The Witches (1990)

Release Date:

1990

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 31m

Release Date:

1990

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 31m

The Witches (1990) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In The Witches, a young boy named Luke and his grandmother Helga find themselves in a seaside hotel where a convention of witches is secretly taking place. These witches, led by the Grand High Witch, have a sinister plan to turn all children into mice. Luke accidentally overhears their plot and is soon discovered, leading to a magical transformation. With the help of his grandmother and a newfound friend, Luke must navigate the challenges of his new form and find a way to stop the witches before they succeed in their evil scheme. The movie is filled with magical adventures and clever tactics as Luke and Helga work together to outsmart the witches and save the day.

IMDb logo
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
94%
Metacritic Logo
78/100
IMDb logo
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
94%
Metacritic Logo
78/100

The Witches, released in 1990, is a dark fantasy film aimed at kids, blending elements of adventure and horror. The movie is generally well-received by parents, though some express concerns about its potentially frightening scenes. It offers a unique mix of whimsy and suspense, with many appreciating its imaginative storytelling and engaging characters.

Why Kids Should Watch The Witches

The Witches is praised for its creativity and engaging narrative.

  • Promotes the theme of courage and standing up against evil.
  • Features a strong, resourceful young protagonist who outsmarts the witches.
  • Offers visually captivating scenes that spark imagination.
  • Includes a memorable performance by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Witches

Some parents are concerned about the film's darker elements and intense scenes.

  • Contains themes of danger and transformation that might be unsettling.
  • Scenes where children are turned into mice could be frightening for younger viewers.
  • Visual effects and makeup may be too intense for sensitive children.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its potentially frightening content.

What Parents Should Know About The Witches

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The protagonist shows bravery and cleverness in overcoming challenges.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The transformation scenes and the witches' plans may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The witches face consequences for their evil actions, reinforcing the idea that bad deeds are punished.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The protagonist works with friends to defeat the witches, highlighting teamwork.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The film emphasizes the importance of courage and using one's wits to overcome adversity.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Witches is celebrated for its imaginative plot and strong performances, particularly by Anjelica Huston. While some parents appreciate its adventurous spirit, others caution about its darker themes and intense scenes. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience, making it a more enriching choice for children. For those concerned about the intensity, alternatives like "Matilda" or "The NeverEnding Story" might be more suitable.

Official The Witches Trailer

The Witches, released in 1990, is a dark fantasy film aimed at kids, blending elements of adventure and horror. The movie is generally well-received by parents, though some express concerns about its potentially frightening scenes. It offers a unique mix of whimsy and suspense, with many appreciating its imaginative storytelling and engaging characters.

Why Kids Should Watch The Witches

The Witches is praised for its creativity and engaging narrative.

  • Promotes the theme of courage and standing up against evil.
  • Features a strong, resourceful young protagonist who outsmarts the witches.
  • Offers visually captivating scenes that spark imagination.
  • Includes a memorable performance by Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Witches

Some parents are concerned about the film's darker elements and intense scenes.

  • Contains themes of danger and transformation that might be unsettling.
  • Scenes where children are turned into mice could be frightening for younger viewers.
  • Visual effects and makeup may be too intense for sensitive children.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its potentially frightening content.

What Parents Should Know About The Witches

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The protagonist shows bravery and cleverness in overcoming challenges.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The transformation scenes and the witches' plans may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The witches face consequences for their evil actions, reinforcing the idea that bad deeds are punished.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The protagonist works with friends to defeat the witches, highlighting teamwork.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The film emphasizes the importance of courage and using one's wits to overcome adversity.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Witches is celebrated for its imaginative plot and strong performances, particularly by Anjelica Huston. While some parents appreciate its adventurous spirit, others caution about its darker themes and intense scenes. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience, making it a more enriching choice for children. For those concerned about the intensity, alternatives like "Matilda" or "The NeverEnding Story" might be more suitable.

Official The Witches Trailer


The Core Values Learned From The Witches

The Witches's most common core values include Courage, Dealing with fear, and Family love. Courage is showcased as the young protagonist bravely faces the terrifying witches, demonstrating that even the smallest among us can stand up to great evil. Dealing with fear is another key value, as the characters must confront their deepest fears to overcome the witches' sinister plans. This teaches kids that facing fears head-on can lead to personal growth and triumph.

Family love is highlighted through the strong bond between the boy and his grandmother, showing that love and support from family can help overcome any obstacle. Their teamwork and mutual care are central to their success against the witches, emphasizing the importance of family connections in difficult times.

Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Kindness | Perseverance | Resilience | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Being brave

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Witches

Facing Fears Head-On: Kids learn the importance of confronting their fears through Luke's bravery. Despite the terrifying witches, he doesn't shy away from the danger, showing children that facing fears can lead to overcoming obstacles.

Finding Courage: The movie highlights how courage can come from unexpected places. Luke's transformation into a mouse doesn't stop him from being courageous. This teaches kids that courage isn't about size or strength, but about determination and heart.

Supporting Your Friends: The bond between Luke and his newfound friend is a testament to the power of friendship. They support each other through thick and thin, demonstrating to children the importance of standing by friends in challenging times.

Valuing Imagination: The imaginative ways Luke and his grandmother devise plans to thwart the witches show kids the power of creativity. It encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems.

Standing Up for Others: Luke's actions to stop the witches' plan highlight the importance of standing up for others. He takes risks to protect other children, teaching kids the value of selflessness and advocacy.

Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Protecting the Environment

Why Kids Love The Witches

The Witches is a magical adventure that sweeps kids into a world where creepy creatures and thrilling moments keep them on the edge of their seats. The story follows Luke, a brave young hero, who finds himself in a seaside hotel filled with mysterious witches plotting a sinister plan. Kids will be captivated by the magical transformations and the clever ways Luke and his grandmother, Helga, outsmart the witches. Mischievous kids and brave heroes take center stage as they solve mysteries and make new friends along the way.

The movie is filled with exciting scenes where Luke stands up for others and becomes the hero, all while navigating a world of magic and mystery. With its mix of humor, adventure, and enchanting elements, The Witches offers a fun and engaging experience that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.