The Witches

Andrew Jáuregui

Ronald Dahl’s books have no stranger to film adaptations, and some have even been adapted and rebooted, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005. This Halloween season, HBO Max released The Witches, a reboot of the original film adaptation from 1990.

The story of the movie is very similar to the original book, and to a further extent, the 1990 film. It follows our main character and his encounter with the witches in the story.

Relating to the characters, the lead boy, played by Jahzir Bruno, does an amazing job delivering his lines, and makes for a relatable and hilarious lead. As for the side characters, the aunt, played by Octavia Spencer stands out, and is my favorite character in the film. She is hilarious, serious, and loving when she needs to be.

Anna Hathaway does a stellar job portraying the head Witch, and main antagonist of the film, as she is able to balance the goofiness and absurdity of the plot with the intimidation the villain needs to have on the other characters.

The plot itself is simple, and as aforementioned, goofy, but, while it doesn’t create the most intellectual or complex film, it’s adequate and entertaining enough for a kid’s Halloween movie. It isn’t worth buying HBO Max just to see it if you don’t already have it, unless you’re a huge fan of the original movie, book, or maybe just a massive Ronald Dahl fan.