Die Hexen von Eastwick

Too cunning and terrifying for a comedy, too frantic for a horror. Still, an interesting and absolutely atypical spectacle, especially thanks to the incomparably most beautiful witch Michelle Pfeiffer and the perfect demon Nicholson. (25.06.2005)

The Witches of Eastwick is a good example of a fortunate meeting between an ambitious director, a generous producer, several film stars, and a quality literary source, which together mean more than just a highly above-average film in its genre. In this case, it was possible to combine the comedy and horror genres in such a way that it is a rare balanced combination that works in all respects. It is generally known that a man is usually not able to handle one woman and if three of them get together, then even the devil with the whole of hell behind him won't stand a chance. This film is actually an exaggeration of the theme of the eternal rivalry between the two sexes. The entire film is additionally underscored by excellent music and spiced up with Jack Nicholson's top performance. Three Hollywood veterans will show you how quickly it is possible to transform from tired middle-aged women into provocative vixens, and the eternal employee of American cinema Veronica Cartwright will show you in a supporting role an excellent study of traditional American puritanism. Overall impression: 90%. (12.11.2011)

Es ist so gut, dass das Fernsehen drei Versuche einer Eastwick-Serie unternahm, von denen die erfolgreichste 13 Folgen umfasste. Die Hexen sind einfach außergewöhnlich und einer der besten Filme der 80er Jahre. Das beherrschende Trio Pfeiffer, Sarandon und Cher ist ebenso unwiderstehlich wie der teuflische Nicholson. Ich kann sie mir regelmäßig immer wieder ansehen, ich werde der Wiederholungen nie müde. (03.02.2009)

Too much of everything is harmful, or a brutally cluttered mix of comedy, satire, horror, thriller, and who knows what else in a film that is practically unclassifiable genre-wise. It avoids any box (which is a plus), but the excessive emphasis on elements like visual effects and stretched dialogues disrupts the overall enjoyment and drags this creation down to the average at supersonic speeds. It's not so much about the what, but the how. The acting, on the other hand, is very strong – Jack Nicholson in particular gives an excellent performance – but despite his undeniable qualities, I did not believe some reactions of the supposedly enchanted women. Nothing against directorial creativity and diversity, but in my eyes, this work exceeds the boundary of acceptability (that is, high rating). And I haven't even mentioned that several scenes were truly unnecessary and tedious. (16.11.2006)

The story is by no means perfect, but thanks to Nicholson it emerges well above the grey of the average. Like just about every male, I tried to focus my attention mainly on the most beautiful witch, Michelle Pfeiffer, but Jack's performance from the moment he first appears on screen to the moment he leaves it completely overshadows everything else and makes the film one big piece of entertainment. Perhaps artists like him shouldn't grow old so that they can continue to shower us with their genius over and over again. And what about the quality of the film itself? If you are at least a little bit into supernatural atmosphere, black humour and last but not least Nicholson's acting, you will have a great time! (31.01.2012)

The Witches of Eastwick is an excellent combination of great acting, great direction, and a good dose of suspense and humor. Jack Nicholson plays a great "devil" and enabler, Cher, the musical grandmother, is excellent. This is a very fine movie, and is only enhanced by the soundtrack composed by John Williams. (05.02.2009)