Synopsis
In late 1967, a young orphaned boy goes to live with his loving grandma in the rural Alabama town of Demopolis. As the boy and his grandmother encounter some deceptively glamorous but thoroughly diabolical witches, she wisely whisks him away to a seaside resort. Regrettably, they arrive at precisely the same time that the world's Grand High Witch has gathered.
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Cast
- Anne HathawayGrand High Witch
- Octavia SpencerGrandma
- Stanley TucciMr Stringer
- Jahzir BrunoHero Boy
- Chris RockOlder Hero (voice)
- Codie-Lei EastickBruno Jenkins
- Kristin ChenowethDaisy / Mary (voice)
- Charles EdwardsMr Jenkins
- Morgana RobinsonMrs Jenkins
- Brian BovellReginald
Recommendations
- 75
The Film Stage
With a grand score by Alan Silvestri that kicks up at every possible turn and extravagantly over-the-top Hathaway performance, this update on The Witches is a family-friendly Halloween treat that still boasts Zemeckis’ brand of the bizarre and a clear-eyed vision that seems all the more rare in today’s Hollywood. - 65
TheWrap
This kiddie horror comedy will bring a bracing dollop of creepiness to your Halloween. - 60
Screen Rant
The Witches is certainly bolstered by its performances and visuals (which is to be expected of a Zemeckis production), and while its speedy story will win over young audiences, it could've reached new heights had Zemeckis, del Toro, and Barris dared to add a bit more padding. - 60
Empire
A supernatural, effects-laden yarn like this is right in Robert Zemeckis' wheelhouse. Which makes it a little disheartening that it’s merely good, rather than great. Dahl's story still sings, but like a potion missing eye of newt, this new take is slightly undercooked. - 50
Chicago Sun-Times
The special effects are first-rate and the performances are way over the top yet entertaining, but The Witches is far too disturbing for young children and not edgy enough to captivate adults. - 50
IGN
Zemeckis turns this beloved, dark story into a campy, weird, yet still fairly entertaining kid-friendly story of accepting oneself. The problem is that it pales in comparison to what came before. - 50
Arizona Republic
There is an element of sadness to this story that’s necessary to make it effective. Take that away and you’re left with a cute kids’ tale that doesn’t trust younger audiences to process the elements that can be difficult — and that make it better. - 50
Entertainment Weekly
This Witches, alas, has the misfortune of doubling down on all the late writer's eccentricities, while somehow finding only a fraction of his magic.
