What a stupid – and stupidly iconic – movie. I mean, who needs all of these legends in one movie? It’s an LGBTQ person’s dream cast, and that’s all I have to say on the matter.
Based on the novel of the same name, The Witches of Eastwick is exactly what it says on the tin. What you may not realise is that the three main protagonists don’t actually know that they’re witches, and only figure it out when strange things begin to happen. When the trio accidentally form a coven, a strange man (Jack Nicholson) appears by the name of Daryl… which intentionally sounds like ‘devil’. Daryl works to turn the women against each other, and it is only when Michelle Pfeiffer‘s Sukie realises what is going on do they instead turn on him, making it their mission to banish him from Eastwick and, indeed, the world.
Name a more iconic cast though. Seriously.
Cher: famously not the best actor, but not horrendous either. And she really shines here!
Susan Sarandon: plays naive and wreckless so well… perhaps because that’s who she is in real life. All shade, hun.
Michelle Pfeiffer: a delight as always. She can do whatever she wants.
Jack Nicholson: somehow turns this into an acting masterclass. He’s so grotesque and vulgar. Just brilliant.
Yeah this is just campy fun (look at the casting decisions!) but it surprised me somewhat. It’s much racier than I thought it would be, that’s for sure! However, each actor works to the desired effect, ensuring that the movie is gripping, exciting, and absolutely nuts throughout.
As usual, this is completely different to George Miller’s other directorial works (Mad Max: Fury Road, Happy Feet), but even in this standalone, ridiculous movie, there are glimpses of his greatness.
There’s some all-round unique cinematography in Eastwick too, even if it is super duper eighties… Some sequences are so brilliant. One that stands out in particular is the tennis scene, which was a joy to watch. The overhead shot of the tennis ball in the sky? Inventive, gorgeous, stunning.
By no means a spectacular movie (you should look to Fury Road if that’s what you’re after), but for what it is, it’s great. Definitely a 4 star movie purely for enjoyability… and did I mention THAT CAST?!!??!
The Witches of Eastwick is available to rent on Amazon and the Sky Store for £3.49 in the UK.
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