The Witches Movie Review

I never could understand why so-called Mai Zetterling fans were always sighing about her looks because she couldn't stay 16 years old forever. To me, Mai Zetterling (1925–94), was beautiful and brilliant and never more so than in her lovely swan song as the 65-year-old grandmother in Nicolas Roeg's charming film adaptation of Roald Dahl's prize-winning fantasy, The Witches. As Helga, Zetterling perfectly captures the essence of everyone's favorite grandmother: she is completely tuned into her young grandson Luke, she doesn't dismiss his dreams or his nightmares, she helps him out of every imaginable scrape, and gives him a big kiss to encourage him to fight his own battles. Newcomer Jasen Fisher is equally endearing as Luke, not only as a vulnerable little seven-year-old boy but also in his transformation as a resourceful mouse, determined to protect other kids from the same fate. Anjelica Huston is appropriately flamboyant as the Grand High Witch who issues the order to her followers that all the children of England are to be changed into mice. By the time the Grand High Witch arrives on the scene, we've already been alerted to the tell-tale signs of every true witch: their purple eyes, their lack of toes and, most important of all, their deep aversion to children. The Witches was among the late Jim Henson's last projects and his influence is clear as executive producer, not only in the striking makeup for the witches, but also in the appealing transformations that occur when Luke and other little boys are changed into mice. Director Roeg retains an atmosphere of wonder throughout the film's 92-minute running time and the color work on this picture is especially lovely. Worth noting among the supporting cast are Brenda (Secrets and Lies) Blethyn and the very funny Rowan Atkinson (hilarious as the minister in 1994's Four Weddings and a Funeral). Atkinson, a great comedy favorite in Great Britain, is a genuine side-splitter, etching his portrayal of the world's slimiest hotel manager in acid. The Witches works effectively both as a satire and as a tale of terror and is highly recommended for free spirits of all ages.

1990 (PG) 92m/C Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Rowan Atkinson, Charlie Potter, Bill Paterson, Brenda Blethyn, Jane Horrocks; D: Nicolas Roeg; W: Allan Scott; C: Harvey Harrison; M: Stanley Myers. Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards ‘90: Best Actress (Huston); National Society of Film Critics Awards ‘90: Best Actress (Huston). VHS, LV, 8mm, Closed Caption