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It's all done with the ambidextrous eyebrows. Jack Nicholson can elevate either brow singly to express his intention of getting away with murder, and he can elevate them in unison to reflect his delight when he has done so. In the annals of body language, his may be a small skill, but it's a crucial one, because it makes us conspirators with Nicholson; he's sharing his raffish delight with us.

He does that a lot in "The Witches of Eastwick," in which he plays the devil: a role he was born to fill. He finds himself in Eastwick, a sedate New England village, after being invoked by three bored housewives who have not found what they are looking for in the local male population. Nicholson is exactly what they are looking for, by definition, because he can be all things to all people.

He buys the big mansion on the edge of town, moves in and starts cooking. Nobody knows where he came from or what his story is, and he's certainly an oddball: Look at those floppy, ungainly clothes, or remember the time he began to snore, deafeningly, at the village concert. But the three women who summoned him aren't complaining, because he's giving each one of them just what she wants.

The women are played in the movie by Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon , and they have a delicious good time with their roles. These women need to be good at double takes, because they're always getting into situations that require them. When they're together, talking up a storm, they have the kind of unconscious verbal timing that makes comedy out of ordinary speech. We laugh not only because they say funny things but because they give everyday things just a slight twist of irony.

But it's Nicholson's show. There is a scene where he dresses in satin pajamas and sprawls full length on a bed, twisting and stretching sinuously in full enjoyment of his sensuality. It is one of the funniest moments of physical humor he has ever committed. There is another sequence in which he presides over a diabolical celebration in his mansion, orchestrating unspeakable acts and realizing unconscious fantasies. In the hands of another actor it might look ridiculous, but Nicholson seems perfectly at home with the bizarre.

"The Witches of Eastwick" is based on the John Updike novel, which must have presented a minefield for George Miller , the director. Fantasies usually play better on the page than on the screen, because in the imagination they don't seem as ridiculous as they sometimes do when they've been reduced to actual images. There are some moments in "The Witches of Eastwick" that stretch uncomfortably for effects - the movie's climax is overdone, for example - and yet a lot of the time this movie plays like a plausible story about implausible people. The performances sell it. And the eyebrows.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

118 minutes

Keith Jochim as Walter

Michelle Pfeiffer as Sukie

Veronica Cartwright as Felicia

Richard Jenkins as Clyde

Susan Sarandon as Jane

Jack Nicholson as Daryl

Cher as Alexandra

Screenplay by

Michael Chistofer
Richard Francis-Bruce

Photographed by

Vilmos Zsigmond

Produced by

Neil Canton
Peter Guber

Directed by

George Miller
John Williams

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The Witches of Eastwick Reviews

Even at its trashiest the movie keeps bumping along.

Full Review | Sep 13, 2023

George Miller, who directed the Mad Max trilogy, has made The Witches of Eastwick a provocative movie, decidedly unwholesome without being cynical, when so many movies today are either sentimental, or cynical in a transparently sentimental way.

Full Review | May 20, 2022

All in all, a polished and witty bit of male sexual panic.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 10, 2022

Nicholson doesn't need special effects; he is one himself. Yet on balance, the film is mostly an outrageous, foul-mouthed good time.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 22, 2022

Jack Nicholson plays “Just your average horny little devil” in The Witches of Eastwick, an entertaining, albeit uneven, conjuring from Warner Bros. that will likely cast a strong spell at the box office.

Full Review | Apr 22, 2022

With a no-holds-barred performance by Jack Nicholson as the horny Satan, it’s a very funny and irresistible set-up for anyone who has ever been baffled by the opposite sex.

The Witches of Eastwick brings a broad, obvious, punchy style and a lot of special effects to bear upon a story of seduction that is much too frail to support this kind of gimmickry.

The Witches of Eastwick is filmmaking of a very high order; it's also a great time at the movies.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Apr 22, 2022

Mad Max director George Miller films this New Testament moralizing with bounce but no particular style; his distinct cinematic flavor seems to depend on his subject matter.

Whatever the movie's failings -- and they are monumental -- for the moment in which the devil throws the definitive post-Freudian male fit... The Witches of Eastwick is worth all we must endure.

Nicholson is nothing short of brilliant in an electrifying performance that mixes manic eeriness with a delightful comedic flair.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 22, 2022

The Witches of Eastwick is a diverting, impeccably polished and excellently cast movie. But its charms fade fast, about as fast as it takes to leave the theater.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 22, 2022

A sublime, albeit surreal, sex farce is not an obvious assignment for a fellow who made his mark fashioning post-apocalyptic mayhem movies. To his credit, Miller carries off the transition splendidly.

I found it fascinating, amusing and at moments beautiful. It also may be imaginative, literate and adult at a time when 14-year-olds seem to dictate what the rest of us get to see at the movies. But it isn't Updike.

Although The Witches of Eastwick has little to say, it says it with flashes of brilliance. It's one of those movies in which the parts are better than the whole.

By placing the ball in Nicholson's court, Miller allows the movie to run away with his megabuck star. It ultimately disintegrates into just a routine horror flick with some cheesy-looking special effects.

Nicholson hardly gives the performance of his career in The Witches of Eastwick, but it's an effective performance, one that fills up an already full screen. And as usual, Jack Nicholson is the most interesting thing in the movie.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 22, 2022

It's hard to name a film-maker who has had so much fun with the supernatural as Miller has here. Or an actor like Nicholson, who has abetted him so wantonly.

In a film that occasionally trips over its supernatural technical tricks, Nicholson proves to be the greatest special effect of them all.

Its performers either need recharges or hormonal supplements, because the film is about as erotic as a tool and die catalogue.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 22, 2022

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FILM: 'THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK'

By Janet Maslin

June 12, 1987

JOHN UPDIKE performed his own bit of deviltry when he concocted ''The Witches of Eastwick,'' a novel filled with such delicious mischief that it seems made for the movies. With its three small-town New England witches, all divorced or conveniently widowed (one has ''permanized'' her husband ''in plastic and used him as a place mat'') and its latter-day devil, an extremely eligible bachelor who adores synthetics and Pop Art, Mr. Updike's story has great comic possibilities. It also has enormous visual appeal, since the witches are apt to do things like unstring pearl necklaces or conjure up thunderstorms to express their pique.

Furthermore, it's sexy, being the story of how the playfully diabolical Darryl Van Horne lures all three witches into his hot tub for extended sybaritic celebrations. But from the film maker's standpoint, ''The Witches of Eastwick'' is also something of a trap. Its best moments are decidedly uncinematic, recording the innermost thoughts of the various characters or the remarkable auras they perceive around one another, not to mention those extended hot-tub scenes. More importantly, Mr. Updike's own genius for astonishingly fine-tuned description dwarfs anything a camera can do.

So in making a film of ''The Witches of Eastwick,'' George Miller (director of the ''Mad Max'' films) and the playwright Michael Cristofer (who wrote ''The Shadow Box'') have had to start from scratch. They have radically altered things, and their film resembles Mr. Updike's novel only remotely; even the characters' names have been rearranged and spelled differently. In the face of such sweeping changes, comparisons with Mr. Updike's book would be invidious, unfair and unnecessary if the film's own sense of purpose were clear. But it isn't; in fact, it's not even clear for whom the film is intended.

''The Witches of Eastwick,'' which opens today at the Beekman and other theaters, brings a broad, obvious, punchy style and a lot of special effects to bear upon a story of seduction that is much too frail to support this kind of gimmickry. The chief thing that has been lost, for all the levitating and vomiting and so on, is the sense of witchiness itself. Mr. Updike's witches knew their own powers, and their shrewdness was a large part of the fun. But in the film, it's never clear what Alexandra (Cher), Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Jane (Susan Sarandon) know about the supernatural, or even about one another. These three characters are conceived here only in the sketchiest way. All we know is that they are a hairdresser's delight, with their respective cascades of black, blond and reddish curls, and that they have collectively made a wish for Mr. Right.

This brings them Daryl Van Horne, in the form of Jack Nicholson, whose high spirits and madman antics are always a treat, even when they've become more or less familiar. The film's flamboyant, mock-elegant costumes for Mr. Nicholson are more or less novel, as are some of the settings; it can't help but be fun watching him float in an inflatable pool zebra while spitting cherry pits into a huge silver bowl. A lot of what he does here recalls ''The Shining,'' but the reprise is enjoyable.

Mr. Nicholson has the chance to deliver three wildly excessive amorous pitches, one tailor-made for each witch, and an inspired tirade asking why God created the opposite sex (''So what do you think? Women - a mistake? Or did He do it to us on purpose?!''). Typical of the film's excesses is the fact that this tantrum, so exuberantly delivered, is followed by an ugly, unnecessary fit of vomiting in a church.

Like a lot of the magical events that occur here, the vomiting is none too well explained. In the book, Mr. Updike's witches decide to torment an obnoxious neighbor (with whose husband one of them is having an affair) by putting feathers, straw and various household sweepings into a container and forcing this bewildered woman to spit them out.

In place of this, the film offers Veronica Cartwright as a shrill hysteric who spits pits as the witches eat cherries. But the performance is overwrought, the sexual motive is missing and the effect is as puzzling as it is unpleasant.

Even when the witches and Van Horne embark upon a tennis game in which magic clearly governs the ball, it's not entirely clear who is doing what to whom. And a lot of the tricks have been appropriated at random and simply reassigned to different characters or different situations.

''The Witches of Eastwick'' does have enough flamboyance to hold the attention, directed as it has been by Mr. Miller in a bright, flashy, exclamatory style. But beneath the surface charm there is too much confusion, and the charm itself is gone long before the film is over. Though the performers are eminently watchable, the sight of all three women flouncing naughtily in their lingerie, or marching about in unison, effectively renders the whole thing rather silly. In any case, none of them seem a match for Mr. Nicholson's self-proclaimed ''horny little devil.'' As battles of the sexes go, this is barely a scrimmage. Giving Devil His Due THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, directed by George Miller; screenplay by Michael Cristofer, based on the book by John Updike; director of photography, Vilmos Zsigmond; edited by Richard Francis-Bruce; music by John Williams; production designer, Polly Platt; produced by Neil Canton, Peter Guber and Jon Peters; released by Warner Bros. At Criterion Center, Broadway and 45th Street; 84th Street Six, at Broadway; Beekman, Second Avenue at 65th Street; Gramercy, 23d Street near Lexington Avenue; Movieland Eighth Street, at University Place; Movie Center 5, 125th Street, between Powell and Douglass Boulevards. Running time: 122 minutes. This film is rated R. Daryl Van Horne Jack Nicholson Alexandra Medford Cher Jane Spofford Susan Sarandon Sukie Ridgemont Michelle Pfeiffer Felicia Gabriel Veronica Cartwright Clyde Richard Jenkins Raymond Neff Keith Joakum Fidel Carel Struycker

Cast & crew
User reviews

Metacritic reviews

The witches of eastwick.

100 The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jay Scott The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Jay Scott The Witches of Eastwick is an uproarious and entirely successful attempt to examine the differences between the sexes by couching the examination in mythological terms. [12 June 1987]
88 Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert There are some moments in The Witches of Eastwick that stretch uncomfortably for effects - the movie's climax is overdone, for example - and yet a lot of the time this movie plays like a plausible story about implausible people. The performances sell it. And the eyebrows.
88 Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr The Witches of Eastwick is filmmaking of a very high order; it's also a great time at the movies.
80 Variety Variety With a no-holds-barred performance by Jack Nicholson as the horny Satan, it’s a very funny and irresistible set-up for anyone who has ever been baffled by the opposite sex.
75 Washington Post Rita Kempley Washington Post Rita Kempley Hell's belles! Nicholson's back. And that old Jack magic has us in his spell.
63 Miami Herald Miami Herald The Witches of Eastwick is a diverting, impeccably polished and excellently cast movie. But its charms fade fast, about as fast as it takes to leave the theater. [12 June 1987, p.D1]
60 Tampa Bay Times Tampa Bay Times The Witches of Eastwick is a theme park without a theme. Like Nicholson and his co-stars, Miller doesn't have a lot on his mind. He just wants to have fun. His movie is organized mayhem, a strange and funny tour de force. [15 June 1987, p.1D]
50 The New York Times Janet Maslin The New York Times Janet Maslin The Witches of Eastwick does have enough flamboyance to hold the attention, directed as it has been by Mr. Miller in a bright, flashy, exclamatory style. But beneath the surface charm there is too much confusion, and the charm itself is gone long before the film is over.
50 Los Angeles Times Sheila Benson Los Angeles Times Sheila Benson Under Australian director George Miller ("Mad Max"), The Witches of Eastwick begins so promisingly. It has such smashing separate moments, so succulent a cast and so interesting a premise that watching it crumble into stomach-turning crudeness and "Poltergeist"-scale special effects is deeply painful.
38 Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt The Witches of Eastwick, based on John Updike's novel, takes just about every wrong turn it can find. Perhaps this was predictable, with a wild-driving director like George Miller at the wheel. What's surprising is how many opportunities for vulgarity and stupidity the film invents for itself, even beyond the book's built-in temptations to excess. [12 June 1987, p.21]
See all 11 reviews on Metacritic.com
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The Witches of Eastwick Is a Fascinating Movie to Watch Post-Weinstein

In TV, movies, and real life, women have been at the forefront of the year’s biggest stories — so this Halloween season, we’re looking at pop culture’s most wicked depiction of female power.

In The Witches of Eastwick , the 1987 film based extremely loosely on the John Updike novel of the same name, the word witch is never uttered. The movie stars three high-profile actresses — Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon — who do, eventually, place a hex. But it’s Jack Nicholson in the role of the seductive and dangerous Daryl Van Horne, who gets top, first-in-the-opening-titles billing and whose performance ultimately became the dark comedy’s primary talking point. “None of them seem a match for Mr. Nicholson’s self-proclaimed ‘horny little devil,’” Janet Maslin wrote in a New York Times review , referring to the three female protagonists. “As battles of the sexes go, this is barely a scrimmage.” In other words, this is a movie with a trio of female leads in which a man somehow still steals focus.

That type of contradictory signaling is what makes The Witches of Eastwick such a thought-provoking movie to consider 30 years after it became a box-office hit, and especially right now, when there’s so much active, public discussion about women’s struggles to assert themselves in a society where men hold most of the power, sexual and otherwise.

(Note: There will be a lot of spoilers ahead about the plot of a 30-year-old movie, if it’s possible for the plot of a 30-year-old movie to be spoiled.)

Directed by George Miller in his first full-length departure from the Mad Max franchise, The Witches of Eastwick can be viewed as female empowerment manifesto or as a male gaze-y supernatural story that keeps women in their traditional place. Sometimes it manages to be both of those things in the same scene. The film’s refusal to communicate a singular point of view is, in my view, an issue, though one that doesn’t prevent it from being entertaining. But it also speaks to how muddled things can get when people, inside Hollywood and out, wade into the gender-politics pool.

The Witches of Eastwick introduces us to Alexandra (Cher), an artist, widow, and mother to a teenage daughter; Sukie (Pfeiffer), an abandoned single mom and newspaper columnist; and Jane (Sarandon), a divorced, childless classical-music teacher. All of them are accustomed to taking the usual crap from men. In an early scene, Jane’s boss puts his hands on Jane’s butt and makes an obvious pass at her, then proceeds to makes a speech to the community about how society’s values are “disintegrating.” Alex later refers to him as a Nazi. The more things change, the more they stay the same, am I right?

In Updike’s novel, the three women are members of an established mini-coven and already have a sense of the evil they can do before they meet Daryl. In the film, though, they’re just overwhelmed ladies who meet once a week to drink martinis, relax, and talk about their unsatisfying sex lives (or lack thereof). The Sanderson sisters of Hocus Pocus would probably find them way dull.

“I don’t think men are the answer to everything,” Alex states during one of their Thursday night meet-ups.

“Then why do we always end up talking about them?” Jane responds. The Witches of Eastwick would definitely not pass the Bechdel Test.

Then the wind sweeps Daryl Van Horne into town and he immediately goes to work on seducing all three of them, starting with Alex. Because he’s played by Jack Nicholson, Daryl comes across initially as a crass yet impish ladies’ man, the sort that women always go for when they know they shouldn’t. But in the harsh light of recent revelations about Harvey Weinstein , among others, his behavior seems alarmingly predatory.

When Daryl invites Alex to his home after expressing interest in her art, he insists they go to his bedroom, where he immediately changes into a robe. (Nicholson is constantly wearing robes in this movie.) He then informs her that “he always likes a little pussy after lunch” and suggests they have sex as if, of course, that’s what she’ll want to do. (Again, does this sound familiar?)

Alex has no patience for this and launches into what became a Cher signature in the ’80s: the “you’re full of shit” monologue.

“I am positive that you are the most unattractive man I have ever met in my entire life,” she tells him. “In the short time we’ve been together, you have demonstrated every loathsome characteristic of the male personality and even discovered a few new ones. You are physically repulsive, intellectually retarded. You’re morally reprehensible, vulgar, insensitive, selfish, stupid. You have no taste, a lousy sense of humor, and you smell. You’re not even interesting enough to make me sick.” (God, I miss Cher in movies. Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again cannot come fast enough, if only for this reason.)

Daryl then oozes his way through a speech that suggests he understands her particular type of female emptiness. Apparently unable to withstand the lure of Satan, she abruptly changes her mind and gives in to him. He later works the same spell on Jane and Sukie, uttering words that suggest he can give them something no other person can. They’re each eventually so enamored that they don’t even mind sharing him sexually, especially once they realize that they’re able to perform magical acts, like levitating tennis balls, thanks to the gifts instilled by his presence. By the time the movie shows them all lounging around Daryl’s mansion, the women’s hair all wilded out, their bodies draped in lingerie, and their lips sucking cherry after cherry right off the stem, it seems pretty apparent that this is pure male fantasy, right down to the part where the women are only emboldened after landing in a brutish man’s orbit. Because it’s so over-the-top, though, it also can be viewed as a satire of such fantasies, which makes it hard to take the misogyny inherent in this tableau seriously.

Alex, Sukie, and Jane certainly derive pleasure from the arrangement and continue to honor it of their own volition. They even feel liberated by it. But because Daryl instigated the connection between the four of them, the movie also implies that these women could only be freed with the help of a horny little devil who’s got them on a pretty short leash.

All three of them do, to borrow another great Cher line from another movie, snap out of it. After Daryl channels their collective magic and uses it to cause the death of the most prudish wife in Eastwick, as well as of her husband, the trio shuts him out and he responds by acting increasingly erratically. At that point, the so-called witches take matters into their own hands, finally casting a spell that will get him out of their lives for good.

Ultimately it turns out these women are capable of summoning otherworldly forces on their own, with zero assistance from Daryl. In that sense, The Witches of Eastwick can be viewed as the story of three women who realize they don’t need a Daryl — or any man, for that matter — in their lives. Through that prism, it is a feminist-leaning tale that correctly labels men who try to possess their partners as card-carrying Beelzebubs.

But then along comes the movie’s coda, which shows Alex, Sukie, and Jane — each of whom got pregnant during their affair with Daryl — living together in the luxurious mansion Daryl once owned, while raising the infants he fathered. In the final scene, Daryl suddenly appears on the multiple TV screens in his media room, cooing at the three wee babes, until the women grab the remote and hit the off button.

Again, there are a lot of ways to take this. Yes, the women are erasing Daryl and seem to have the upper hand. But they’ve also been reduced to little more than traditional caregivers, forced, albeit seemingly happily, to raise his kids, all of whom happen to be boys. Did Daryl just use them as vessels to put more devils on this Earth? If he did, then maybe Witches of Eastwick is actually a cautionary tale warning women that, in the long run, no matter what they do, they are ultimately powerless. Or, as the mothers of those boys, do the women actually have control over shaping the devil’s offspring, implying there is some hope for future generations? The movie feels like it’s trying to tell us something, but it holds its tongue so firmly in its cheek that it’s hard to grasp exactly what it’s saying.

It’s only clear that delving into gender issues is tricky and complicated and open to wide interpretation, which explains why The Witches of Eastwick has continued to be of interest for so many years. In addition to this film, Updike’s original novel has yielded a sequel in book form, a musical, and three separate failed TV shows, only one of which got past the pilot stage. (ABC’s Eastwick , starring Rebecca Romijn, lasted for less than a season in 2009 before it got cancelled.) The issues that it addresses, in all of its incarnations, are always burning and bubbling beneath the surface of everything.

In a 1984 review of Updike’s book, also published in the New York Times , Margaret Atwood wrote, “Much of The Witches of Eastwick is satire, some of it literary playfulness and some plain bitchery. It could be that any attempt to analyze further would be like taking an elephant gun to a puff pastry: An Updike should not mean but be.” She adds, however, “But again, I don’t think so. What a culture has to say about witchcraft, whether in jest or in earnest, has a lot to do with its views of sexuality and power, and especially with the apportioning of powers between the sexes.”

The movie is not of a single mind in its views of sexuality and power. As for witchcraft, it only allows “witches” to practice their craft when they need to get rid of a man they should have spirited away the minute he slipped on one of his silky robes. Whether it was intended to or not, it’s also a movie that illustrates that, for various reasons, even smart, strong women sometimes can’t immediately summon the hocus pocus they want or need to make a guy like that disappear. Which is sad, but also true. Of all the many takeaways that come from watching The Witches of Eastwick at this moment in 2017, that may be the one that resonates the most.

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The Witches Of Eastwick Review

01 Jan 1987

118 minutes

Witches Of Eastwick, The

Jack Nicholson stars as Darryl Van Horne, a diabolical new resident in the prissy New England town of Eastwick as summoned by three local ladies; Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, Cher who all possess latent magic powers.

Directed by George Miller from John Updike's novel, Jack plays the cloven-hoofed fallen angel as an overweight, over-wealthy, music-loving and sex-crazed playboy, moreover, with the most ludicrous wardrobe too much money can buy.

Again, like many of his 80s expeditions in which he commands a $5 million fee, Jack is hardly acting, but why complain he doesn't play tortured introverts, when just being himself he's so much fun?

Movies | 08 02 2017

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The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

The witches of eastwick.

Alex, Jane, and Suki are three bored New England women left to live without their husbands. They innocently conjure up a mystery man, who could satisfy all their desires. A new man moves into town - and he fits the bill perfectly. Daryl Van Horne is filthy rich and wild eyed, and within days the three women have all discovered almighty power within themselves. Will good triumph over evil, or will Daryl continue to have his evil way with his witches?

12 Best 20th Century Movies About Witches

Some of the most beloved films in cinema history tell the tales of witchcraft and magic, entrancing audiences across the world.

The Witches of Eastwick: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Watch George Miller's Witchy Comedy

The inclusion of top-notch actors is merely the only reason why this film is a must-watch. Now is the right time to see what Miller has achieved.

The Witches of Eastwick Remake Moves Ahead with Director Ninja Thyberg

Swedish filmmaker Ninja Thyberg will take on on the dark comic fantasy The Witches of Eastwick after she completes promotion on her new movie, Pleasure.

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Produced by, released by, the witches of eastwick (1987), directed by george miller.

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Synopsis by Linda Rasmussen

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The witches of eastwick.

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Great ensemble, fun chemistry.

This title has:

Fantasy romcom has strong women, but also strong language and lots of sex talk, yet no graphic visual content.

Screen Rant

Michelle pfeiffer's 10 best movies, ranked.

Michelle Pfeiffer's illustrious career boasts unforgettable performances, highlighting her presence in some of cinema's finest movies.

Pfeiffer's diverse filmography showcases her unmatched talent in various genres, from comedy to drama.
Her iconic roles, like Catwoman in Batman Returns, have left a lasting impact on moviegoers and the industry.
Pfeiffer's ability to embody complex characters, like Elvira in Scarface, cements her as a true Hollywood icon.

Michelle Pfeiffer 's captivating career has delivered incredible and memorable performances for decades, showcasing that her filmography is filled with some of cinema's finest movies. Rising to prominence in the early 80s, Pfeiffer's star shone brightest in the late 80s and early 90s, when she established herself as one of the most talented actresses to grace the silver screen. Her breakout role as Elvira Hancock in Brian De Palma's Scarface marked the beginning of a commercially successful and critically acclaimed career that continues to this day.

Pfeiffer's remarkable versatility has allowed her to excel in every major genre, from comedies like The Witches of Eastwick and Married to the Mob to dramas such as Dangerous Liaisons and The Age of Innocence . Her performances have earned her three Academy Award nominations and numerous other accolades, though many argue that she has delivered even more worthy performances that were unfairly overlooked by the Academy. With her enduring appeal, undeniable star power, and a body of work that continues to inspire, Pfeiffer is truly one of Hollywood's last true movie stars and a genuine icon of the silver screen.

10 The Witches Of Eastwick (1987)

Portrays sukie ridgemont, the witches of eastwick.

*Availability in US

Not available

The Witches of Eastwick highlights Michelle Pfeiffer's range as an actress, securing its place among her top performances. This eccentric fantasy comedy, adapted from John Updike's novel, provides Pfeiffer with an opportunity to excel alongside fellow stars Cher and Susan Sarandon. Portraying one of three unfulfilled women in Eastwick, Rhode Island, Pfeiffer's character participates in intimate discussions that inexplicably conjure a devilish figure, brought to life by Jack Nicholson. The interplay between the women and Nicholson's character creates an engaging storyline that emphasizes Pfeiffer's talent .

9 Ladyhawke (1985)

Portrays isabeau.

Ladyhawke holds a special place in the hearts of Michelle Pfeiffer fans and enthusiasts of unique 80s films. Pfeiffer's ethereal beauty and style make her a natural fit for the role of Isabeau of Anjou, a young noblewoman in medieval France who is often seen in the company of a wolf. Pfeiffer's commanding presence perfectly captures the essence of her character, elevating the film's whimsical and unconventional narrative. While Ladyhawke may not be as widely recognized as some of Pfeiffer's other works, its enduring charm and the actress's captivating performance cement its position among her most memorable roles .

8 Frankie And Johnny (1991)

Portrays frankie.

In the heartwarming romantic drama Frankie and Johnny, Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a captivating performance as Frankie, a jaded waitress who finds love with her short-order cook colleague, Johnny, played by Al Pacino. Adapted from Terrence McNally's play, the film showcases the undeniable chemistry between Pfeiffer and Pacino, even if it feels somewhat theatrical at times. This role demonstrates Pfeiffer's range and capability to shine in a Broadway-style production , a rarity in her career. The film's sentimental tone may not appeal to everyone, but Pfeiffer's nuanced portrayal of Frankie's journey from cynicism to love is a testament to her acting abilities.

Al Pacino's Best Movies, Ranked

7 married to the mob (1988), portrays angela de marco.

Michelle Pfeiffer's comedic prowess shines in this unconventional caper, where she portrays Angela, the wife of a mobster nicknamed " Cucumber " Frank De Marco (Alec Baldwin). As a stressed mother to their young son, Angela grows tired of the mafia lifestyle and the negative influence it has on her child. Pfeiffer's performance is elevated by her chemistry with Matthew Modine, who plays the charmingly naive lawman Mike, adding a layer of romance to the story. The film's clever script and Pfeiffer's ability to deliver humorous lines while maintaining her character's depth make this a significant role in her career.

6 Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Portrays madame de tourvel.

In the adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos's novel, Pfeiffer tackles the challenging role of Madame de Tourvel, a virtuous woman pursued by the notorious Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich). Pfeiffer's performance is a masterclass in subtlety, as she navigates Madame de Tourvel's gradual transformation from a scandalized and pure-hearted lady to a woman intrigued, amused, and ultimately captivated by Valmont's bold advances. Her nuanced portrayal of falling in love with the jaded Valmont are essential to the film's success, making her a standout in an already impressive cast . Pfeiffer's ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity elevates this classic tale.

5 The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)

Portrays susie diamond.

Pfeiffer's captivating performance as Susie Diamond, an escort with showbiz aspirations, elevates The Fabulous Baker Boys to new heights. Joining the titular piano duo (Jeff and Beau Bridges), Pfeiffer's character breathes new life into their act, sparking both success and tension as Jack falls for Susie. Her iconic, sultry rendition of "Makin' Whoopee," draped across a piano in a red dress, has become a career-defining moment , evoking comparisons to Marilyn Monroe. Not only does this role showcase Pfeiffer's acting range, but her impressive vocal abilities as well, making the film a must see in her impressive filmography.

4 Batman Returns (1992)

Portrays catwoman, batman returns.

Stepping into the iconic role of Catwoman, Pfeiffer's performance in this Batman sequel marks a significant milestone in her career. Despite the film's shortcomings, Pfeiffer's portrayal of the feline fatale is nothing short of mesmerizing . Her transformation from a meek, lonely " cat lady " to a fiercely confident and alluring villain is a testament to her range. Pfeiffer's Catwoman has become a cultural touchstone, even rivaling the other iconic renditions of the character. The film's clever backstory and Pfeiffer's Catwoman performance elevates the character to new heights, proving she is one of the most memorable aspects of the movie.

3 The Age Of Innocence (1993)

Portrays ellen.

Set in high-society New York of the late 19th century, The Age of Innocence sees Pfeiffer deliver a thoughtful performance as Ellen, a woman escaping a disastrous marriage. Her portrayal of a controversial figure navigating the coded world of upper-class manners is both sensitive and captivating. The chemistry that exists in this Pfeiffer and Daniel Day-Lewis movie is palpable, elevating their restrained romantic scenes to new heights of intensity. This mature and sophisticated performance demonstrates Pfeiffer's ability to hold her own against a formidable co-star, making The Age of Innocence a highlight of her career .

2 Hairspray (2007)

Portrays velma von tussle.

In the great musical Hairspray , Pfeiffer delivers a scene-stealing performance as Velma Von Tussle, the villainous producer of a popular teen dancing show. Cast alongside a talented ensemble, Pfeiffer embraces the role of the antagonist with gusto, embodying a character consumed by racism and a desire to keep her daughter in the limelight. Her portrayal of Velma showcases her versatility, as she effortlessly navigates the film's musical numbers, dancing and singing with energy while exuding a wicked charm. Pfeiffer's presence and understanding of the character's motivations elevate the film's exploration of racial segregation and the fight against it.

1 Scarface (1983)

Portrays elvira hancock.

Scarface features Pfeiffer in a challenging role as Elvira, the glamorous but troubled lover of Al Pacino’s ruthless gangster, Tony Montana . Initially portrayed as a haughty and alluring figure who captivates Tony with her boldness, Pfeiffer's character undergoes a dramatic transformation as the harsh realities of their life together take hold. Elvira's descent into cocaine addiction, depression, and self-loathing is a testament to Pfeiffer's ability to navigate complex and unsympathetic characters with full force. Her portrayal solidifies her position as a versatile actress capable of tackling emotionally demanding roles, making it the best performance in Michelle Pfeiffer ’s illustrious career.

Witches Of Eastwick Remake - What We Know So Far

Susan Sarandon smiling Witches of Eastwick

There seems to be no shortage of witch-themed movie remakes and sequels these days. In the last few years, audiences have been treated to updated versions of "Suspiria," "The Craft," and "The Witches." Oh, and we also have that "Hocus Pocus" sequel to look forward to in the near future. Seriously, if you're in the mood for cinematic yarn involving one or more women with magical abilities, there's no time like the present to indulge. And very soon, this witchy movie trend will add one more title to its list: A feature-length remake of "The Witches of Eastwick."

This week, noted horror outlet Bloody Disgusting picked up a report from Screen Daily announcing Warner Bros. is setting up a remake of 1987's "The Witches of Eastwick." Per the latter outlet, a deal for the remake (or, possibly, a new adaptation of John Updike's 1984 novel of the same name from which the 1987 movie was adapted) was signed in mid-August. With the wheels in motion on the project, Warner Bros. has locked in Swedish director Ninja Thyberg to helm the remake as well as write the script. Thyberg is a filmmaker on the rise, so this is a plum opportunity to cement herself as a creative force. Her new movie, "Pleasure," is grabbing the attention of many a critic on the festival circuit right now, if Variety 's review is any indicator.

Here's what else we know right now about the upcoming Warner Bros. remake of "The Witches of Eastwick."

What is the release date of the Witches of Eastwick remake?

With "The Witches of Eastwick" still in the earliest days of production, Warner Bros. has yet to set an official release date. Screen Daily 's exclusive report on the remake also notes that filming dates have yet to be determined. With so little information available, there's only room to guess when Warner Bros. will set this "Witches of Eastwick" remake for release.

Generally speaking, if a script comes together by the end of 2021 or early 2022, then casting, pre-production, and filming could happen through the end of 2022. At the earliest, "The Witches of Eastwick" could secure a 2023 release date. The release date could also be tied into the goals Warner Bros. set for the movie. If the studio wishes to position the movie as a big summer release (as it did with the 1987 original) or perhaps as a Halloween-themed premiere, then we could see a release date set for either of those moviegoing seasons.

Who is in the cast of the Witches of Eastwick remake?

Sadly, no casting news accompanied the announcement of the "Witches of Eastwick" remake. However, this project will offer up the opportunity to make intriguing casting choices as Warner Bros. hunts for its three titular witches as well as the charming, yet nefarious Daryl Van Horne. These roles could be offered to established A-listers to both sell the movie and draw in crowds, or they could be offered to younger rising stars as a means of breaking out new talent.

George Miller's 1987 adaptation of "The Witches of Eastwick" is the perfect example of the exciting results you get when you cast four major stars in the lead roles. The original "Witches of Eastwick" starred Jack Nicholson as Daryl Van Horne , the mysterious newcomer to Eastwick whose devilish charm — and a hefty dose of magic — reignites the lives of lonely women Jane, Alexandra, and Sukie, who were respectively played by Susan Sarandon, Cher, and Michelle Pfeiffer.

The short-lived 2009 ABC television adaptation "Eastwick" opted to mix it up with its casting. "X-Men" star Rebecca Romijn was the biggest name amongst the cast, with familiar faces from TV including Jon Bernthal ("The Punisher"), Ashley Benson ("Pretty Little Liars"), Lindsay Price ("NCIS"), Jaime Ray Newman ("Catch Me If You Can"), and Paul Gross ("Alias Grace") rounding out the cast.

What is the plot of the Witches of Eastwick remake?

Although no official plot details for "The Witches of Eastwick" remake have been revealed, we can expect the plot of Updike's book of the same name to serve as a foundational text. Admittedly, we don't know to what degree the remake will adapt from the book (not to mention Miller's 1987 movie) and what will be updated in order to refresh the "Witches of Eastwick" tale for modern audiences. As you'll see from the Goodreads synopsis of Updike's "The Witches of Eastwick, there's plenty of intriguing plot to work with, especially when it comes to the book's magical elements.

According to its Goodreads synopsis, "The Witches of Eastwick" novel takes place in a Rhode Island town in the mid-1970s. There, three divorcées — Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie — all suddenly discover they have access to magical powers. The synopsis reveals that "Alexandra, a sculptor, summons thunderstorms; Jane, a cellist, floats on the air; and Sukie, the local gossip columnist, turns milk into cream," and goes on to tease that "their happy little coven takes on new, malignant life when a dark and moneyed stranger, Darryl [sic] Van Horne, refurbishes the long-derelict Lenox mansion and invites them in to play. Thenceforth scandal flits through the darkening, crooked streets of Eastwick and through the even darker fantasies of the town's collective psyche."

With news of "The Witches of Eastwick" remake now public, we should be hearing more details about the movie's plot, casting, and release date in the coming months. George Miller's "The Witches of Eastwick" is currently available to stream on HBO Max.

The 32 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (March 2024)

T here are so many good movies on Hulu, from side-splitting comedies like Fire Island to passionate romances like Palm Springs to terrifying horror films like The Babadook . There are so many good ones, in fact, that it can be hard to wade through everything to find the cream of the crop. Never fear: We've compiled a list of the best movies on Hulu so you can find new and old favorites alike.

This list has been curated by top Collider editors with decades of combined experience — not to mention a deep knowledge of and passion for the medium. Only the best of the best is included. Read on to discover the best movies to watch on Hulu right now.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Hulu , best documentaries on Hulu , and best horror movies on Hulu .

Editor's note: This article was updated March 22nd to include Poor Things.

'Poor Things' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 92% | imdb: 8.0/10, poor things.

Release Date December 8, 2023

Director Yorgos Lanthimos

Cast Margaret Qualley, Mark Ruffalo, Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe

Genres Sci-Fi, Horror

Read Our Review Oscar winner Emma Stone captivates in Poor Things , a uniquely fantastical story of self-discovery from Yorgos Lanthimos ( The Favourite ). Stone plays Bella Baxter, a science experiment hatched by an unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter ( Willem Dafoe ), determined to explore the world into which she was brought. Supporting Stone and Dafoe are Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youssef , rounding out the impressive cast in the peculiar tale. Based on Alasdair Gray ’s novel, Poor Things showcases an alternative Victorian London, blending a variety of genres highlighted by steampunk elements and Lanthimos’ signature comedic style.

Stone’s performance as a woman with a brain transplant whose body and mind are not synchronized is somehow charming, hilarious, and endearing all at the same time, grounding the whirlwind adventure, which could so easily fly off the rails due to the absurd plot.

Watch on Hulu

'Dune' (2021)

Rotten tomatoes: 83% | imdb: 8.0/10.

Release Date October 22, 2021

Director Denis Villeneuve

Cast Josh Brolin, David Dastmalchian, Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya Coleman, Jason Momoa

Runtime 155 Minutes

Genres Sci-Fi, Adventure

In an absolutely stunning cinematic feat, Dune is part one of the epic science-fiction saga from director Denis Villeneuve . Based on Frank Herbert ’s legendary novel, Dune stars Timothée Chalamet ( Bones and All ) alongside Rebecca Ferguson ( Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One ) in the political allegory.

Highlighted by large-scale gorgeous scenescapes, vividly intricate costuming, and truly heroic stunt performances, Dune is a slow-burn narrative with a feast for the eyes. With the first installment ending without a conclusive resolution, Dune charmingly ensures audiences and Herbert fans are left eager for more. – Yael Tygiel

'Romeo + Juliet' (1996)

Imdb: 6.7/10, romeo + juliet.

Release Date November 1, 1996

Director Baz Luhrmann

Cast Harold Perrineau, John Leguizamo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul Sorvino, Pete Postlethwaite, Claire Danes

Runtime 120 minutes

Genres Drama, Romance

Directed by Baz Luhrmann ( Elvis ), 1996’s adaptation of Romeo + Juliet tells the classic Shakespearian tale of lovers from feuding families but with a twist: it’s a modernized version. Even though it’s a modern setting, the film uses Shakespearian English. When it premiered, Romeo + Juliet was a box office hit, earning $147 million and being praised by critics for its inventiveness and visual aesthetic. The film is often used in schools as an accessible way to introduce students to Shakespeare while keeping a modern-looking visual.

The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio ( Killers of the Flower Moon ) as Romeo and Claire Danes ( Homeland ) as Juliet, also co-starring John Leguizamo ( Moulin Rouge! ), Harold Perrineau ( The Edge ), Lupita Ochoa , and Pete Postlethwaite ( The Usual Suspects ). It was nominated for Best Art Direction at the 69th Academy Awards and won multiple awards at the British Academy Film Awards, the Berlin International Film Festival, and the London Film Critics Circle Awards. - Emily Cappello

'The Creator' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 67% | imdb: 6.8/10, the creator.

Release Date September 29, 2023

Director Gareth Edwards

Cast Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, John David Washington, Ralph Ineson, Allison Janney

Genres Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Read Our Review

2023’s The Creator comes at an interesting time. With the discussion of humans versus Artificial Intelligence more prevalent than ever, Gareth Edwards' latest film puts that debate on display. The film tells the story of Joshua ( John David Washington ) as he fights against "The Creator," an AI possessing a weapon that could end the entire human race. The twist: this weapon, which is the key to destroying The Creator, is an AI that looks, talks, and acts like a child ( Madeleine Yuna Voyles ). The film co-stars Gemma Chan ( Eternals ) and Academy Award winner Allison Janney ( I, Tonya ).

Director Gareth Edwards ’s previous work includes Rogue One , a film that was a massive success when it premiered in 2016 and grossed over a billion dollars. While The Creator didn’t bring in major box office bucks, it was praised by critics, who highlighted the film’s visual effects, action sequences, and the great direction done by Edwards. - Emily Cappello

'Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood' (2019)

Rotten tomatoes: 85% | imdb: 7.6/10, once upon a time in hollywood.

Release Date July 24, 2019

Director Quentin Tarantino

Cast Margot Robbie, Sydney Sweeney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Damon Herriman, Dakota Fanning

Runtime 165

Genres Drama, Crime

Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood has a lot packed into its almost three-hour-long runtime. One of those features is its incredible (and very large) ensemble cast, made up of Brad Pitt ( Ocean’s Eleven ) , Leonardo DiCaprio ( Killers of the Flower Moon ) , Margot Robbie ( Barbie ), Emile Hirsch ( Into the Wild ), Al Pacino ( The Godfather ), Dakota Fanning ( War of the Worlds ), Austin Butler ( Elvis ), and the late Luke Perry ( Beverly Hills, 90210 ) , just to name a few. This heavy-hitting cast of characters tells a reimagined story of the life and (almost) death of Sharon Tate (Robbie) as she related to Charles Manson in the late 1960s. The story is told through the lens of the fictional Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt), both of whom are experiencing the effects of Dalton’s fading career.

The film won two Oscars for Production Design and Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt. Tarantino ended up turning the film into a full-length novel of the same name, which was published in 2021 with HarperCollins publishers. In the novel, Tarantino added extra background information on fans’ favorite characters, including Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth. - Emily Cappello

'How to Blow Up a Pipeline' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 95% | imdb: 7.0/10, how to blow up a pipeline.

Release Date April 7, 2023

Director Daniel Goldhaber

Cast Irene Bedard, Kristine Froseth, Lukas Gage, Jayme Lawson, Ariela Barer, Sasha Lane, Forrest Goodluck, Jake Weary, Marcus Scribner

Runtime 104 minutes

Genres Drama, Thriller, Action

Director Daniel Goldhaber explores environmental justice through the use of property damage in the gripping drama How to Blow Up a Pipeline . Centering on eight young people who unite to take extreme actions to fight the climate crisis, How to Blow Up a Pipeline is an intensely thrilling, heart-pumping action film. Starring Ariela Barer ( Runaways ), who co-wrote the screenplay with Goldhaber and Jordan Sjol , the movie features a truly incredible cast alongside Barer, including Lukas Gage , Sasha Lane , Jayme Lawson , Marcus Scribner ( She-Ra and the Princesses of Power ), Jake Weary , and Forrest Goodluck .

Highlighted by powerhouse performances and a fascinatingly raw investigation into social justice and activism, How to Blow Up a Pipeline showcases talent without neglecting an unapologetically genuine story confronting harsh realities. - Yael Tygiel

'Personal Shopper' (2016)

Rotten tomatoes: 81% | 6.1/10, personal shopper.

Release Date October 19, 2016

Director Olivier Assayas

Cast Hammou Graa, Ty Olwin, Sigrid Bouaziz, Lars Eidinger, Kristen Stewart, Anders Danielsen Lie

Runtime 105

Genres Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Documentary, Fantasy

The 2016 Cannes Film Festival winner for Best Direction by Olivier Assayas , Personal Shopper tells the story of a young woman named Maureen ( Kristen Stewart ) in Paris who won't leave the city until she finds contact with her twin brother, Lewis, who died three months prior. She and her brother had a pact before he died that they would contact one another from beyond, and she is battling her grief, waiting for that message. Working as a personal shopper to a celebrity, Maureen and Lewis are/were mediums and have spiritual connections to the world around them and each other. Adding to the drama is the fact that Maureen is suddenly receiving text messages from a mysterious sender, unsure of what is real and what isn’t.

The film was also written by Assayas and was considered a box office success, as with its limited release, it still earned $2.2 million against its $1 million budget. However, the film’s ending was booed at the Cannes Film Festival, which didn’t bother Assayas, who still won the Best Director prize. Despite the controversial conclusion, it was listed as one of Time magazine’s top 10 films of 2017. - Emily Cappello

'Alien' (1979)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 8.5/10, alien (1979).

Release Date June 22, 1979

Director Ridley Scott

Cast John Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Yaphet Kotto, Veronica Cartwright, Tom Skerritt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton

Runtime 117 minutes

I tried to re-create the infamous Alien scene where a creature comes out of someone's stomach for a film project in college, and the best I could come up with was having my Stitch doll from Lilo & Stitch come out of my brother’s button-up shirt while he pretended to scream. My inspiration came from the 1979 horror-sci-fi classic Alien , directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett . With an epic score by Jerry Goldsmith and brilliant performances from its cast, the film was a box office smash, earning $106 million worldwide. The story follows the crew of a spacecraft as they meet a deadly alien while investigating a transmission. When the crew attempts to hurt the creature, it oozes a corrosive acid. As they try to warn the rest of the world about this danger, they must also try to save themselves.

The cast is made up of Tom Skerritt ( Top Gun ), Sigourney Weaver ( Avatar ), Veronica Cartwright ( The Witches of Eastwick ), Harry Dean Stanton ( Repo Man ), John Hurt ( 1984 ), Ian Holm ( The Lord of the Rings ), Yaphet Kotto ( Live and Let Die ), and Bolaji Badeji as the Alien. The film received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for Best Set Direction. It was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Original Score and a Golden Globe for the same category. It ushered in a new era for the genre and has had eight sequels, with a rumored television series on the way. With directors like Scott, James Cameron ( The Terminato r), David Fincher ( Zodiac ), and Jean-Pierre Jeunet ( Amelie ), the films have continued their legendary status . - Emily Cappello

'The Heathers' (1989)

Rotten tomatoes: 93% | imdb: 7.2/10.

Release Date March 31, 1989

Director Michael Lehmann

Cast Penelope Milford, Winona Ryder, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, Shannen Doherty, Christian Slater

Runtime 103

Genres Comedy, Thriller, Documentary

Plaid. Croquet. Murder. Heathers has it all. The 80s dark comedy follows the story of the three most popular girls in an Ohio high school, all of whom are named Heather. Enter Veronica ( Winona Ryder ), whose master plan is to murder each of the Heathers and frame those murders as suicides. She finds an unlikely confidante in Jason ( Christian Slater ), who helps Veronica with her scheme. "The Heathers" are made up of Shannen Doherty ( Beverly Hills, 90210 ), Lisanne Falk ( Less Than Zero ), and Kim Walker ( Say Anything ), the last of which was cast in place of another actress, who passed it up because her parents disapproved of the film. Walker took on the role, as she was dating Slater at the time. Filming took only 33 days exclusively in Los Angeles and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1989. It is now considered one of the best coming-of-age films of all time.

Heathers has been turned into both a musical and a TV series of the same name. The musical ran on and off in different locations from 2010 through 2023, spending time in New York, Los Angeles, the West End of London, Brazil, Ireland, and Buenos Aires. The TV series had one season in 2018, airing on HBO in Europe and the Paramount Network in the US. Although the film is hailed as a cult classic today, when it premiered, it only earned $1 million against its $3 million budget, making it a huge flop. Some speculate that it went strongly against the warm, fuzzy world John Hughes had brought about with films like The Breakfast Club , Sixteen Candles , and Pretty in Pink . No matter what your take on the film, it’s sure to make you have a sudden urge to play croquet. - Emily Cappello

'The Babadook' (2014)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 6.8/10, the babadook.

Release Date January 17, 2014

Director Jennifer Kent

Cast Barbara West, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Noah Wiseman, Essie Davis

Genres Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Horror

Read Our Review Based on the 2005 short film Monster , The Babadook crept its way into theaters in 2014, delivering a slow-burn psychological thriller that generated the scream heard ‘round the world . Written and directed by Jennifer Kent , the film was Kent’s feature directorial debut, and boy, was it a good one. The story follows Amelia ( Essie Davis ), a newly widowed mother to son Samuel ( Noah Wiseman ), as she unknowingly welcomes a sinister presence into their home by reading Samuel a book that shows up on her doorstep. To add to that insanity, Amelia’s grief and Samuel’s misbehavior are making it seemingly impossible for her to accept him as he is. As Samuel’s fear and paranoia of The Babadook grows, so does Amelia’s, and soon, the two are unsure what is real and what is coming from their terrified minds.

The film was met with fantastic reviews and grossed $10 million against its tiny budget of $2 million, which is impressive for a film that only had a limited release. What critics raved most about in the film is its deeper message, as it wasn’t just an “empty” horror riding only on jump scares. Instead, it contained a layered story that tackled grief, single parenthood, and the exhaustion that comes with both. If the real Babadook film is too scary for you, there’s always “The Pookadook,” The Simpsons parody featured on their 34th Treehouse of Horror special. Well, even the Pookadook made me cover my eyes, so maybe just choose a comedy if you’re easily frightened. - Emily Cappello

'Theater Camp' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 85% | imdb: 7.0/10, theater camp.

Release Date July 14, 2023

Director Nick Lieberman, Molly Gordon

Cast Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Jimmy Tatro, Ben Platt

Runtime 94 minutes

Genres Comedy

Read Our Review A poignant allegory for the post-pandemic financial struggles of the arts industry, Theater Camp follows run-down upstate New York theater camp AdirondACTS and the group of superstar wannabes that attend. After the founder of the camp, Joan ( Amy Sedaris ), sadly falls into a coma, the day-to-day running of the business is given to her son Troy ( Jimmy Tatro ), a man with no experience or interest in the arts. A story of zero to hero, Troy must battle a frustrated group of passionate attendees and a crippling financial burden in order to keep his mother’s dream alive.

Despite the plot suggesting AdirondACTS is a camp for amateurs, the actual cast of characters is a treat for the senses, starring Broadway star Ben Platt . Funny and touching, the narrative lures you in with its endearing humor before emotionally gripping you , thanks to some tender dramatic moments. Bags of fun and energy, it is impossible to find a moment’s boredom with Theater Camp — something that can also be said for the sort of organizations the film showcases… so make sure to support local theater. - Jake Hodges

'The Banshees of Inisherin' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 7.7/10, the banshees of inisherin.

Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.

Release Date October 21, 2022

Director Martin McDonagh

Cast Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Kerry Condon

Main Genre Drama

Genres Drama, Comedy, Crime

Read Our Review This Academy Award-winning tale is set against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War and follows lifelong buddies Padraic ( Colin Farrell ) and Colm ( Brendan Gleeson ). On one seemingly ordinary day, Colm suddenly decides to end their friendship, leading to an in-denial Padraic refusing to let the truth sink in . With his persistence pushing Colm to madness, Padraic’s life is turned upside down when the feud turns violent and a final ultimatum from Colm reveals shocking twisted consequences.

A whirlwind narrative from writer/director Martin McDonagh , The Banshees of Inisherin is a pensive, thought-provoking tale with a unique sense of tension. Despite its seemingly remote setting, the film feels huge in its concept, with the backdrop of a Civil War only adding to the sense of scale. Both Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are incredible and have electric on-screen chemistry with a performance as captivating as their work on In Bruges . Dramatic and gruesome, the plot still finds moments to breathe thanks to a genuinely funny script that provides a sense of comedic irony during some of the film’s toughest scenes. - Jake Hodges

'No One Will Save You' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 81% | imdb: 6.3/10, no one will save you.

An exiled anxiety-ridden homebody must battle an alien who's found its way into her home.

Release Date September 22, 2023

Director Brian Duffield

Cast Zack Duhame, Ginger Cressman, Geraldine Singer, Kaitlyn Dever

Runtime 93 minutes

Genres Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror

Read Our Review This unique horror tale from Brian Duffield follows Brynn ( Kaitlyn Dever ), a woman who lives alone following the deaths of her loved ones and is shunned by the community around her. One fateful day, an alien invades her home, and after accidentally killing it, a venture into her town reveals that she is not the only one under attack. Now charged with defending her home as the invasion grows, can Brynn survive on her own?

A shining example of ‘show, don’t tell’ filmmaking, No One Will Save You has just five words in its entire runtime, meaning that Kaitlyn Dever’s lead performance is more pivotal than ever . Luckily, she excels with a script from Brian Duffield that finds tension at every turn. Despite the aliens invading, it is still perhaps the people around her that are the most villainous, with a message of human cruelty akin to that in 28 Days Later . Brooding and creepy, No One Will Save You is a great exponent of the recent trend of finding new ways of making horror. - Jake Hodges

'The Quiet Girl' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 97% | imdb: 7.7/10, the quiet girl.

Release Date May 13, 2022

Director Colm Bairad

Cast Michael Patric, Catherine Clinch, Andrew Bennett, Carrie Crowley

Read Our Review The Academy Award-nominated The Quiet Girl begins in rural 1981 Ireland and follows young Cáit ( Catherine Clinch ) after she is sent away from her family to live with foster parents for a summer. After being dismissed and neglected by her family for so long, Cáit grows under the care of Seán ( Andrew Bennett ) and Eibhlín Cinnsealach ( Carrie Crowley ) as she blossoms into the carefree child her previous life had disallowed her to be. However, the caring front of this doting couple contains one simple rule: there will never be any secrets. When Cáit discovers a hidden truth as her foster couple becomes more attached to her, what will the consequences be?

Poignant, pretty, and playful, The Quiet Girl is a delight that transcends both the public and critics, with it rightfully becoming the first ever Gaelic-language film to be nominated for an Academy Award. Catherine Clinch, among a sea of great performances, steals the show as the titular Quiet Girl as her life beautifully transitions from downbeat into magical and wonderous once she realizes life can be good. Director Colm Bairéad understands how to sensitively pace such a fragile narrative , creating a careful story full of stunning details that take its time to develop. - Jake Hodges

'Prey' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 7.1/10.

Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.

Release Date August 5, 2022

Director Dan Trachtenberg

Cast Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush, Dakota Beavers, Amber Midthunder

Runtime 100 minutes

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Horror

Read Our Review This action-adventure film from director Dan Trachtenberg follows the journey of Naru ( Amber Midthunder ) some 300 years ago. Set in the Comanche Nation , Naru has lived her life surrounded by highly-trained warriors, with her absorption of their lifestyle creating a fiery, talented warrior in her, too. When their lives become threatened by strange creatures, Naru takes it upon herself to fight back, with their terrifying foe unexpectedly a highly-evolved monster. As she stalks the titular prey, it is clear that this mission, even for a woman of her abilities, will require precision and perhaps a bit of luck.

Set in the immersive wilderness, Prey is a delight for many reasons, with one of those certainly its cinematography from DP Jeff Cutter . Sarah Schachner ’s atmospheric score perfectly balances the on-screen action as the narrative twists and turns toward a dramatic finale. Well-paced, the movie doesn’t hold back as it hurtles through neatly choreographed action. Just like the prey its protagonist is trained to capture, from minute one, this movie hooks its audience and keeps them gripped until the end. - Jake Hodges

'Rye Lane' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 7.2/10.

Two youngsters reeling from bad breakups who connect over an eventful day in South-London.

Release Date March 31, 2023

Director Raine Allen-Miller

Cast Poppy Allen-Quarmby, David Jonsson, Simon Manyonda, Vivian Oparah

Runtime 82 minutes

Genres Drama, Romance, Comedy

Read Our Review Set in South London and named after the real-life Rye Lane Market, Rye Lane follows David Jonsson ’s Dom and Vivian Oparah ’s Yas as, on one completely unassuming day, the two meet unexpectedly and begin to get to know each other. After realizing that they both share recent heartbreak in common, their time together displays even more similarities. As their day together progresses, it is clear a love may be blossoming, but how easy is it to simply forget your heartache for someone new?

A sweet romantic comedy, Rye Lane has received a plethora of praise since its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, with almost every aspect of the movie having been gushed over. Despite its well-trodden genre, Rye Lane really is a breath of fresh air, with the chemistry from the lead couple keeping eyes transfixed on every on-screen detail. Unlike other rom-coms of this nature, the nuances of human emotion are explored with maturity, with both of the protagonists making questionable choices but never losing their appeal. Simply put, Rye Lane is a joy to watch. - Jake Hodges

'Triangle of Sadness' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 72% | imdb: 7.3/10, triangle of sadness.

A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.

Release Date September 18, 2022

Director Ruben stlund

Cast Thobias Thorwid, Vicki Berlin, Charlbi Dean, Harris Dickinson

Runtime 147 minutes

Genres Drama, Comedy

Read Our Review A winner of the coveted Palme d’Or prize at Cannes, Triangle of Sadness follows celebrity model couple Carl ( Harris Dickinson ) and Yaya ( Charlbi Dean ) after they are unexpectedly invited on a yacht with some of the richest people in the world. Promised a luxurious getaway full of social media content opportunities, the couple instead find Woody Harrelson ’s strange boat captain and a voyage destined for disaster as they end up stranded with no hope on a desert island.

A satirical examination of social hierarchy, Triangle of Sadness moves with comedy, its underlying message providing a biting view of the entitlement of the mega-rich. Although overt in its critique, the film is both satisfying in its delivery and, in places, quite heartfelt, with our central couple finding moments of nuance despite all their flaws. Full of energy, the plot, like the yacht, rocks and crashes until each of the undesirables meets their deserved fate. - Jake Hodges

'Bruiser' (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 100% | imdb: 6.1/10.

Release Date February 24, 2023

Director Miles Warren

Cast Shinelle Azoroh, Jalyn Hall, Shamier Anderson, Trevante Rhodes

Runtime 1 hr 37 min

Genres Drama

Read Our Review Co-written and directed by Miles Warren , Bruiser follows the story of 14-year-old Darious ( Jalyn Hall ), who, surrounded by a world of contrasting views from his faith to toxic masculinity, fights to find his place. Bullied at private school, Darious, searching for answers, rebels against his strict regimen of life by befriending a much older stranger. In a twist of fate, this stranger turns out to be Darious’s biological father, a man from which his mother had kept him hidden for fear that his violent tendencies would be passed down to her son.

A story split down the middle in both its style and substance, Bruiser is, in fact, based on Miles Warren’s own experience as an adolescent, making the nuanced drama all the more impactful. Incredibly relevant, Bruiser sacrifices the flashier aspects of cinema in favor of telling a genuinely heartfelt story — one that almost transcends the medium with which it is told. Thanks to a truthful script and Jalyn Hall’s magnificent performance , Bruiser is a piece of media that serves as both entertainment and, in some respects, social education. - Jake Hodges

'Fire Island' (2022)

Rotten tomatoes: 94% | imdb: 6.7/10, fire island.

Release Date June 3, 2022

Director Andrew Ahn

Cast Conrad Ricamora, Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho

Runtime 105 minutes

Genres Romantic Comedy

Both written by and starring Joel Kim Booster , Fire Island , inspired by Pride and Prejudice , follows a group of gay friends who decide to get away and let their proverbial hair down one summer. What ensues is a recipe for romantic success, as each of their lives is changed thanks to blossoming romances, philosophical epiphanies, and plenty of cheap booze.

A zeitgeisty take on today’s youth, Fire Island leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of representing the underrepresented. From social media trends to drugs and body dysmorphia, Fire Island thrives thanks to the diverse nature of its plot, which neatly encapsulates the hopes and fears of a modern generation. Andrew Ahn ’s direction makes sure to capture a sense of realism but never loses a frame of fun in this wild ride of an adventure. Much like the attitudes of the people it is trying to represent, the movie flows between a yearning for self-confidence and the sometimes flawed attempts to always do what’s right. - Jake Hodges

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Sam Mercer, Producer on M. Night Shyamalan Movies and ILM Executive, Dies at 69

By Pat Saperstein

Pat Saperstein

Deputy Editor

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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Producer Sam Mercer attends the Universal Pictures' film premiere "Devil" at The London West Hollywood on September 15, 2010 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Sam Mercer , producer on several M. Night Shyamalan movies and former head of ILM, died Feb. 12 of younger onset Alzheimer’s in South Pasadena. He was 69.

Raised in Weston, Mass., he attended Occidental College and then started working as a location manager on 1980s classics including “Stripes,” “The Escape Artist,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Swing Shift,” “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “The Witches of Eastwick.”

Mercer then worked as an independent producer, starting with “Congo,” “The Relic” and “Mission to Mars.” After working with Shyamalan on “The Sixth Sense,” then went on to produce six more films together: “Unbreakable,” “Signs,” “The Village,” “Lady in the Water,” “The Happening” and “The Last Airbender.”

He also had production credits on “Jarhead,” “Van Helsing,” “Things We Lost in the Fire,” “Snow White and the Huntsman,” “Heaven is for Real” and “The BFG.”

In 2015, he became head of Disney/Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic, overseeing all four global locations.

“Sam and I started working together when I was in my mid-twenties. He taught me that the culture of a set comes from the top down. He led with kindness and showed me how to navigate pressure with grace. He was the best big brother I could have hoped for. He made every movie a family and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since. He made me laugh and took care of me at the same time. He did this with everyone. I’ll never forget his perfectly neat desk, his gentle eyes, and his magical ability to convey that everything was going to be okay. When he was around, that was always true,” said Shyamalan in a statement.

Other colleagues remembered his decency, his work ethic, his love of people and his ability to make a difference.

His final project was executive producing “Concrete Cowboy” for his former assistant, Ricky Staub.

He is survived by his son Miles, daughter Sierra and wife Tegan.

Donations may be made to Lorenzo’s House , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families around the world impacted by younger-onset dementia.

A memorial will take place in the spring.

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Sam mercer, producer of m. night shyamalan films, dies at 69.

The former location manager and Disney exec partnered with the writer-director on eight movies, including ‘The Sixth Sense,’ ‘Unbreakable,’ ‘Signs’ and ‘Devil.’

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Sam Mercer, who produced eight M. Night Shyamalan films starting with the spooky blockbuster The Sixth Sense , has died. He was 69.

Mercer died Feb. 12 at his home in South Pasadena after a battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, his wife, Tegan Jones, told The Hollywood Reporter .

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COMMENTS

The Witches of Eastwick movie review (1987)
When they're together, talking up a storm, they have the kind of unconscious verbal timing that makes comedy out of ordinary speech. We laugh not only because they say funny things but because they give everyday things just a slight twist of irony. But it's Nicholson's show. There is a scene where he dresses in satin pajamas and sprawls full ...
The Witches of Eastwick
Movie Info. Three small-town friends, Alexandra (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon) and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer), each having lost the man in their lives, are feeling unfulfilled -- until a furtive ...
The Witches of Eastwick (film)
The Witches of Eastwick is a 1987 American supernatural comedy film directed by George Miller and starring Jack Nicholson as Daryl Van Horne, alongside Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon as the titular witches.The film is based on John Updike's 1984 novel of the same name.. In the film, three career women are unaware that they are witches.They do not realize that their regular meetings ...
The Witches of Eastwick
Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Apr 22, 2022. Christine Arnold Dolan Miami Herald. TOP CRITIC. The Witches of Eastwick is a diverting, impeccably polished and excellently cast movie. But its ...
'The Witches of Eastwick' Review: 1987 Movie
Jack Nicholson plays "Just your average horny little devil" in The Witches of Eastwick, an entertaining, albeit uneven, conjuring from Warner Bros. that will likely cast a strong spell at the ...
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
7/10. Well-told tale of an age-old struggle. brchthethird 7 January 2015. From the director who brought us Mad Max comes a modern-day fairy tale of sorts that examines the age-old battle of the sexes. Alex (Cher), Jane (Susan Sarandon) and Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) are three single women who live in the sleepy New England town of Eastwick.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
The Witches of Eastwick: Directed by George Miller. With Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer. Three single women in a picturesque village have their wishes granted, at a cost, when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives.
The Witches of Eastwick
The Witches of Eastwick is a theme park without a theme. Like Nicholson and his co-stars, Miller doesn't have a lot on his mind. He just wants to have fun. His movie is organized mayhem, a strange and funny tour de force. [15 June 1987, p.1D]
FILM: 'THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK'
Mr. Updike's witches knew their own powers, and their shrewdness was a large part of the fun. But in the film, it's never clear what Alexandra (Cher), Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Jane (Susan ...
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
The New York Times Janet Maslin. The Witches of Eastwick does have enough flamboyance to hold the attention, directed as it has been by Mr. Miller in a bright, flashy, exclamatory style. But beneath the surface charm there is too much confusion, and the charm itself is gone long before the film is over. 50.
The Witches of Eastwick, Considered 30 Years Later
In The Witches of Eastwick, the 1987 film based extremely loosely on the John Updike novel of the same name, the word witch is never uttered. The movie stars three high-profile actresses — Cher ...
The Witches Of Eastwick Review
The Witches Of Eastwick Review. Three dissatisfied single women from the picturesque village of Eastwick, laughingly try to conjure a man to fulfil all their desires. Soon enough, Daryl Van Horne ...
The Witches of Eastwick Movie Review
Our review: Parents say ( 3 ): Kids say ( 3 ): Sorcery elements in THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK may attract teens, but this is a more or less grown-up fairy tale, heavy on the pillow talk and the dating/mating/relating satire. At least until a climactic firestorm of special effects and sloppy storytelling starts going on a bit too long and indicates ...
The Witches of Eastwick
For three-quarters of the film, Miller triumphantly welds a strong comic element on to a taut, truly menacing atmosphere, but the last 20 minutes dive straight to the bottom of the proverbial ...
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK (1987)
In the 1987 movie The Witches of Eastwick, three friends in a small New England town, played by Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer, discover they ha...
The Witches of Eastwick
The week in TV. Telly addict Andrew Collins casts his critical eye over New Worlds (above), Klondike, The Trip to Italy, Endeavour and Monkey Planet. 'Get your arse out, mate'. Leah Green turns ...
The Witches Of Eastwick (1987) Movie Review: How Progressive ...
What's better for the Halloween Season than the OG witches themselves, "The Witches of Eastwick"! If you love Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon the...
The Witches Of Eastwick(1987)
My review of the devilishly fun horror romp, The Witches Of Eastwick(1987) starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, Veronica Cartwri...
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Summary. Alex, Jane, and Suki are three bored New England women left to live without their husbands. They innocently conjure up a mystery man, who could satisfy all their desires. A new man moves ...
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
The Witches of Eastwick, a memorable comedy with a dark edge, is based upon a novel by John Updike. On Thursday nights three female friends -- Alex (Cher), Sukie (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Jane (Susan Sarandon) -- meet to chug martinis, learn Chinese aphrodisiac cooking and lament the scarcity of eligible men.
Parent reviews for The Witches of Eastwick
Whether you consider your child to be old enough for "The Witches of Eastwick" depends on how open-minded you are about the talk about sexuality, and all kinds of terms that go along with it. Depending on your country, this may differ heavily (in the Netherlands, the film is rated 12+, in the UK it's 18+). All in all, this is not a ...
Michelle Pfeiffer's 10 Best Movies, Ranked
June 12, 1987. Cast. Jack Nicholson , Cher , Susan Sarandon , Michelle Pfeiffer , Veronica Cartwright , Richard Jenkins , Keith Jochim , Carel Struycken. The Witches of Eastwick highlights Michelle Pfeiffer's range as an actress, securing its place among her top performances.
Witches Of Eastwick Remake
According to its Goodreads synopsis, "The Witches of Eastwick" novel takes place in a Rhode Island town in the mid-1970s. There, three divorcées — Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie — all suddenly ...
The 32 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now (March 2024)
The cast is made up of Tom Skerritt (Top Gun), Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Veronica Cartwright (The Witches of Eastwick), Harry Dean Stanton (Repo Man), John Hurt (1984), Ian Holm (The Lord of the ...
The Witches of Eastwick
We review "The Witches of Eastwick" - 3 fabulous women as witches? including Cher?! Yes please!!-MovieBitches (Avaryl & Andrew)References in this Episode: Er...
Sam Mercer Dead: Producer on M. Night Shyamalan Movies Was 69
Sam Mercer, producer on several M. Night Shyamalan movies and former head of ILM, died Feb. 12 of younger onset Alzheimer's in South Pasadena. He was 69. Raised in Weston, Mass., he attended ...
Sam Mercer, Producer of M. Night Shyamalan Films, Dies at 69
March 14, 2024 4:35pm. Sam Mercer Kevin Winter/Getty Images. Sam Mercer, who produced eight M. Night Shyamalan films starting with the spooky blockbuster The Sixth Sense, has died. He was 69 ...

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Fantasy romcom has strong women, but also strong language and lots of sex talk, yet no graphic visual content.

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