The Good Witch (2008)

Good start, but then it gets ruined

Fantastic!

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Old-fashioned, never-never-land fable about a mysterious woman who comes to a small town to claim an inheritance, specifically, the town's notorious haunted house. She sets up a shop full of potions and gemstones and charms, which does not go down well with the mayor's pompous wife (and tellingly, the only fat woman in the entire cast). This chubby busybody, straight out of a 1940s comedy, is convinced the new arrival is a witch (she does own a black cat and an antique broom) and spends the rest of the film trying to drive her out of town. Meanwhile, the newcomer performs a series of subtle good deeds that help various town folk with problems ranging from sterility to bullies. This Hallmark movie bears more than a passing resemblance to "Bell Book and Candle," and in fact the reputed witch names her New Age-y store Bell Book and Candle. The delectable Catherine Bell plays the mysterious woman, a woman similar to the character played by Kim Novak in "Bell Book and Candle." Since this is a Hallmark TV movie, Bell has to rein in her incredible sensuality, but she's still quite a dish even while playing more of a Mary Poppins character. I got a kick out of the cover for this one, which shows Bell grasping what appears to be a long, black phallic object, while giving us a knowing smile. The object, if you look hard enough, is actually a very long broomstick. Familiar TV actor Chris Potter plays the local sheriff, a widower with two small children who is smitten by Bell at first sight. Spending an evening alone on a couch in front of a roaring fireplace, wineglasses in hand, Bell and Potter manage one chaste kiss -- no tussling in the sheets for these two. This is a Hallmark movie, after all. So a chaste kiss is all we get. Entertaining, low-key family movie that was shot in Canada.

I have watched this movie several times on cable, and I just really love the entire concept of the haunted house, the widowed father with two adorable kids, Catherine Bell as the so-called witch. She is so beautiful and so believable. Maybe it is schmaltzy but I really just love watching a wholesome program where the "good guys" win. The scenes from Halloween were exceptionally wonderful, you could see the two main characters falling in love. And the Mayor's wife getting her comeuppance, the actress playing the Mayor's wife was really great, I loved her. A good feel good movie!I heard that there is a sequel in the works, and I really hope so. This is a true wholesome family movie and I look forward to it!

Although the actors were not at all familiar to me, and the "feel" of the movie is typical made for TV movie/Hallmark fair, please don't let this stop you from seeing this great "feel good" movie.It seems as if I have seen this movie a million times as it feels formulaic and clichéd but it somehow has a refreshing charm and character as told by a "witch" stranger who comes to a small town and moves into a mansion who no one notices at first. The closest movie I could compare this to in terms of theme would be Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988).OK, now for the witchy part of this review: The only God/dess mentioned is Isis, the name Cassandra's familiar, a black cat. Her jewelry is non-descript, and I saw no alters or ritual tools in the background sets of her house (believe me I was looking for them), except for the most recognizable "witch" tool to muggles, a round broom that would appear at "magical" times throughout the movie with its own "magical" music. There are Native American tools (dream catcher) and New Age tools (Crystal), but this only shows her eclectic nature. The character is very good with herb and salve lore. There are no rituals depicted unless you can call reciting a mantra such as "I will not dream of bunnies" a ritual.To cannibalize Starhawks quote, the main character in the story Cassandra "Changes everyone she touches" both directly and indirectly for the better. The theme of "the truth/answer/solution/magic is within yourself, you only need to find it" is pervasive throughout the movie and Cassandra is the catalyst that helps the other characters work through their problems. Cassandra answers can best be described as spoken by an "old soul," as she is very wise beyond her years.Besides the general "feel good" nature of this movie, I highly recommend this movie as a "coming out" of the broom closet movie to show disapproving family and friends, as I cannot find one negative/incorrect treatment of Cassandra in this movie. In short it paints "wise women" in a very positive and accurate light. Some questions to ask after finishing watching this movie would be: "So what do you think of witches now?" Followed by "What would you say if I was/want to be one?" I can only hope to see more positive/accurate media portraying witches in such a good light.

In the days of gory and seedy exposure of human behavior this movie is refreshing in showing the pleasant side.I am probably prejudiced because I watched Catherine Bell in the JAG series and I adored her. In this movie she looked pregnant at least that was my impression but it added an allure to her role.It is interesting that it was filmed in Canada and not US. More movies like this so the world does not seem to be comprised of mentally deranged seedy characters. We grandfather also acted very humanly and supportive. I identify with such intra family advise. Question remains why it is not shown in the movie theaters?