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The film adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic ``The Witches" is a breathtaking spectacle that will delight a variety of viewers. Anjelica Huston is simply outstanding as "The Grand High Witch." She is the perfect actress to portray the dark, albeit laughable, character.

Luke (Jasen Fisher) is a young boy living with his grandmother, Helga (Mai Zetterling). Mai is perfectly cast as the doting, adventuresome grandmother. Helga regales Luke with stories of witches, dangerous creatures who seek to harm children.

I particularly liked the lack of Americanization in this film, as opposed to a similar counterpart, the adaptation of ``Matilda." The film stays true to the book for the majority. Unfortunately, the happy ending, which was loathed by Roald Dahl himself, detracts from the seemingly perfect adaptation.

In any event, 'The Witches' is sure to be a hit among kids (and adults as well). Anyone who has enjoyed the book is sure to enjoy this film version.

The Witches

The most utilized potion in a witch's repertoire must be the starchy brew used to get their hats so pointy.

However, the hags in this fantasy are more interested in a new concoction that turns children into mice.

On his birthday, recently orphaned Luke (Jasen Fisher) heads to the shore with his ailing grandmother (Mai Zetterling).

Checked-in at the same seaside resort as a convention of witches, Luke's exposed to a new serum that transforms him into a mouse.

While the Grand High Witch (Anjelica Houston) and the rest of the coven try to exterminate him, Luke hatches a plan to give them a taste of their own medicine.

Based on Roald Dahl's book, The Witches contains his trademark dark wit and an imaginative narrative, all of which are accentuated by Jim Henson's witch designs.

Furthermore, with their surplus of brooms, the witches can clean hotel rooms for free board.

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The Witches is the rarest thing you'll ever see: a black comedy for children. Adults just assume that kids don't have the level of wit and sophistication to appreciate sly and sarcastic humour, but here that theory is challenged with a vengeance and this film proves itself to be a wickedly entertaining, knowingly cruel pantomime.

The story finds a young boy named Luke moving in with his Grandma following the death of his parents. She lives in Norway and is something of a witch expert. Pretty soon, she has filled his mind with tales of witchery and caution. Grandma falls seriously ill and is advised to go to the English seaside to recover, accompanied by Luke. Whilst there, Luke uncovers the fact that the RSPCC meeting in the hotel is actually a front for a society of witches. He is captured by them and metamorphosised into a mouse, but still comes up with a plot to wipe them out.

This film is enormous fun, punctuated by offbeat performances (Huston as the Grand High Witch of All the World is terrifying and funny in equal measure) and splendid puppet work. The story uses the moral that children should "never talk to strangers", but enhances it with the ingenious and disturbing premise of witches being responsible for evil acts towards children. The story has real pace and purpose, and constantly turns up another surprise or twist just when you think you've figured out what's coming next. The supporting performances are very nicely judged (Atkinson as the snooty hotel manager, Zetterlig as the wise grandmother, etc.). All in all, this is a must-see kids' flick for kids and adults of all ages.

This is the genuine article, a children's movie enjoyable by the whole family. It deals with the legends of evil witches by showing children that good overcomes evil. There is a good deal of slapstick and silliness that reminds older folks of the Hal Roach "Keystone Cops". However, the silliness never obscures the human message. This is also not a "Jackass" film with dangerous stunts for kids to try at home. For a change, love is portrayed as something true and valuable to be desired and pursued. The cast is excellent from top to bottom, with the best actors doing some of their sometimes most understated and often brightest over-the-top work. It has been a family favorite from coast to coast ever since it came out and our extended clan can't recommend it highly enough.

This is the movie adaption you should watch - The Witches from 1990 got more charm, is more enchanting and got the better cast. Yes, the special effects of the new adaption are stronger, but that's it. If you got family time in front of your TV, put Nicolas Roeg's adaption on screen. The Witches 1990 is a great joy ride with some really ugly and mean witches, who get what they deserve. Still great, charming and entertaining with lots of fun ideas. Great classic book by Roald Dahl too.