Im Bann der dunklen Mächte

"The Initiation of Sarah", a remake of the 1978 television film, is also a TV-movie that aired on ABC Family's "13 Nights of Halloween" special. The film is about two sisters, Sarah and Lindsay, who are off to college. Turns out, unfortunately, that the sorority that Lindsay plans on attending is run by a coven of evil witches who practice in the occult, and they have been rivals with Sarah's sorority for generations. As Lindsay's behavior becomes increasingly strange, Sarah begins to worry about her sister's well being. But these sorority witches will have to make some sacrifices to initiate Lindsay into their sorority, and Sarah plays a large part in their dark ceremony. Now it's up to Sarah to save both herself and her sister from the sorority sisters before they both become victims.

This is a made-for-television movie, so I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this film, but I was pleasantly surprised by the film's overall quality. The story is pretty interesting and well written, I have never seen the original television film so I can't compare the two, but as far as I'm concerned the plot was fairly well constructed. It's a little corny at times, but I was expecting that so it wasn't too big of a deal. The acting was pretty well done, extremely good for a TV movie. Mika Boorem is the leading lady playing Sarah, and she does quite well. Morgan Fairchild plays Sarah's mother (or whom she believes is her mother, who is actually an evil witch herself), which was rather interesting because she also had a role in the original film. And Jennifer Tilly (who played in "Bride of Chucky") plays her role also very well, as usual. There were a few really neat moments and sequences throughout it, and the special effects were decent enough, but nothing spectacular.

Overall, "The Initiation of Sarah" is an enjoyable, fun little horror movie. It's not really "scary" by any means and those who are immune to the horror genre won't find anything remotely startling, but it serves well as a good little movie to enjoy during the Halloween season. While "The Initiation of Sarah" is no masterpiece, you have to admit, it's pretty good for TV-movie. 7/10.

This movie is amazing, and definitely not something I'd expect from ABC Family. It's captivating, mature, and has a twist that I absolutely didn't see coming. The actors show talent beyond their years, the story keeps you guessing, and it's one of the few movies about the occult that doesn't make me ashamed of how commercialized witchcraft has become. There's a lot of universal themes that really give it heart: finding greatness in the most unlikely of places, learning to accept and embrace your inherent differences, and of course, fighting like (and against) all hell for the people that you love.

I believe what makes a great fiction movie is its ability to seem like it almost could be real. Granted, the demonic sorority sisters, the existence of "The One" and the super-cool magick tricks are a bit of a stretch, but there's a lot in the movie that's believable. For example, the relationship dynamic between Sarah and her sister is easy for anyone to relate to, especially if you've ever felt like you were overshadowed by a sibling. The struggle of good vs. evil is something that we all fight with at some point, if not every day of our lives. And the desire for acceptance at all costs...I know I shudder to think of the things I've done in the past to try to get the popular girls to like me. This movie makes it very easy to relate to its characters, even the minor ones. I know my bet friend in high school was a dead ringer for Vita. And for all those stickler Wiccans out there, the initiation ceremonies of both sororities are actually similar to real coven initiations, i.e. the kisses, the wording of the pledge, etc.

This is really a great movie, people, much better than the original. It's got character, it's got flair, and it's got intensity. Definitely two hours well spent. Oh, and just in case you're wondering: my ABSOLUTE favorite part is when Sarah runs off to save Finn from being sacrificed in the eternal flame. I couldn't stop laughing. It was beyond priceless; can't believe ABC Family actually showed it, lol.

Blessed Be.

Sisters Sarah and Lindsey (Mika Boorem and Summer Glau) are pledging the alpha Nu sorority at Temple Hill University, unaware of the devilish forces afoot. Sarah just might be the "chosen one" that her new friends have been waiting for.

Indeed, the Alpha Nu's are an ancient coven of witches using the black arts to get what they desire. Sarah must get in touch with her inner witch in order to combat these practitioners of eeevil.

THE INITIATION OF SARAH is a fun update of the original classic. Especially good is the magnificent Jennifer Tilly as the demonically delectable Dr. Hunter! Also, Morgan Fairchild returns from the original in a pivotal role.

So, grab some wine, this movie provides the cheeeze...

I gotta say, for an made for TV movie, the Initaition of Sarah is pretty good. With all the other "horror" and "scary" movie crap out there this should have be put in movie theaters. The special effects may not be all that great, but it's still got a nice plot and twist to it, and doesn't ruin a single bit of it. I especially appluade the actors' performances and I've become a bit of Mika Boorem (is that spelled right?) fan after seeing this. And true the movie may not be all that scary, but it adds a great feel to the whole Halloween theme. I've never seen the original film at all, but after seeing this I've been dying to!!!! The Initiation of Sarah is one of the greatest made-for-TV movies ever and should've been put on the big screen. ABC Family really delivered this time.

In my point of view this movie isn't labeled properly and therefore is highly underrated. It's clearly a comedy, and a very hilarious one.

I mean, if hot girls aren't enough of a reason to watch a movie like this for you then you should know that the plot is awesome.

From an evil hot(most of the times) witch that hits on dudes by mixing coffee with their own sweat to awesome back-flipping Jedi mind-tricks, it's all there.

But the best of all is that it doesn't feel like other movies of the same kind... You don't realize you are actually appreciating it until your muscles hurt from laughing so hard.

I guffawed my bowels out, and i'm glad I watched this.