Any chance of this on DVD?
prdunlap112 September 2005
I enjoyed this movie and while I acknowledge it was regular ol' TV fluff, it was fun to watch and had pretty good pacing for its time. With the glut of TV movies coming out (Girl Most Likely is just about to release in October) any chance of this one coming out? If not - where can I get a copy?
I'd like to see quite a few new releases of old TV movies that we watched - the re-watched as they were rerun late at night on Friday and Saturday nights throughout our lives.
This one was a nice little gem to waste an hour and a half and enjoy some retro special effects - if anyone knows where I can buy a copy let me know!
I'd like to see quite a few new releases of old TV movies that we watched - the re-watched as they were rerun late at night on Friday and Saturday nights throughout our lives.
This one was a nice little gem to waste an hour and a half and enjoy some retro special effects - if anyone knows where I can buy a copy let me know!
I thought it was pretty good myself
jeningram27 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
You have to put the movie in the context of when it was made. In 1981, we were still blown away by the high end graphics of Pac-Man. That being said, it at least had a plot which is more than most movies made today. It wasn't a horror the caliber of someone like Paris Hilton would make *rude noise* but for a TV movie made in 1981, it was pretty good. This is a movie a Lois Duncan fan would enjoy or who someone who likes occult films with a witchy twist would get a kick out of. It has to do with two girls who are natural born witches. One, Melissa Sue Anderson who is also remembered as Mary Ingalls on Little House, is evil and is a Hecate witch. The other, Robin, is a white witch who has to reluctantly battle her much stronger nemesis in order to protect her boyfriend. In my opinion, the folks who made the movie "The Craft" probably watched this film when they were teenagers as it does share some themes albeit only faintly. So there. NYAH!
Trying to buy Midnight Offerings TV Movie!!!
pchefdavid12 July 2006
Hello. I am trying to find/buy a copy of the TV movie "Midnight Offerings" starring Melissa Sue Anderson. I can't find it anywhere, not even ebay.
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com Hello. I am trying to find/buy a copy of the TV movie "Midnight Offerings" starring Melissa Sue Anderson. I can't find it anywhere, not even ebay.
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com Hello. I am trying to find/buy a copy of the TV movie "Midnight Offerings" starring Melissa Sue Anderson. I can't find it anywhere, not even ebay.
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com Hello. I am trying to find/buy a copy of the TV movie "Midnight Offerings" starring Melissa Sue Anderson. I can't find it anywhere, not even ebay.
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com Hello. I am trying to find/buy a copy of the TV movie "Midnight Offerings" starring Melissa Sue Anderson. I can't find it anywhere, not even ebay.
Any ideas? Thanks. pchefdavid at yahoo dot com
My favorite TV movie ever!
Boggman16 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Midnight Offerings" serves up quite an offering indeed! I first saw this movie around 1985, at the ripe old age of 12. With my first VCR and recording everything possible on television, "Midnight Offerings" remains in my dusty old video collection to this day. One of the few cassettes I was smart enough NOT to record over.
Aww beautiful Vivian (a Melissa Sue Anderson) has it all going for her. Except a soul!! She is a popular and well liked high school cheerleader, even if she DID have a recent breakup with her X boyfriend David (Patrick Cassidy); the star quarterback of the football team. She is also the model daughter to her father, who couldn't be any more pleased with his offspring.
Viv loves to go home and lock herself in her room, presumably to study and do her "girl things". Lucky for us, Viv's girl things include worshipping the demon spirit Hecate, chanting incantations in her closet/dungeon wearing a hooded robe and a ton of make-up, playing with her black cat, and prying through the eyes of her black raven. WONDERFUL!!!
You see, sexy Viv is a black witch, one that uses her powers to manipulate all those around her into doing her bidding. If we all only had it so good!!
Momma (Cathryn Damon) is on to her 7th daughter though, mostly because she is a witch herself. However, momma has retired her powers to become a doting housewife and mother; and she expects Viv to exercise a little restraint, much to Viv's dismay. Ya see, Viv's gonna use her talents to "have it all"!! She balks at what her mother has done with her life, considering what she "could" have been. These feelings of animosity set up a nice little rift between mother and daughter right from the get go.
Enter Robin (Mary Beth McDonough), the new girl in school with secrets of her own. Robin is a witch herself, just learning how to use and control her powers. But Robin just wants to be normal girl, because she has accidentally hurt others in the past with her lack of experience and technique.
Immediately Robin and David have an encounter, much to Viv's dismay.
Long story short Robin and Dave start seeing each other and Viv ain't gonna have it! After all, they are making her look bad at school, and there can be none of that. Dave has figured out that Viv is a witch, and he informs Robin of such. He also advises her to watch her back.
After a failed attempt by Viv to hurt Robin ends up causing Robins father to have a heart attack; and after a FANTASTIC little duel of telekinetic powers in an empty shop class between Viv and Robin ..the war is declared!! Robins got two days to get out of Dodge (a.k.a HER high school) or Viv is going to send her away in a body bag! Awesome!
Viv is obviously a much stronger and more experienced little witch, so Robin seeks out some help and advice from Emily Moore (Marion Ross), at the urging of David. Emily is a wise spiritual woman, with a few tricks up her sleeves as well. She lets Robin know in no uncertain terms, if you don't fight Viv, she's gonna eat you alive!!
Will Robin take on Viv?
Will Robin and Dave find true love?
Will Viv listen to her mother's advice?
Will Robin back off of Viv's turf?
Melissa Sue Andersdon turns in a brilliant performance as the icy, cold, teenage bitch of a witch! One look into those baby blues and you know this is a girl that means business!
She should have been nominated for an Emmy at least! The rest of the cast is just fine, with the wonderful Marion Ross's short performance deserving a nod from this reviewer as well.
All I can say is if you ever see this movie come on TNT or USA late at night stop what you are doing and watch it!! You'll be glad you did!
I hope they release this movie for sale one day. I'd be the first in line as it brings back so many great memories.
Aww beautiful Vivian (a Melissa Sue Anderson) has it all going for her. Except a soul!! She is a popular and well liked high school cheerleader, even if she DID have a recent breakup with her X boyfriend David (Patrick Cassidy); the star quarterback of the football team. She is also the model daughter to her father, who couldn't be any more pleased with his offspring.
Viv loves to go home and lock herself in her room, presumably to study and do her "girl things". Lucky for us, Viv's girl things include worshipping the demon spirit Hecate, chanting incantations in her closet/dungeon wearing a hooded robe and a ton of make-up, playing with her black cat, and prying through the eyes of her black raven. WONDERFUL!!!
You see, sexy Viv is a black witch, one that uses her powers to manipulate all those around her into doing her bidding. If we all only had it so good!!
Momma (Cathryn Damon) is on to her 7th daughter though, mostly because she is a witch herself. However, momma has retired her powers to become a doting housewife and mother; and she expects Viv to exercise a little restraint, much to Viv's dismay. Ya see, Viv's gonna use her talents to "have it all"!! She balks at what her mother has done with her life, considering what she "could" have been. These feelings of animosity set up a nice little rift between mother and daughter right from the get go.
Enter Robin (Mary Beth McDonough), the new girl in school with secrets of her own. Robin is a witch herself, just learning how to use and control her powers. But Robin just wants to be normal girl, because she has accidentally hurt others in the past with her lack of experience and technique.
Immediately Robin and David have an encounter, much to Viv's dismay.
Long story short Robin and Dave start seeing each other and Viv ain't gonna have it! After all, they are making her look bad at school, and there can be none of that. Dave has figured out that Viv is a witch, and he informs Robin of such. He also advises her to watch her back.
After a failed attempt by Viv to hurt Robin ends up causing Robins father to have a heart attack; and after a FANTASTIC little duel of telekinetic powers in an empty shop class between Viv and Robin ..the war is declared!! Robins got two days to get out of Dodge (a.k.a HER high school) or Viv is going to send her away in a body bag! Awesome!
Viv is obviously a much stronger and more experienced little witch, so Robin seeks out some help and advice from Emily Moore (Marion Ross), at the urging of David. Emily is a wise spiritual woman, with a few tricks up her sleeves as well. She lets Robin know in no uncertain terms, if you don't fight Viv, she's gonna eat you alive!!
Will Robin take on Viv?
Will Robin and Dave find true love?
Will Viv listen to her mother's advice?
Will Robin back off of Viv's turf?
Melissa Sue Andersdon turns in a brilliant performance as the icy, cold, teenage bitch of a witch! One look into those baby blues and you know this is a girl that means business!
She should have been nominated for an Emmy at least! The rest of the cast is just fine, with the wonderful Marion Ross's short performance deserving a nod from this reviewer as well.
All I can say is if you ever see this movie come on TNT or USA late at night stop what you are doing and watch it!! You'll be glad you did!
I hope they release this movie for sale one day. I'd be the first in line as it brings back so many great memories.
oooh! How scary!!
snafuone15 July 2006
I remember this movie. I was always a fan of TV horror movies. This one takes the cake. Melissa Sue Anderson, who played Mary Ingalls, sister of Laura, daughter of Charles, on "Little House on the Prairie". She was sooo innocent in that TV show. Then, later, TV execs hired her on to play Vivian Sotherland in this movie. She played the part soo well! NOT so innocent anynmore! Downright evil! A very satanic, wicked witch, with a black cat, and reciting spells and incantations in Latin at the beginning of the movie. While she's conjuring evil spirits, and casting spells, we see a car driving down the street. It suddenly crashes and bursts into flames. The driver dies. Vivian got the powers from her mother, originally. Her mother doesn't use them anymore. She wants Vivian to relinquish the powers, and be a normal girl. Vivian won't have any part of that.
A new girl has settled into the town, and is going to the high school attended by Vivian and her boyfriend Dave. Her name is Robin Prentiss, who played Erin Walton on "The Waltons." She was goody two shoes in that TV show, like Mary Ingalls. Well, she doesn't wander far from home in this movie. She's got powers. She's a good witch, but doesn't really realize it until later in the movie. She's trying to protect herself from Vivian. She makes boats move through the water, makes it really windy, and does other harmless things, just to practice her witchcraft. Vivian knows the powers Robin has. She also knows the hold Robin has on her boyfriend, Dave. Jealousy has lead to death threats against Robin. Vivian has given Robin two days to leave town, or she's dead. With the help of the mystical Emily Moore, who played Marion Cunningham on "Happy Days", Robin realizes her special abilities, and masters them, somewhat. They are no way as powerful as Vivian's, but they do protect her from harm half-way through the movie.
In an exciting cliffhanger, we see who wins at the end. This was a pretty good movie back in the day. I remember it like it was yesterday, and have a taped copy from the sci-fi channel.
A new girl has settled into the town, and is going to the high school attended by Vivian and her boyfriend Dave. Her name is Robin Prentiss, who played Erin Walton on "The Waltons." She was goody two shoes in that TV show, like Mary Ingalls. Well, she doesn't wander far from home in this movie. She's got powers. She's a good witch, but doesn't really realize it until later in the movie. She's trying to protect herself from Vivian. She makes boats move through the water, makes it really windy, and does other harmless things, just to practice her witchcraft. Vivian knows the powers Robin has. She also knows the hold Robin has on her boyfriend, Dave. Jealousy has lead to death threats against Robin. Vivian has given Robin two days to leave town, or she's dead. With the help of the mystical Emily Moore, who played Marion Cunningham on "Happy Days", Robin realizes her special abilities, and masters them, somewhat. They are no way as powerful as Vivian's, but they do protect her from harm half-way through the movie.
In an exciting cliffhanger, we see who wins at the end. This was a pretty good movie back in the day. I remember it like it was yesterday, and have a taped copy from the sci-fi channel.
OK, it's cheesy, but oh so much fun
museoffire21 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
I remember being sick home from school and watching this on TV - yes, it's very 70's cheesy, but oh it's so much fun to watch Melissa Sue Anderson giving those icy glares to her mother. I was always sad she didn't win the fight...
a fun movie
Scott-21626 September 1999
For the record, I am 25 and quite intelligent. And I really love Midnight Offerings.
I first saw this movie when I was 7 years old, when it first aired on TV. I developed a major crush on the bad witch, Vivian, and a serious fondness for witches in general; many years later, this film was in my mind, somewhere, while I wrote poetry about witches in my first college writing workshop. The impression made by this film was not only deep and permanent, but one which just makes me very happy about my past, my life.
When I saw the film again, finally, a few years ago---well, it isn't a great film. The dialogue really is bad, for the most part, the plot doesn't make much sense, et cetera. But still, it's entertaining, in the way that sub-B-movies are, or in fact much more entertaining even than that. It's delightful. And, I think that those people who gave the film a 10 (as I did) did so not because it is well-constructed, but because they just enjoyed it. It makes a good impression.
And three cheers for Vivian! She still is pretty cool, I say.
I first saw this movie when I was 7 years old, when it first aired on TV. I developed a major crush on the bad witch, Vivian, and a serious fondness for witches in general; many years later, this film was in my mind, somewhere, while I wrote poetry about witches in my first college writing workshop. The impression made by this film was not only deep and permanent, but one which just makes me very happy about my past, my life.
When I saw the film again, finally, a few years ago---well, it isn't a great film. The dialogue really is bad, for the most part, the plot doesn't make much sense, et cetera. But still, it's entertaining, in the way that sub-B-movies are, or in fact much more entertaining even than that. It's delightful. And, I think that those people who gave the film a 10 (as I did) did so not because it is well-constructed, but because they just enjoyed it. It makes a good impression.
And three cheers for Vivian! She still is pretty cool, I say.
Very entertaining if you watch it in the right frame of mind.
robertpaulson-21 September 2004
Think of it as Celebrity Boxing. Celebrity Boxing with witchcraft instead of gloves.
In this corner you've got Erin from The Waltons (Mary Beth McDonough), the "good witch". (Booooo!! Hissss!!!) Coached and backed by a "so scared I'm about to loose my bladder" Mrs. "C" from Happy Days (Marion Ross).
In the opposite corner sits Mary, gone to the dark side and in need of a cosmetology lesson, from the Little House on the Prairie (Melissa Sue Anderson), the "bad witch". (Yay!!! go team!) Mothered by Cathryn Damon (Soap), a witch on the wagon. Fathered by a clueless Arthur Carlson (WKRP in Cincinnati).
Throw in your token/tokin' High School quarterback jock as the official chew toy and this movie makes one entertaining evening.
In this corner you've got Erin from The Waltons (Mary Beth McDonough), the "good witch". (Booooo!! Hissss!!!) Coached and backed by a "so scared I'm about to loose my bladder" Mrs. "C" from Happy Days (Marion Ross).
In the opposite corner sits Mary, gone to the dark side and in need of a cosmetology lesson, from the Little House on the Prairie (Melissa Sue Anderson), the "bad witch". (Yay!!! go team!) Mothered by Cathryn Damon (Soap), a witch on the wagon. Fathered by a clueless Arthur Carlson (WKRP in Cincinnati).
Throw in your token/tokin' High School quarterback jock as the official chew toy and this movie makes one entertaining evening.
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