Andrew Fleming (director)’s 1996 teen-witch film ‘The Craft’ was one I’d been looking forward to seeing for some time and I finally caught it on TV recently. It’s a difficult one to categorise though – it doesn’t quite fit in with teen-horrors like Scream, but nor is it the more straightforward ... Read review
Imagine if you could make anyone love you, look more beautiful, or punish your enemies ... more
just by casting a spell. Sarah (Robin Tunney - 'Empire Records') is a 17-year-old with a troubled past. Uprooted by her parents and moved to L.A. where she begins th...
IfBuffy the Vampire Slayerrepresents the lighter side of high school as a macabre ... more
experience, here's a movie that asks the burning question, "What happens when angst-ridden teenagers develop supernatural powers?" More to the point, how do four outcast ...
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Blackalicious--producer Chief Xcel and MC Gift Of Gab--are two of the most consistently ... more
innovative individuals to hail from Californias fecund Bay Area. They have always managed to deliver a solid balance of clever rhymes, breathtaking flows and bumpin beats and this latest long-player takes their funky manifesto to yet another level. Retaining the commercial feel of their last LP Blazing Arrows, The Craft draws on the duos long history of b-boyism, featuring considered collaborations with a vast array of live musicians and guests--Floetry, George Clinton and Larry Saunders among them. Xcels soundtrack is deep but not indulgent, and Gabs flow remains as breathtakingly sharp as it ever was. It might be a long way from the rawness of their groundbreaking Melodica EP (1995) but The Craft demonstrates how its possible to be perfectly accessible while remaining creatively untouchable.
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So you want to be a witch but don't know how to begin? Everything you need for ... more
successful witchery is here including mental theory magical theory and practical training exercises. Beginning with the basics of the Wiccan religion and its practices this book moves forward with easy-to-follow instructions for working with deities and elements; obtaining and using ritual tools; casting circles; celebrating rituals; and much more.
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The Freemasons: the largest charitable organisation in the world or a secretive society ... more
with an ulterior motive?Freemasons: Behind the Craft delves into a world of age-old allegory, infamous rituals and secret associations to reveal a fascinating, enigmatic and often misunderstood organisation.A series of fascinating interviews from current and ex-Freemasons offers an unprecedented look into the normally private world of Freemasonry.Journey with us as we explore the cloaked and veiled world of the Freemason. From mystical symbolism to the declaration of Brotherly love, charity and truth, Freemasons: Behind the Craft answers the questions you were to afraid to ask.
Production Year: 2000 - Horror - Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, James Van Der Beek, Keenen Ivory Wayans
Advantages: It has teenage witches and stuff so it must be cool Disadvantages: It isn't bad, but could've done better with the material
...Scream, but nor is it the more straightforward teen flick about dating (e.g. American Pie). In fact, in a fairly loose sense, it’s like a cross between the two!
In case you aren’t familiar with the film at all, the ‘craft’ referred to in the title is witchcraft. The film centres around four schoolgirls practising magic, in a somewhat Willow-from-Buffy (or, dare I say it) Sabrina fashion.
(Watch out for plot elements ... ...school, until she runs into the ‘Bitches of Eastwick’ – three girls (Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell) and Rochelle (Rachel True)). The group have already been practising magic (I think, although it’s not clear they were really doing much more than dabbling in the occult and wearing black make up!), but are looking for a fourth witch to complete their coven. They discover in Sarah latent magical abilities (inherited from her dead mother) ... more
Andrew Fleming (director)’s 1996 teen-witch film ‘The Craft’ was one I’d been looking forward to seeing for some time and I finally caught it on TV recently. It’s a difficult one to categorise though – it doesn’t quite fit in with teen-horrors like Scream, but nor is it the more straightforward teen flick about dating (e.g. American Pie). In fact, in a fairly loose sense, it’s like a cross between the two!
In case you aren’t familiar with the film at all, the ‘craft’ referred to in the title is witchcraft. The film centres around four schoolgirls practising magic, in a somewhat Willow-from-Buffy (or, dare I say it) Sabrina fashion.
(Watch out for plot elements in the next four paragraphs)
Sarah (Robin Tunney) is a new girl in LA, her family having moved from San Francisco. At first, she doesn’t fit in at her new school, until she runs into the ‘Bitches of Eastwick’ – three girls (Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell) and Rochelle (Rachel True)). The group have already been practising magic (I think, although it’s not clear they were really doing much more than dabbling in the occult and wearing black make up!), but are looking for a fourth witch to complete their coven. They discover in Sarah latent magical abilities (inherited from her dead mother) and she joins their circle.
The group are all in some way ‘outcasts’ from the mainstream and shunned by the ‘cool’ majority at school. Sarah refused to go ‘all the way’ on a first ‘date’ with jock Chris Hooker (Street Ulrich – are these names for real?) so he told everyone she was a ‘lousy shag’. Nancy, seemingly the gang’s de facto leader, comes from a poor, white trash family with a violent father. Rochelle is bullied by other girls because she is black and Bonnie’s back is covered in burn scars, which seem to deeply upset her and affect her confidence.
After visiting a strange occult shop, and buying (and stealing) books, candles and other witchcraft paraphernalia, the gang realise the potential of their magic after levitating Rochelle and casting spells in a field – hoping to solve the aforementioned teenage ‘life issues’.
At first their magic is used for the fairly trivial things you might expect from teenagers, their own amusement, boy trouble and the like. Soon, however, it begins to get more serious. Nancy in particular is seduced by the power of witchcraft, and begins over-using her magic. Sarah learns that ‘what goes around, comes around’ and urges temperance, but the others laugh at her even when the effects of their spells begin to spiral out of control. This ultimately leads to a split in the coven, and a final showdown between Sarah and Nancy (I’ll try not to spoil the ending, but you can probably guess who emerges victorious).
(Should be safe to read from now on, although I’ll still be mentioning various events)
Generally I thought the acting was pretty good from a young cast, and I’m surprised some (especially Tunney) haven’t gone on to bigger things (I believe Tunney’s recent appearances have been in ‘End of Days’ and ‘Vertical Limit’). Balk seemed awkward, but I think this was as much her portraying Nancy herself as a misfit, rather than a flaw in her performance. Overall, I found it easy to accept these were girls dabbling in the occult; and the whole film was made just that little bit better by the supporting cast, who played stereotypical teenagers obsessed with parties, dating, etc and oblivious to what was going on around them.
There are moments of humour, such as students ‘goofing around’ in the French lesson and Sarah totally humiliating Chris after casting a spell on him. It’s not a comedy film though. Far darker themes are explored – the whole idea of witchcraft, for example, might not be suitable for young children. There are moderate sexual references and practically no swearing, but the occasional violence and witchcraft theme make it unsuitable for young children. It’s a 15: nothing that will upset anyone who has an understanding that it’s not real (unless they’re religiously offended) and it was only shown at 9pm, so it can’t have been deemed that upsetting by the TV programmers.
While usual teenage preoccupations, such as boyfriends, experimenting with friends and general girls bitching do feature prominently, the film is deeper than this. Character development is most notable in Sarah, although Nancy offers the other side of the story, descending into madness, while Bonnie and Rochelle reform by the end. It preaches sensible ideas, such as respect for others, through the idea of ‘magical karma’, and we clearly see that the girls get back the consequences of their actions. The snakes and bugs also represent Sarah dealing with, and overcoming, her inner demons, but this metaphor isn’t as deeply explored as it could be, and comes over more as a means to build atmosphere and use up the effects budget!
Unfortunately some effects leave more to be desired. The snakes are realistic enough; even when they sprout from people’s hands/hair it’s probably as good as possible. Nancy walking on the water at one point is also quite good. The problem is that there are several scenes involving flying or levitation, and I found them generally unconvincing.
The climax to the film could be accused of going somewhat over the top, playing everything up too much to create tension, but arguably overdoing everything. It may not have been the most believable conclusion ever, but, then again, it’s a film about witchcraft. Personally, I was torn between being gripped by the action and going ‘oh no, this is rubbish’!
The soundtrack didn’t impress me much either. I regularly noticed the songs, but they seemed forgettable and there for the sake of it, rather than adding anything to the scenes involved. Songs are written by the likes of Lennon and McCartney, Marianne Faithful and Peter Gabriel; but unfortunately most are performed by unknowns! The more notable bands to actually play include Portishead, Our Lady Peace, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Elastica, but they don’t seem to add much.
Overall, it was certainly an enjoyable film, and one I wouldn’t mind watching again. I have to admit that I personally like the occult-type stuff depicted, so the film was automatically one that interested me. Had this not been the case, I might have been harsher and awarded three stars. For the most part though I thought this was a good film, and I was impressed by the acting in particular, I just feel an interesting (if not especially original) concept could have been taken further.
Advantages: Witchcraft and Fairuza Balk Disadvantages: Robin Tunney - whiney and has odd nostrils!!!
...magic has a "k"), and the group of misunderstood school witches spot her, and take her off to join their coven...
After a spot of shoplifting and minor glamour work (changing eye colour etc), they decide that Sarah has brought enough power to the group to get themselves some real magick done...
They each have something they want, Rochelle (Rachel True) is being bullied for being one of the only African-Americans in school by some snotty white girl ... ...has developed a crush on the popular guy at school, so wants him, and Nancy (Fairuza Balk)- the least stable one of the lot, wants pretty much everything - money, respect, and the spirit of Manul/Manah (never seem to work out what they call it, but its the deity) within her. By doing this they pretty much forget the basic rules of witchcraft - everything will be returned on you times three, and that you shouldn't try to gain control over other people. ...
flamesparrow 02.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
The Craft.
***********
~Introduction~
The story is about four girls at a Catholic school, who don't quite fit in.
~The Movie~
The film is basically about witchcraft, though it seems a little inaccurate in parts, probably to make it easier to film.
The main characters are:
Nancy who lives in a trailer with her alcoholic mother and abusive step-dad. Sarah who is plagued with guilt since the death of her mother.
Bonnie who was burned as a child ... ...But not necessarily just to the other people around them.
The film follows them, as the quartet firstly embrace their powers and then become seduced by 'the dark side'.
It turns out that Sarah is the natural witch, and with and through her, the power of the others is magnified.
Can anyone pull back in time or will all be lost?
~Opinions~
The movie deals with spirituality, redemption, soul searching, madness and looking over into the abyss.
...
Maximus-Qualitus 19.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
Advantages: Great cast, dark and sexy visuals Disadvantages: Final fight scene could have been better!
I saw the trailer for this movie on E4 (showing at 9pm Fri, 5th Oct 2004) and my teenage years and my love for this movie all came flooding back! I have always loved movies to do with magic and the occult and things like that so as soon as this movie hit our screens around 8 years ago (Crikey - 8 years!?) me and my friends were first in line. Well, if I recall rightly we were about 3rd or so.. ahem..
The movie follows a young girl called Sarah (Robin ... ...3 'gothic' style girls by the schools football jock, Chris (Skeet Ulrich), because the rumour is they're witches! They are certainly the outcasts of the school and are singled out by many as 'weirdos'.
Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True) and Nancy (Fairuza Balk) have been practising the craft for sometime, but their circle has never been complete as they were missing the fourth witch. When Sarah turns up on the same day their almanac ...
denzil82 30.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
Advantages: Clever storyline and pretty women in school uniforms for the guys! Disadvantages: none that i can think of
I remember watching The Craft at a friend’s sleepover when I was at school and thinking it was the coolest film ever! When I watched it again a few nights ago I thought the same thing.
The Plot
Sarah has moved to Los Angeles in an unwilling move with her family. She starts school at St. Benedict’s Academy and learns within a few hours of being there that there is a certain pecking order to this school and she has a choice where to be.
She tries ... ...of whom are outcasts in the school and are commonly known as the Bitches of Eastwick. They all practice a witchcraft that works on the basis of being aware of everything around you but is known by the name of ‘Manon’ – Sarah becomes part of this group and becomes the forth tower (north, south, east and west) that allows them to perform more serious magic.
All of the girls have their own separate problems that they wish to solve. Nancy hates the ...
smallwren 04.06.2004 (08.07.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
Advantages: Original, fresh and Enjoyable - Disadvantages: I honestly cant think of any -
...film really stands out from the the blur of rubbish junk that is being released these last few years - released in 1996 this film shook the world of cinema and was release world wide - now, as a film enthusiast i tend to watch alot of films, and i can tell you now, this is a film that should not be missed on all accounts. Quirky, sarcastic and Original, this really is the film that shaped any of the modern supernatural TV programmes and films (charmed, ... ...3 sudents - known as the Bitches of eastwick, are very into the wiccan ways, but, when then new girl comes to the school and joins there "coven" , they realise they can actually do magic -
BASICALLY
"Four girls at a Los Angeles Catholic school form a coven of witches that cast spells on their classmates and each other. Their new powers overwhelm them, leading to an internal power struggle."
- Characters -
Robin Tunney .... Sarah Bailey Fairuza ...
Schnappi 17.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
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Advantages: easy to watch and understand Disadvantages: the soundtrack was unmemorable
features such as deleted scenes, a directors commentary and details of how the film was made. These features are quite interesting to look at especially when I found out that the snakes and creepies were real?arrrggghhh!
THE FILM
---------------
Director: Andrew Fleming
Duration: 97 minutes
Certification: 14
Studio: Sony Pictures
AVAILABILITY
----------------------
I did have a few problems finding this on DVD in high streets stores although Virgin did say they would order it in at a ridiculous price. I managed to get mine of Amazon for £4.13 although it is now available for £3.97 (Collectors Edition) or on Play.com (£5 including delivery).
I have heard that there will be a sequel 'Craft 2' but it will go straight to DVD in 2008. Whether or not this is the case or not I am not sure. I did think when I saw the film that it was ...
The Craft.
A story of witchcraft and revenge.
Four girls Nancy, Sarah, Bonnie and Rachelle who don,t quite fit in at their strict catholic school.
The four girls come to terms with their powers and as they grow the evil released soon becomes too much for them to control and people around them will soon begin to suffer .
The film surprised me at being actually very good. the acting was again superb and the plot was decent. the story moved along at at good pace and the ending was expected.
Nothing new in this film but it delivered a watchable film.
Worth your time if it comes on TV.
DVD Info:
Language English
Subtitles: Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Turkish
Region: Region 2
Number of discs: 1 ...
MaldivesHoliday 13.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Craft (DVD)
Advantages: the original MlP concept, wonderful performances by Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman, Disadvantages: poorly executed DVD release, no extras, unsuitable for children over 9, appeals mainly to girls only
is up to no good. She hates niceness of any sort, and with her two unloved but thoroughly unpleasant daughters Reeka and Draggle, plans to whip up a batch of the dreaded Smooze which will destroy Ponyland, and turn anyone nice it touches into a down at the mouth sort. Succeeding at creating the Smooze and submerging the Dream Castle, the Ponies flee, with friend Megan and her siblings in tow, and go in search of a new home and a way to stop the Smooze. They make new friends along the way, including some that have already encountered the Smooze once before. Will they be able to save Ponyland from the Smooze? And will they ever have a home again?
While the original animation with its line drawings are delightful, and even the songs fairly unannoying, this DVD betrays its bargain priced roots. Sadly, unlike the well crafted story, the dvd ...
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DVD Description
Four teenage girls, outsiders in their clique-ridden religious school, find an outlet for their pent-up hostilities when they form a supernatural coven. Armed with the power of the craft, these novice witches gleefully take vengeance on their enemies, but ultimately their indiscriminate use of power catches up to them.
![The Craft [DVD] [1996]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/87255147.jpg)
![The Craft [Collectors Edition]-DVD](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/103217949.jpg "The Craft [Collectors Edition]-DVD")
