It’s more cartoon than body horror, which
seems to have been a guiding principle for the
whole production.
Oddly the strongest parts of the film are
before the whole witch aspect kicks in when
it’s just Grandma and Hero Boy getting used
to life together after the horrific loss. Spencer
is an unambiguous delight. Part of you might
even wish that the film was just about their
life together.
Once they get to the hotel, it’s all plot and spells
and crazy CGI mice and there’s barely any time
to breathe or enjoy the characters — even
Stanley Tucci as the hotel manager gets a little
overshadowed by it all. They’ve also decided
to keep a running joke in about an overweight
child (who also turns into a mouse) consistently
being sidetracked by his desire for more food,
which just feels cruel, outdated and cheap.
Still Zemeckis has done a fine job with the film on
the whole, which was a much-needed win after
the dreadful “Welcome to Marwen.” It’s not going
to be as iconic as Roeg’s, but it should provide
some nice family entertainment at home for
Halloween. And, bonus, post-viewing nightmares
and trauma should be minimal this time.
“The Witches,” an HBO Max release, is rated PG
by the Motion Picture Association of America for
“scary images/moments, language and thematic
elements.” Running time: 106 minutes. Two and
a half stars out of four.
MPAA Definition of PG: Parental guidance suggested.