Iremember reading an article on this movie in the NME in the 80s. It told how some execs at Disney did not like the movie because it went against what the studio stood for. good family entertainment. I have heard that they didn't like Watcher In The Woods either for the same reasons.Soon after they formed Touchstone Pictures and made Splash which must have been in script development at the time and thats family entertainment?. This movie really deserves a reissue as it remains one of the best live action pieces that Disney have ever done. Jonathan Pryce was perfectly cast as Mr Dark and the two child actors are refreshingly mature for a Disney movie. it seems funny that a movie that is this scary should have been made by Disney and as the house of mouse never throws anything away there must be enough for a real good DVD release of it. i notice on the comment boards that there is demand for a remake. good idea but it would have to be Jonathan Pryce as Mr dark once again and Cauron or del Toro as directors as they are the only ones with a vision dark enough for it.
109 Reviews
A "pg" rated horror movie that actually works very well.
Aaron137525 July 2009
I enjoyed this movie as a child, it was very interesting and it was nice to watch a horror movie that was rated PG as it would actually come on in the day rather than having to try to stay up late to watch it. Granted, it is not a pure horror movie, it has some other genres mixed in as well, but at its core I say horror is its main ingredient. The movie also features good characters in the form of Mr. Dark and Jason Robards character. The kid who is featured is also quite good here. The story has a carnival coming to town, however this carnival contains a dark secret and it is not just the fact the owner of this particular carnival is named Dark. No it seems he likes to offer those that are a bit weak the thing they desire most and then twist it in a way that makes it not so good. However, that is the price you must pay when dealing with this gentleman. The story moves at a good clip and while it never really gets gory or anything the story more than makes up for this and provides plenty of entertainment.
The Autumn Carnival
claudio_carvalho17 July 2015
In Green Town, Illinois, the twelve year-old boys Will Halloway (Vidal Peterson) and Jim Nightshade (Shawn Carson) are neighbors and best friends. Will's father Charles Halloway (Jason Robards) is an old man and the local librarian while Jim and his mother wait for the return of their father and husband that will never occur. The boys know everyone in town, including their school teacher Miss Foley (Mary Grace Canfield) that misses her beauty and youth; the lonely barber Mr. Crosetti (Richard Davalos) that has no girlfriend or wife; the greedy owner of a cigar store Mr. Tetley (Jake Dengel) that is obsessed with money; and the bartender Ed (James Stacy) that has severed arm and leg and dreams on being a football hero. One day of Autumn, Jim buys a lightning rod from the salesman Tom Fury (Royal Dano) that tels that a storm is coming. During the night, the boys overhear a mysterious train and they run through the woods to see the arrival but they do not see a living soul. However, they find the Mr. Dark's Pandemonium Carnival ready to be enjoyed and they snoop around. Soon they realize that frustrated and greedy people are vanishing in town and the evil Mr. Dark (Jonathan Pryce) and the Dust Witch (Pam Grier) from the carnival make their dreams come true. In return, Mr. Dark seizes their souls. Now Mr. Dark is seeking the boys out but Charles Halloway has a journal from his father about the autumn carnival that might be their last chance to defeat the evil.
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" is an impressive movie with many layers with a story by Ray Bradbury. It is amazing how a story about greedy, vanity and shattered dreams can be seen and understood in different levels, depending on your age and life experience. The dialogs and lines are mature, but children will have a different understanding. Unfortunately this little gem is underrated and not well- known. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): Not available on VHS, DVD or Blu-Ray
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" is an impressive movie with many layers with a story by Ray Bradbury. It is amazing how a story about greedy, vanity and shattered dreams can be seen and understood in different levels, depending on your age and life experience. The dialogs and lines are mature, but children will have a different understanding. Unfortunately this little gem is underrated and not well- known. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): Not available on VHS, DVD or Blu-Ray
It's What's Inside That Counts....
BaronBl00d28 December 2000
Ray Bradbury and the makers of this film ventured into foreign territory for the Disney Studios, they went to explore the dark side of humanity and came back with the honest truth that much of humanity is plagued and there are shiny bright spots within. This film explores the petty desires of everyday people, their eagerness to give what is really important in life up for things like vanity, lust, money, etc... The story centers around two small boys, Will and Jim, and how their lives change and the townfolk around them when a carnival comes to town. The atmosphere is chilling to say the least. It is easily the darkest of any Disney film(even considering the outstanding The Hunchback of Notre Dame). It uses dark landscapes, eerie haunting music, and bleak characterizations to perfection. The acting is good all around with two standouts. Jason Robards plays Will's father, and is the epitome of flawed goodness. He suffers for his goodness but has strength of heart. Robards is wonderful, and I felt myself wishing this man had been my father(or my father more like him). For an actor to be able to create that appeal is a true feat of integrity of performance. On the other side, in a simply sinister portrayal of evil incarnate is the performance of Jonathan Pryce, an overlooked and underappreciated English actor. His performance is scary, and he chews up every and each scene he is in. The script by Bradbury himself, based on his novel, is full of rich texture and subtlety. As with just about every film adaptation, the film is not the book...but then if you wanted that you only have to sit down and read...one page at a time.
Often Overlooked...
kidwltm8 July 2003
In the collection of 80's sci-fi/fantasy films that garner much recognition, no one ever seems to mention "Something Wicked This Way Comes". But they should. The film is a very well done film, from a technical aspect, blending moody cinematography with good f/x (for 1983,anyways) to make some truly memorable moments. Clayton's directing focuses on grand imagery and atmosphere, and it creates a very fine tone for the film. Bradbury's writing adds a lot to the story, his expertly sculpted dialogue bringing life to some good characters. He, and the film, do struggle with the coming of age stuff between the two boys, as it is mostly run of the mill material, but still effective in places. The father-son talks are also not too amazing. But, the were some great moments, most notably the library scene with Mr. Dark and Mr. Halloway. Great writing and directing accented by Jonathan Pryce's pitch-perfect performance. A few of the "scary" scenes were rather hokey, but for the most part provided decent enough suspense. The cast was very good, the two young boys definitely worked well with each other. Jason Robards kind of walked through his role, but Robards can do that and still make it look good. And of course, as mentioned before, Jonathan Pryce is just uber-creepy as the bad guy, Mr. Dark. It's a shame Hollywood never really caught on to him.
All in all, the film provides some tense (for a kid's film) moments with a lot of visual flair, but also provides some more heavier (once again, for a kid's film) material about father & sons and what's it's like to grow up.
7/10
* * */ * * * *
All in all, the film provides some tense (for a kid's film) moments with a lot of visual flair, but also provides some more heavier (once again, for a kid's film) material about father & sons and what's it's like to grow up.
7/10
* * */ * * * *
How I long for the "dark" Disney days
Agent106 June 2022
There was a time in cinematic history where making a perceived "kids" film had one core question at heart. Do we want to entertain the kids or do we want to traumatize the kids? I kid you not, this era existed in the late 70s and the early to mid 80s. Filmmakers still made kid friendly films which we see today, but they also wanted to fill kids with a sense of existential dread. Ironically, the studio that started this was Disney.
Ray Bradbury was still something of a household name in the 70s and 80s, so having him adapt a screenplay of his own work was a no brainer. However, that popularity was largely on its last legs in 1983, but he at least made one last mark with Something Wicked This Way Comes. It's starts innocently enough, as the small sleepy town of Greenwood, Illinois (a frequently used town in Bradbury's oeuvre) begins yet another day. However, that quiet is brought to an end when Mr. Dark's Pandemonium Carnival hits town. It looks fairly innocuous, but there is a dark and sinister force controlling and manipulating this carnival.
Jonathan Price is by no means scary or intimidating, and this is why his turn as Mr. Dark (or G. M. Dark for us Bradbury fans) is so damn chilling. His slight accent, his all knowing knowledge of people's hidden desires and the outright disregard for the very bargains he makes. His Faustian turn as the leader of The Autumn People makes him one of the most bone chilling antagonists of the 80s. I will gladly fight anyone for that statement. His first run-in with Charles Halloway is the stuff of nightmares.
And speaking of nightmares, this film intentionally played on the many assorted nightmares of children. While Return to Oz would be the primer for scaring and traumatizing kids, this one was pretty close. The worst aspect it did bring up was two fold...the death of a parent and disappointment in yourself and your children's eyes. I would venture to say this film would slightly agitate a decent swath of viewers.
In spite of all the implied danger and darkness, this film does have its weaknesses. The special effects just weren't good enough to match the event of the story at the time and the two boys were rather wooden in acting. But on the other hand, the rest of the movie is so beautiful to look at you just kinda wish Disney would finally remake this film (along with Condorman!). However, I don't know if they could replace Jonathan Price and Jason Robards. The scenes they had together are show stoppers, and the simple body effects and implied horror would be replaced with boring CGI.
I won't pretend this is an amazing movie. It has flaws for sure, but it kinda makes you long for more of this kind of output from Disney rather than the never ending stream of comic books and endless franchises.
Ray Bradbury was still something of a household name in the 70s and 80s, so having him adapt a screenplay of his own work was a no brainer. However, that popularity was largely on its last legs in 1983, but he at least made one last mark with Something Wicked This Way Comes. It's starts innocently enough, as the small sleepy town of Greenwood, Illinois (a frequently used town in Bradbury's oeuvre) begins yet another day. However, that quiet is brought to an end when Mr. Dark's Pandemonium Carnival hits town. It looks fairly innocuous, but there is a dark and sinister force controlling and manipulating this carnival.
Jonathan Price is by no means scary or intimidating, and this is why his turn as Mr. Dark (or G. M. Dark for us Bradbury fans) is so damn chilling. His slight accent, his all knowing knowledge of people's hidden desires and the outright disregard for the very bargains he makes. His Faustian turn as the leader of The Autumn People makes him one of the most bone chilling antagonists of the 80s. I will gladly fight anyone for that statement. His first run-in with Charles Halloway is the stuff of nightmares.
And speaking of nightmares, this film intentionally played on the many assorted nightmares of children. While Return to Oz would be the primer for scaring and traumatizing kids, this one was pretty close. The worst aspect it did bring up was two fold...the death of a parent and disappointment in yourself and your children's eyes. I would venture to say this film would slightly agitate a decent swath of viewers.
In spite of all the implied danger and darkness, this film does have its weaknesses. The special effects just weren't good enough to match the event of the story at the time and the two boys were rather wooden in acting. But on the other hand, the rest of the movie is so beautiful to look at you just kinda wish Disney would finally remake this film (along with Condorman!). However, I don't know if they could replace Jonathan Price and Jason Robards. The scenes they had together are show stoppers, and the simple body effects and implied horror would be replaced with boring CGI.
I won't pretend this is an amazing movie. It has flaws for sure, but it kinda makes you long for more of this kind of output from Disney rather than the never ending stream of comic books and endless franchises.
Disney noir? A wonderful adaptation.
Hermit C-230 September 1999
It was almost too much to hope that someone would make a movie version of Ray Bradbury's outstanding fantasy novel 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' that did justice to it, but director Jack Clayton did. He and his cohorts managed to capture all the dark, ominous portents and mysterious, mystical happenings that fill Bradbury's book.
Set earlier in this century, a carnival comes to a small town at a strange time of year, October. But then it's a mighty strange carnival, one that fulfills the fantasies--and fears--of the town's residents. Two young boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade (Vidal Peterson and Shawn Carson) find out the foreboding and forbidden secrets of the carnival, as does the tired, prematurely old man (Jason Robards) who is Will's father.
As has been noted, there probably isn't another film with the Walt Disney name on it that is as dark as this one. It may be too frightening in parts for very young children and too disturbing at times for slightly older ones. A person's enjoyment of the film would be helped considerably by reading the book beforehand, much like Kubrick's '2001...' Besides those already mentioned, some of the good performances in the movie come from Royal Dano, James Stacy, and Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark.
Set earlier in this century, a carnival comes to a small town at a strange time of year, October. But then it's a mighty strange carnival, one that fulfills the fantasies--and fears--of the town's residents. Two young boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade (Vidal Peterson and Shawn Carson) find out the foreboding and forbidden secrets of the carnival, as does the tired, prematurely old man (Jason Robards) who is Will's father.
As has been noted, there probably isn't another film with the Walt Disney name on it that is as dark as this one. It may be too frightening in parts for very young children and too disturbing at times for slightly older ones. A person's enjoyment of the film would be helped considerably by reading the book beforehand, much like Kubrick's '2001...' Besides those already mentioned, some of the good performances in the movie come from Royal Dano, James Stacy, and Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark.
Fine Dark Fantasy
Tweetienator17 April 2022
A surprisingly dark and well made fantasy movie with a slight taste of horror. A nice production, a good cast and a fine story based on the same titled novel written by Ray Bradbury make Something Wicked This Way Comes an entertaining piece. For sure maestro Stephen King got some inspiration from that novel (first published 1962) for such works as It and Needful Things comes to mind. Last statement: today's Disney Inc, would never make such a movie again, and that's a very sad fact.
You May Disagree, But I Love This Movie
loudprincess11 April 2007
After reading some of the previous comments made about this film, I feel compelled to add my own.
I've never read the Ray Bradbury novel, though this movie did make me want to read more of his work. So what if it's not entirely true to the book? How many supernatural-themed stories adapted for film actually were true to the story in pre-CGI days? At any rate, I love this movie because it was spooky without being scary, and for a kid's movie, that was perfect for me. I'll never forget how creepy Jonathan Price was in this film. I loved the effects and the moody art direction.
It's dark without being too dark for kids, which I'm pretty sure is what Disney and most parents would want.
I've never read the Ray Bradbury novel, though this movie did make me want to read more of his work. So what if it's not entirely true to the book? How many supernatural-themed stories adapted for film actually were true to the story in pre-CGI days? At any rate, I love this movie because it was spooky without being scary, and for a kid's movie, that was perfect for me. I'll never forget how creepy Jonathan Price was in this film. I loved the effects and the moody art direction.
It's dark without being too dark for kids, which I'm pretty sure is what Disney and most parents would want.
Where do you go to? The grave.
Hey_Sweden26 October 2014
The Disney corporation deserve some credit for their attempts in the late 1970s and early 1980s to expand their repertoire a bit and dabble in genre offerings - "The Black Hole" and "The Watcher in the Woods" as well as this Ray Bradbury adaptation, scripted by the author himself. They also go to some rather dark places with this tale, another risky move, but the film is reasonably absorbing, touching on the subject of dealing with regrets in life. We have a timeless good vs. evil theme, a number of compelling characters, and some very literate dialogue. Purists, however, may take exception to Disney's meddling, as they added new sequences and special effects in order to make this venture a more blatantly commercial, conventional one.
Not to say that the film is really bad. It's just not that satisfying in the end. It does have some delicious atmosphere, a superb autumn feel (it takes place in October), and Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark is a dapper, highly theatrical villain.
The endearing Jason Robards stars as small town librarian Charles Halloway, whose small town is visited by Mr. Darks' traveling Pandemonium Carnival. What we learn is that citizens who visit the carnival can see their fondest wishes come true - but at a heavy price. With the lives of his young son Will (Vidal Peterson) and Wills' best friend Jim Nightshade (Shawn Carson of Tobe Hoopers' "The Funhouse") on the line, Charles must do battle with the fiendish Mr. Dark.
It's not exactly hard to guess what Mr. Darks' big secret is, but getting there is still a fair bit of fun. Some children may be put off or disturbed by some sequences (such as the bit with the onslaught of tarantulas), but it is nice to see a somewhat mature offering from Disney. James Horners' score is very spooky, and Jack Clayton ("The Innocents") does a decent job with the direction. The very fine cast includes Diane Ladd as Jims' mom, Royal Dano as the prophetic lightning rod salesman Tom Fury, Ellen Geer as Wills' mother, a highly enticing Pam Grier as the beautiful but eerie Dust Witch, James Stacy as football player turned bartender Ed, and Angelo Rossitto as one of the little people. Peterson and Carson are appealing as the kids.
Had this been done with a little more subtlety and less cheese, this could have been something pretty good and interesting. Still, it remains watchable.
Seven out of 10.
Not to say that the film is really bad. It's just not that satisfying in the end. It does have some delicious atmosphere, a superb autumn feel (it takes place in October), and Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark is a dapper, highly theatrical villain.
The endearing Jason Robards stars as small town librarian Charles Halloway, whose small town is visited by Mr. Darks' traveling Pandemonium Carnival. What we learn is that citizens who visit the carnival can see their fondest wishes come true - but at a heavy price. With the lives of his young son Will (Vidal Peterson) and Wills' best friend Jim Nightshade (Shawn Carson of Tobe Hoopers' "The Funhouse") on the line, Charles must do battle with the fiendish Mr. Dark.
It's not exactly hard to guess what Mr. Darks' big secret is, but getting there is still a fair bit of fun. Some children may be put off or disturbed by some sequences (such as the bit with the onslaught of tarantulas), but it is nice to see a somewhat mature offering from Disney. James Horners' score is very spooky, and Jack Clayton ("The Innocents") does a decent job with the direction. The very fine cast includes Diane Ladd as Jims' mom, Royal Dano as the prophetic lightning rod salesman Tom Fury, Ellen Geer as Wills' mother, a highly enticing Pam Grier as the beautiful but eerie Dust Witch, James Stacy as football player turned bartender Ed, and Angelo Rossitto as one of the little people. Peterson and Carson are appealing as the kids.
Had this been done with a little more subtlety and less cheese, this could have been something pretty good and interesting. Still, it remains watchable.
Seven out of 10.
Just Pass It By...Read the Book
Pulpmariachi10 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
First and foremost, I loved the novel by Ray Bradbury. It's the kind of horror that gets under your skin and sticks with you later. It was one of his best books, with, you know, Fahrenheit 451 and Dandelion Wine. I as just hoping that this movie would be all right. It had lots of chances, with a great cast, like Jason Robards and Jonathn Pryce. And Bradbury even wrote the script himself. And on top of all that, it has PAM GRIER!
How could it fail?
There may be spoilers within.
First of all, it was dumbed down. Much of the horror from the book was lost as Bradbury must have been forced to keep the violence to a minimum. All the visuals from the book...gone. Everything that made you squirm...gone.
And then there's the acting. Like a lot of movies that Disney threw out in the 80s, the kids in this movie cannot act. And, this bugged me a lot, neither of them looked 13 but 9 or 10. Their strong friendship wasn't addressed. It was more like they were acquaintaces.
You'd think Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce could pull this off in their roles of Mr. Halloway and Mr. Dark. But here it's like they just don't care. All they want to do is somehow pay off some mortgage or something. This is far from being some of their best performances.
Pam Grier was fine as the witch, but the charecter of the Dust Witch herself wasn't well pulled off. She's a lot less evil and doesn't have the presence as she did in the book.
And everything that was left out of the book. The ballon night chase, the marking of Jim's house, the real death of Mr. Dark, what happened to Mr. Coogan on the merry-go-round, the fate of the lightening rod salesman, the real death of the witch, and oh so much more.
And the special effects were bad, even for the 80s. The merry-go-round of doom for one thing with the superimposed horses going around wasn't really creepy, and that weird green mist that really had nothing to do with anything.
I could keep going about how this movie ripped apart the original novel, but it makes blood boil. Don't see this movie but read the book. It's a classic of Bradbury.
How could it fail?
There may be spoilers within.
First of all, it was dumbed down. Much of the horror from the book was lost as Bradbury must have been forced to keep the violence to a minimum. All the visuals from the book...gone. Everything that made you squirm...gone.
And then there's the acting. Like a lot of movies that Disney threw out in the 80s, the kids in this movie cannot act. And, this bugged me a lot, neither of them looked 13 but 9 or 10. Their strong friendship wasn't addressed. It was more like they were acquaintaces.
You'd think Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce could pull this off in their roles of Mr. Halloway and Mr. Dark. But here it's like they just don't care. All they want to do is somehow pay off some mortgage or something. This is far from being some of their best performances.
Pam Grier was fine as the witch, but the charecter of the Dust Witch herself wasn't well pulled off. She's a lot less evil and doesn't have the presence as she did in the book.
And everything that was left out of the book. The ballon night chase, the marking of Jim's house, the real death of Mr. Dark, what happened to Mr. Coogan on the merry-go-round, the fate of the lightening rod salesman, the real death of the witch, and oh so much more.
And the special effects were bad, even for the 80s. The merry-go-round of doom for one thing with the superimposed horses going around wasn't really creepy, and that weird green mist that really had nothing to do with anything.
I could keep going about how this movie ripped apart the original novel, but it makes blood boil. Don't see this movie but read the book. It's a classic of Bradbury.
A movie that has something to say, and not just for the kids.
rondine6 March 2000
This is always touted as a movie for children but not much is mentioned of the way it is also aimed at adults. The narration is skillfully done by Arthur Hill. In the beginning he speaks of his "first look into the fearful needs of the human heart." Maybe it's just me, but that sounds fairly mature. And the theme of the movie, selling ones' soul to the devil is both scary and grown up. And the final theme, the one of love overcoming regret is very adult. Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451 and Martian Chronicle fame) adapted his own story for the screen and did a wonderful job. This movie has a lot of mood and atmosphere too. This is a movie both children and adults can enjoy.
I did enjoy watching
r96sk15 September 2020
It might not be as great as it could've been, but I did enjoy watching 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'.
Jonathan Pryce definitely carries events as Mr. Dark, who is a character that suits him very nicely. I'm a fan of Pryce from other films, so it's little surprise that I like him here. Jason Robards is good too, if a little muttered throughout. The child actors, meanwhile, are passable.
The premise is filled with intrigue, it doesn't quite deliver on a grand scale and yet I still felt suitably entertained. The film is shot quite neatly, the main town in particular looks pleasant.
Good, admittedly mostly thanks to Pryce.
Jonathan Pryce definitely carries events as Mr. Dark, who is a character that suits him very nicely. I'm a fan of Pryce from other films, so it's little surprise that I like him here. Jason Robards is good too, if a little muttered throughout. The child actors, meanwhile, are passable.
The premise is filled with intrigue, it doesn't quite deliver on a grand scale and yet I still felt suitably entertained. The film is shot quite neatly, the main town in particular looks pleasant.
Good, admittedly mostly thanks to Pryce.
Something Slow & Dull This Way Comes
Wuchakk28 May 2022
In 1932, a mysterious carnival comes to an Illinois town where weird things start happening and people strangely go missing. Jason Robards plays a librarian while Jonathan Pryce is on hand as the shadowy head of the carnival
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983) is spooky fantasy written by Ray Bradbury (based on his book). The studio, Disney, wasn't happy with director Jack Clayton's original cut and so took it out of his hands and undertook expensive reshoots, reediting and rescoring, plus adding a narration.
I was expecting to love this movie since I favor flicks set in carnivals or circuses, like "Water for Elephants" (2011), "Berserk!" (1967), "Circus of Horrors" (1960) and "Funhouse" (1981) - even films like "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952) and "Roustabout" (1964). Unfortunately, I was let down.
Everything is here for a magical picture, but I guess too many cooks spoil the broth. The pace is overly slow and the film never recovers. It doesn't help that the bulk of it was shot on Disney's town set in Burbank, which elicits a low-rent vibe.
Sure, the concept is great, Mr. Dark is an intriguing character, the Dust Witch is darkly beautiful (Pam Grier) and some of the weird happenings are well done, yet they don't add up to a compelling story. Even the last act drops the ball with a talky sequence in the library, followed by an equally boring sequence in a mirror maze. The explosive close is impressive, but it's too little too late.
"Needful Things" (1993) wasn't exactly great, yet it took similar material and made a more entertaining movie. For a superior spooky Disney flick from the early 80s check out the original version of "The Watcher in the Woods" (1980), I'm talking about the version that includes the titular skeletal-insectoid entity at the end (available on Youtube as a "fan edit").
The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch (the carnival scenes), which is a 20-minute drive north of Hollywood, as well as the Disney back lot in Burbank (the town set), with establishing shots done in Vermont (Morrisville and Waterville).
GRADE: C.
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983) is spooky fantasy written by Ray Bradbury (based on his book). The studio, Disney, wasn't happy with director Jack Clayton's original cut and so took it out of his hands and undertook expensive reshoots, reediting and rescoring, plus adding a narration.
I was expecting to love this movie since I favor flicks set in carnivals or circuses, like "Water for Elephants" (2011), "Berserk!" (1967), "Circus of Horrors" (1960) and "Funhouse" (1981) - even films like "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952) and "Roustabout" (1964). Unfortunately, I was let down.
Everything is here for a magical picture, but I guess too many cooks spoil the broth. The pace is overly slow and the film never recovers. It doesn't help that the bulk of it was shot on Disney's town set in Burbank, which elicits a low-rent vibe.
Sure, the concept is great, Mr. Dark is an intriguing character, the Dust Witch is darkly beautiful (Pam Grier) and some of the weird happenings are well done, yet they don't add up to a compelling story. Even the last act drops the ball with a talky sequence in the library, followed by an equally boring sequence in a mirror maze. The explosive close is impressive, but it's too little too late.
"Needful Things" (1993) wasn't exactly great, yet it took similar material and made a more entertaining movie. For a superior spooky Disney flick from the early 80s check out the original version of "The Watcher in the Woods" (1980), I'm talking about the version that includes the titular skeletal-insectoid entity at the end (available on Youtube as a "fan edit").
The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot at Disney's Golden Oak Ranch (the carnival scenes), which is a 20-minute drive north of Hollywood, as well as the Disney back lot in Burbank (the town set), with establishing shots done in Vermont (Morrisville and Waterville).
GRADE: C.
Mature and intriguing thriller for adults and kids alike
greenie17 September 1999
This film is well made in all regards; the cast is top-notch, the cinematography and direction drive the tone of the movie, the effects inventive and wonderful (even by late-90's standards) and best of all, the storyline superb.
That said, this is arguably the best film made from any of Ray Bradbury's works. I first read the book years ago as a 13-year-old and remember the images the tale concocted, and the questions about myself that the storyline propose ring as true today from the film as they did then from the page.
Owing much to the casting of the film, the director marvelously weaves the story around the principal leads by allowing a score of tertiary characters to guide the plot's tone, mood and motion. Each person, whether major or minor, is an intriguing part of the tale with their own tale to tell. With great efficiency we understand what drives each of the townspeople, and grow more curious and suspicious as to the background of the carnival folk.
Sympathy -- or contempt -- for each of the characters is developed throughout, and best the film's two supporting actors, Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. While neither is exactly cast against type here, both provide a driving stability for the film. The two boys that serve as the film's protagonists do an admirable job in portraying both the fear and delight that is part of youth, and inherent to coming of age.
This movie is a fine example of how an effective thriller can be made without resorting to language, blood, sex, or violence. While I am not all opposed to films that use any or all of those conventions, it is a refreshing change from what is otherwise the norm.
One of the greatest benefits is that the resulting film is one that you can watch with your children, a film that will provide them a healthy scare and stimulate their mind as well. As the film does contain some dark and frightening imagery, it could certainly serve as a source of nightmares for younger children.
That said, this is arguably the best film made from any of Ray Bradbury's works. I first read the book years ago as a 13-year-old and remember the images the tale concocted, and the questions about myself that the storyline propose ring as true today from the film as they did then from the page.
Owing much to the casting of the film, the director marvelously weaves the story around the principal leads by allowing a score of tertiary characters to guide the plot's tone, mood and motion. Each person, whether major or minor, is an intriguing part of the tale with their own tale to tell. With great efficiency we understand what drives each of the townspeople, and grow more curious and suspicious as to the background of the carnival folk.
Sympathy -- or contempt -- for each of the characters is developed throughout, and best the film's two supporting actors, Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. While neither is exactly cast against type here, both provide a driving stability for the film. The two boys that serve as the film's protagonists do an admirable job in portraying both the fear and delight that is part of youth, and inherent to coming of age.
This movie is a fine example of how an effective thriller can be made without resorting to language, blood, sex, or violence. While I am not all opposed to films that use any or all of those conventions, it is a refreshing change from what is otherwise the norm.
One of the greatest benefits is that the resulting film is one that you can watch with your children, a film that will provide them a healthy scare and stimulate their mind as well. As the film does contain some dark and frightening imagery, it could certainly serve as a source of nightmares for younger children.
Maybe they should have used the screenplay that Stephen King wrote instead
Anonymous_Maxine20 January 2006
It's so tiring to hear people say you should just read the book, so I'll try not to, although I've done that for more movies than I can remember. In this case, Disney took many of Ray Bradbury's intentions for the movie and destroyed them in post-production. This is, of course, all in the IMDb's trivia page for the movie (which also mentions that Stephen King wrote a screen adaptation of the novel which was rejected), so I don't feel bad about telling how insignificant this movie is compared to Bradbury's novel, which is nothing less than magnificent.
It's amazing to me how this movie turned out, given that not only did Bradbury write the novel, but I'm pretty sure he was involved in the screen writing as well. As I read the book I was curious as to how they would put a lot of the scenes on the screen, and then I watched the movie and was disappointed to learn that the way they would put them on screen was to gloss over them like they were never there. The ending of the film, for example, completely leaves out what could have been a brilliant climax, and not very hard to film, where Charles Halloway has the showdown with the witch onstage in front of a crowd of apprehensive fans.
The movie is shot on a series of cheap and unconvincing sets, cleverly made but clearly artificial, and is miscast almost from top to bottom and completely devoid of a single performance that deserves to be in an adaptation of Bradbury's work. I can tell that both of the boys who played Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway were competent actors, but they were never asked to really capture the emotion and fear that their characters displayed in the novel. They can't have been asked very often to put more into their performances, otherwise something better would have shown up on screen, although it's interesting that Vidal Peterson, who played Will, took three more roles after this film, the last one a full 15 years ago, and Shawn Carson, who played Jim Nightshade, never acted again after this movie. But I digress.
Of more importance involving the casting, 61 year old Jason Robards was signed on to play 54 year old Charles Halloway, the aging father of 12 year old Jim Halloway, and no effort at all was made to make him look younger than his 61 years in order to more closely resemble his 54 year old character, which I only mention because a 54 year old father of a 12 year old boy is already a stretch. Of more importance to the story, however, are the characters of Mr. Dark and the Dust Witch.
Mr. Dark (also known as The Illustrated Man), the sinister proprietor of the sinister carnival, is played by the startlingly non-threatening Jonathan Pryce, who doesn't display a single tattoo in the film, except for one shot in the film where he lifts his shirt sleeve for the boys to show a moving tattoo which is projected on his clear skin. If you knew how many brilliant ways this man's tattoos were described in the novel (something like a civilization of souls trapped in Dark's flesh, Mr. Dark himself is described as a crowd of frightening people because of all of the people tattooed onto himself). Then, of course, we have the Dust Witch, who is transformed from a brittle, blind, decrepit and extremely dangerous old hag in the novel and into Pam Grier in the movie. PLEASE.
I hate going on and on about stupid things that are wrong with movies, especially ones that are based on books that I've read because I could go on for pages and pages, but there is so much here that needs to be said that I can hardly help myself.
I guess the most important thing that I need to say is that there is a massive chasm between the novel and the movie, not only in subject matter that was left out, but in overall quality. The novel is so brilliantly written and such an experience to read that it deserves a better movie than this. There were some interesting parts of the film, but for the most part, my thoughts can be summarized as follows Something Wicked This Way Comes is a film that absolutely itches to be remade.
It's amazing to me how this movie turned out, given that not only did Bradbury write the novel, but I'm pretty sure he was involved in the screen writing as well. As I read the book I was curious as to how they would put a lot of the scenes on the screen, and then I watched the movie and was disappointed to learn that the way they would put them on screen was to gloss over them like they were never there. The ending of the film, for example, completely leaves out what could have been a brilliant climax, and not very hard to film, where Charles Halloway has the showdown with the witch onstage in front of a crowd of apprehensive fans.
The movie is shot on a series of cheap and unconvincing sets, cleverly made but clearly artificial, and is miscast almost from top to bottom and completely devoid of a single performance that deserves to be in an adaptation of Bradbury's work. I can tell that both of the boys who played Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway were competent actors, but they were never asked to really capture the emotion and fear that their characters displayed in the novel. They can't have been asked very often to put more into their performances, otherwise something better would have shown up on screen, although it's interesting that Vidal Peterson, who played Will, took three more roles after this film, the last one a full 15 years ago, and Shawn Carson, who played Jim Nightshade, never acted again after this movie. But I digress.
Of more importance involving the casting, 61 year old Jason Robards was signed on to play 54 year old Charles Halloway, the aging father of 12 year old Jim Halloway, and no effort at all was made to make him look younger than his 61 years in order to more closely resemble his 54 year old character, which I only mention because a 54 year old father of a 12 year old boy is already a stretch. Of more importance to the story, however, are the characters of Mr. Dark and the Dust Witch.
Mr. Dark (also known as The Illustrated Man), the sinister proprietor of the sinister carnival, is played by the startlingly non-threatening Jonathan Pryce, who doesn't display a single tattoo in the film, except for one shot in the film where he lifts his shirt sleeve for the boys to show a moving tattoo which is projected on his clear skin. If you knew how many brilliant ways this man's tattoos were described in the novel (something like a civilization of souls trapped in Dark's flesh, Mr. Dark himself is described as a crowd of frightening people because of all of the people tattooed onto himself). Then, of course, we have the Dust Witch, who is transformed from a brittle, blind, decrepit and extremely dangerous old hag in the novel and into Pam Grier in the movie. PLEASE.
I hate going on and on about stupid things that are wrong with movies, especially ones that are based on books that I've read because I could go on for pages and pages, but there is so much here that needs to be said that I can hardly help myself.
I guess the most important thing that I need to say is that there is a massive chasm between the novel and the movie, not only in subject matter that was left out, but in overall quality. The novel is so brilliantly written and such an experience to read that it deserves a better movie than this. There were some interesting parts of the film, but for the most part, my thoughts can be summarized as follows Something Wicked This Way Comes is a film that absolutely itches to be remade.
Their Trumpets Play Out a Funeral Dirge
LanceBrave3 November 2013
As long as I've read books, I've loved Ray Bradbury. No author has influenced me more. When news of his passing reached me two years ago, I was crestfallen. If anyone could have lived forever, it would have been him. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is the first novel I ever read cover to cover. It's a rare book where you can put your thumb down on any sentence on any page and find something poetic and beautiful. Bradbury's preferred format was the short story and he never adapted as well to the novel or the screenplay. He happen to write both for the 1983 feature adaptation of "Something Wicked This Way Comes." It's not a great film but is one that has moments of greatness inside of it.
The film follows Bradbury's novel quite closely. During a bleak October, the ideal town of Green Town, Illinois is visited by a carnival. Led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark, the carnival seems to grants the most heart-felt wishes of the lonely, sad, scared towns people but at a terrible price. Two young boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, are swept up by the mystery of the carnival, at first intrigued and then frightened. Will's father becomes an unlikely hero to both, forced to overcome his own regrets and fears into order to protect the boys from the dark dreams of the carnival.
The book, "Something Wicked This Way Comes," is something of an allegory, a dark fantasy struggle of good and evil painted across an American small town. I love the book very much but found Bradbury's themes overly simplistic sometimes. Perhaps the only way the film is superior is that Mr. Halloway, frequently long-winded on the page, is a more flawed, more human character on-screen. James Robards is excellent in the part, every regret and bad memory on his face. He is a warm, loving father but one wrecked by guilt for the things he didn't and should have done. If Mr. Halloway is a more realized character in the film, then Mr. Dark is perfectly captured from the page. Bradbury wanted Christopher Lee to play the part, which probably would have been incredible. Yet Jonathan Pryce might be perfect in the role. There is such a real, deep sinister intent behind his every word and action. Mr. Dark isn't quite the Devil himself but something very close. Pryce gives a star-making performance.
Both actors and characters are placed against each other in two scenes that stand out over the rest of the film. The first is when the carnival marches down the town's streets. Their trumpets play out a funeral dirge. Will and Jim hide under the sidewalk. Mr. Dark confronts Will's father, searching out the boy. The father tries to mislead the man, the boys' faces tattooed on his palms. In rage at being lied at, Mr. Dark digs his fingers into his own hands, drawling blood. Blood that drips down on Will's face under the street. That's an awfully good scene.
However, the second confrontation between father and devil is incredible. The boys hide in the library. Mr. Halloway lifts his head up, taking his glasses off. Suddenly, as swift as a shadow moving into the room, Mr. Dark appears behind him. The two trade barbs, Bradbury's lyrical dialogue dripping off their lips. Mr. Dark snatches Halloway's book away from him. With every page torn away, another year lifts off of the man's life, a glowing page falling to the floor. The scene builds an incredible intensity. Pryce doesn't overdo it. Instead, he spits the words with vigor, rage quivering out of him. The book and film's themes are summed in this scene, undoubtedly one of the darkest ever in a Disney film. If the rest of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" had been as good as this one moment, it would have been a classic for all time.
It's a shame the film around those two incredible performances and two fantastic moments is so frequently a drag. The opening and closing narrations, though expressed with Bradbury's lyrical verse, paint the film's themes out too neatly. The subplot concerning Mr. Cooger is unresolved. Royal Dano is delightful as Tom Fury, the lightening rod salesman. Fury's overall importance to the plot is somewhat murky. His sudden reappearance at the end reeks of sloppy writing. A long scene where Will and Jim are attacked by spiders and a hand made of mist in their bedroom is awkwardly executed and goes on much too long. The film's climax is muddled and lacks satisfaction. Charles Halloway escaping the Mirror Maze through the power of love comes off as helplessly hokey. Mr. Dark dragged to his doom by the carousel comes off as grim and mean-spirited. Considering the book ended with Will and Dad pushing Dark with laughter and happiness, the film's ending seems murky and inconclusive. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is haphazardly paced. The film is only 97 minutes long but feels much longer.
Changing the Dust Witch from an old crone to a siren-like embodiment of male desire was a smart decision. Pam Grier is sensual and enchanting in the part. Jack Clayton's direction is occasionally quite striking, such as a single shot of Will and Jim running down the darkened town street. Sometimes, Clayton's direction is a bit flat. The film had a troubled post-production, with rewrites, a completely new ending shot, and a new score recorded. Georges Delerue's original score is appropriately sinister at times but drones too much. James Horner's new score works for the film a little better but it's too light at times. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is a troubled adaptation of a wonderful book. It's honorable in some ways and worth checking out for Bradbury fans, despite maudlin and uneven elements.
The film follows Bradbury's novel quite closely. During a bleak October, the ideal town of Green Town, Illinois is visited by a carnival. Led by the enigmatic Mr. Dark, the carnival seems to grants the most heart-felt wishes of the lonely, sad, scared towns people but at a terrible price. Two young boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, are swept up by the mystery of the carnival, at first intrigued and then frightened. Will's father becomes an unlikely hero to both, forced to overcome his own regrets and fears into order to protect the boys from the dark dreams of the carnival.
The book, "Something Wicked This Way Comes," is something of an allegory, a dark fantasy struggle of good and evil painted across an American small town. I love the book very much but found Bradbury's themes overly simplistic sometimes. Perhaps the only way the film is superior is that Mr. Halloway, frequently long-winded on the page, is a more flawed, more human character on-screen. James Robards is excellent in the part, every regret and bad memory on his face. He is a warm, loving father but one wrecked by guilt for the things he didn't and should have done. If Mr. Halloway is a more realized character in the film, then Mr. Dark is perfectly captured from the page. Bradbury wanted Christopher Lee to play the part, which probably would have been incredible. Yet Jonathan Pryce might be perfect in the role. There is such a real, deep sinister intent behind his every word and action. Mr. Dark isn't quite the Devil himself but something very close. Pryce gives a star-making performance.
Both actors and characters are placed against each other in two scenes that stand out over the rest of the film. The first is when the carnival marches down the town's streets. Their trumpets play out a funeral dirge. Will and Jim hide under the sidewalk. Mr. Dark confronts Will's father, searching out the boy. The father tries to mislead the man, the boys' faces tattooed on his palms. In rage at being lied at, Mr. Dark digs his fingers into his own hands, drawling blood. Blood that drips down on Will's face under the street. That's an awfully good scene.
However, the second confrontation between father and devil is incredible. The boys hide in the library. Mr. Halloway lifts his head up, taking his glasses off. Suddenly, as swift as a shadow moving into the room, Mr. Dark appears behind him. The two trade barbs, Bradbury's lyrical dialogue dripping off their lips. Mr. Dark snatches Halloway's book away from him. With every page torn away, another year lifts off of the man's life, a glowing page falling to the floor. The scene builds an incredible intensity. Pryce doesn't overdo it. Instead, he spits the words with vigor, rage quivering out of him. The book and film's themes are summed in this scene, undoubtedly one of the darkest ever in a Disney film. If the rest of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" had been as good as this one moment, it would have been a classic for all time.
It's a shame the film around those two incredible performances and two fantastic moments is so frequently a drag. The opening and closing narrations, though expressed with Bradbury's lyrical verse, paint the film's themes out too neatly. The subplot concerning Mr. Cooger is unresolved. Royal Dano is delightful as Tom Fury, the lightening rod salesman. Fury's overall importance to the plot is somewhat murky. His sudden reappearance at the end reeks of sloppy writing. A long scene where Will and Jim are attacked by spiders and a hand made of mist in their bedroom is awkwardly executed and goes on much too long. The film's climax is muddled and lacks satisfaction. Charles Halloway escaping the Mirror Maze through the power of love comes off as helplessly hokey. Mr. Dark dragged to his doom by the carousel comes off as grim and mean-spirited. Considering the book ended with Will and Dad pushing Dark with laughter and happiness, the film's ending seems murky and inconclusive. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is haphazardly paced. The film is only 97 minutes long but feels much longer.
Changing the Dust Witch from an old crone to a siren-like embodiment of male desire was a smart decision. Pam Grier is sensual and enchanting in the part. Jack Clayton's direction is occasionally quite striking, such as a single shot of Will and Jim running down the darkened town street. Sometimes, Clayton's direction is a bit flat. The film had a troubled post-production, with rewrites, a completely new ending shot, and a new score recorded. Georges Delerue's original score is appropriately sinister at times but drones too much. James Horner's new score works for the film a little better but it's too light at times. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is a troubled adaptation of a wonderful book. It's honorable in some ways and worth checking out for Bradbury fans, despite maudlin and uneven elements.
Dark Disney
skallisjr9 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
First off: As usual, the book is better than the film.
That aside, the film is quite good on its own.
When Walt Disney developed the first Disneyland, he had a section called "Hometown, USA." It was the main street of a 1930s era small town, with shops, etc., common of the era. The film is set in the same time period, in a "home town" of the sort found in that first theme park.
From the evocative opening scene with the film titles, a dark shadow is cast upon that innocent town. With the coming of Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Carnival and Circus, some of the town's citizens undergo changes. Maleficent ones.
The two protagonists, Will and Jim, are perfect ages to enjoy the glittering lure of a carnival, and they explore it. In the process, they come to a realization that there is more to the carnival than one sees on the surface, and that Mr. Dark is dark indeed.
Will's father, a librarian, pieces it out further, and as an older adult, sees even more clearly what Mr. Dark is up to. Yet he has a weakness that Mr. Dark tries to exploit. The confrontation between the two, in the library is a high point in the film.
But the film is a Disney film, limiting its imagery. The book has some clearly more disturbing scenes that couldn't go into the film. However, within those constraints, the film works well.
A good Hallowe'en film, if you're in the mood.
That aside, the film is quite good on its own.
When Walt Disney developed the first Disneyland, he had a section called "Hometown, USA." It was the main street of a 1930s era small town, with shops, etc., common of the era. The film is set in the same time period, in a "home town" of the sort found in that first theme park.
From the evocative opening scene with the film titles, a dark shadow is cast upon that innocent town. With the coming of Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Carnival and Circus, some of the town's citizens undergo changes. Maleficent ones.
The two protagonists, Will and Jim, are perfect ages to enjoy the glittering lure of a carnival, and they explore it. In the process, they come to a realization that there is more to the carnival than one sees on the surface, and that Mr. Dark is dark indeed.
Will's father, a librarian, pieces it out further, and as an older adult, sees even more clearly what Mr. Dark is up to. Yet he has a weakness that Mr. Dark tries to exploit. The confrontation between the two, in the library is a high point in the film.
But the film is a Disney film, limiting its imagery. The book has some clearly more disturbing scenes that couldn't go into the film. However, within those constraints, the film works well.
A good Hallowe'en film, if you're in the mood.
Terrifying and thought-provoking
paulclaassen8 July 2022
Based on a novel, with an all-star cast, and music by James Horner, I immediately set my expectations high. With it being a Walt Disney movie, though, I wasn't sure how terrifying this horror would be. As it turns out, this was pretty darn good. I was pleasantly surprised how the film developed.
Will and Jim are best friends and live in the small town of Green Town. One night - well after midnight - a train comes into town, and seemingly minutes later a carnival is set up on the outskirts of town. Will and Jim witnesses this, and suspecting something weird going on - and just being curious - they stay after closing time one night.
Carnival master, Mr Dark (Jonathan Pryce) notices the boys and sets out to find them because they have seen too much. Sinister things start happening in town, allowing for many creepy moments. Gosh, that spider scene was intense!! Definitely not for Arachnophobes!
The visual effects are very good for its time - quite remarkable, actually. Jonathan Pryce delivers an incredible performance as Mr Dark. The film simply would not have been as effective without him.
The film has a similar theme to the more well-known 1993 Stephen King film 'Needful Things'. 'Something wicked this way comes' was first, though...
Will and Jim are best friends and live in the small town of Green Town. One night - well after midnight - a train comes into town, and seemingly minutes later a carnival is set up on the outskirts of town. Will and Jim witnesses this, and suspecting something weird going on - and just being curious - they stay after closing time one night.
Carnival master, Mr Dark (Jonathan Pryce) notices the boys and sets out to find them because they have seen too much. Sinister things start happening in town, allowing for many creepy moments. Gosh, that spider scene was intense!! Definitely not for Arachnophobes!
The visual effects are very good for its time - quite remarkable, actually. Jonathan Pryce delivers an incredible performance as Mr Dark. The film simply would not have been as effective without him.
The film has a similar theme to the more well-known 1993 Stephen King film 'Needful Things'. 'Something wicked this way comes' was first, though...
A handsomely realized autumnal film.
mischarp2 May 2006
While this production is strictly fantasy, it lacks all of the bells and whistles of modern day films of this genre. Ray Bradbury, like Spielberg, has an affinity for telling stories from a child's point of view. Without CGI technology, this movie still is compelling in its own right. Pam Grier puts in a good performance as the truly menacing temptress, a little creepy but alluring at the same time. The film is about regrets and unreliazed dreams. It also manages to work in several of the Seven Deadly Sins-greed, vanity, lust, and anger. The character most burdened by events from his past is the Jason Robards part. He regrets being held back by his upbringing from acting during a crisis, something not learned during childhood that most normnal children take for granted. This film would be a nice change of pace during Halloween, a little dated, but still worth a couple hours.
Spooky flick with something to say to youngsters
spacemonkey_fg18 May 2006
This movie is based on Ray Bradburys novel Something Wicked This Way Comes. From what I hear the movie is very very different from the book, which by the way, I haven't read. So I want be comparing this movie to the book. The book is said to be more frightening then the film, but I guess thats understandable considering that this was a film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. Still, I found many good things in this movie.
Its story is about two young boys who are the best of friends. Will and Jim. One day a strange Carnival roles into town. This carnival seems to grant peoples most ardent wishes, but at a price. When Will and Jim discover whats really going on with this carnival they decide to try and stop it.
This movie was a bit uneven. There were some good things and there were some bad. First lets start with the good. The movie managed to evoke the feeling of a spooky, old town in the 1930s. Little shops all around, everyone knows each other, they are all friends. It kind of reminded me of that little town in that 80s TV show Little House on the Prairie. Remember that one? So anyways, the sets were very well achieved, so Kudos to the art department. There's also some very very good atmosphere on this film. I loved how the wind was constantly blowing and there were dried leaves all over the place. You get this kind of autumn feel, where winter is right around the corner, but not here yet. Anyhows, all the atmosphere adds to a very spooky town and that helps the film since this is after all horror/fantasy film.
Yeah its horror, but its not too horrifying. Its a Disney movie after all so you will never see anything too horrifying. Though Ill admit some of the images towards the ending of the movie scratched on too scary for kids. So what we have here is a light horror movie thats perfect for kids on the 7 to 10 year old range.
I loved what the movie has to say. There's many good themes that are touched upon in this film. So in essence, even though its a dark horror tale, its a good film that will teach kids important things about life .So I applaud it for that. I can see what Bradbury was trying to transmit with this movie. Unfortunately, I inferred most of these themes on my own. The movie doesn't exactly do a good job of explaining it all and here comes my first negative point about this film.
The story can sometimes become a muddled mess. For example we know that the carnival is evil. And we know that people get in trouble whenever they give in to what Mr Dark is offering. But its never really clear what it is that the Carnival people want with the towns people. Is Mr. Dark the devil himself in search of human souls? I don't know because its never fully explained. Whos this Dust Witch and why does she help Mr. Dark? Why is it wrong for the towns people to wish for what they wish for? I mean I don't understand why the movie is trying to give this message like its wrong to desire these things when in fact, I see nothing wrong in the football player wanting his leg and arm back. Or the old teacher wanting to be young again and so forth. So, the true intentions of the Carnival and Mr. Dark are not clearly explained and we are left to come to our own conclusions as to who Mr. Dark is and what he wants. So I'm going to have to say that the script was a bit weak and could have done a better job at explaining things instead of generalizing so much.
The special effects are as good as can be expected for 1983 and they sometimes amazed me. All in all the effects were pretty decent for those days. But I honestly think that this movie could benefit from a remake. In fact Id go as far as to say that this movie is screaming for a remake, with better effects and a more fleshed out script.
Jonathan Pryce does a good job at portraying Mr. Dark. My only beef with him was that even though he spoke a sinister sounding dialog, he himself didn't come off as pure concentrated evil. I think they could have cast someone slightly more evil looking. Slightly more menacing. But I can chalk that up to Disney not wanting this movie to be too scary. Jason Robards does the best job as Wills father. A man tormented by a mistake from his past and a man fearing death and getting old. He is a tormented soul and it shows in Robards performance. Pamela Griers role as the Dust Witch was short and I think she was wasted in this role. Honestly anyone could have done it.
All in all, this film had its faults like the ones I mentioned above, but still managed to be rather good. Yeah, it was uneven; yeah it wasn't to clear in explaining certain plot points. But it still managed to evoke that sense of wonderment you have when your at that young age as the kids in this movie. If only Disney hadn't held back in showing this stories full potential. Oh well, who knows, maybe someone out there in movie land will take this movie in and remake it following more closely Bradburys story. From what I hear, its a chilling read that I will no doubt be doing sometime soon.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Its story is about two young boys who are the best of friends. Will and Jim. One day a strange Carnival roles into town. This carnival seems to grant peoples most ardent wishes, but at a price. When Will and Jim discover whats really going on with this carnival they decide to try and stop it.
This movie was a bit uneven. There were some good things and there were some bad. First lets start with the good. The movie managed to evoke the feeling of a spooky, old town in the 1930s. Little shops all around, everyone knows each other, they are all friends. It kind of reminded me of that little town in that 80s TV show Little House on the Prairie. Remember that one? So anyways, the sets were very well achieved, so Kudos to the art department. There's also some very very good atmosphere on this film. I loved how the wind was constantly blowing and there were dried leaves all over the place. You get this kind of autumn feel, where winter is right around the corner, but not here yet. Anyhows, all the atmosphere adds to a very spooky town and that helps the film since this is after all horror/fantasy film.
Yeah its horror, but its not too horrifying. Its a Disney movie after all so you will never see anything too horrifying. Though Ill admit some of the images towards the ending of the movie scratched on too scary for kids. So what we have here is a light horror movie thats perfect for kids on the 7 to 10 year old range.
I loved what the movie has to say. There's many good themes that are touched upon in this film. So in essence, even though its a dark horror tale, its a good film that will teach kids important things about life .So I applaud it for that. I can see what Bradbury was trying to transmit with this movie. Unfortunately, I inferred most of these themes on my own. The movie doesn't exactly do a good job of explaining it all and here comes my first negative point about this film.
The story can sometimes become a muddled mess. For example we know that the carnival is evil. And we know that people get in trouble whenever they give in to what Mr Dark is offering. But its never really clear what it is that the Carnival people want with the towns people. Is Mr. Dark the devil himself in search of human souls? I don't know because its never fully explained. Whos this Dust Witch and why does she help Mr. Dark? Why is it wrong for the towns people to wish for what they wish for? I mean I don't understand why the movie is trying to give this message like its wrong to desire these things when in fact, I see nothing wrong in the football player wanting his leg and arm back. Or the old teacher wanting to be young again and so forth. So, the true intentions of the Carnival and Mr. Dark are not clearly explained and we are left to come to our own conclusions as to who Mr. Dark is and what he wants. So I'm going to have to say that the script was a bit weak and could have done a better job at explaining things instead of generalizing so much.
The special effects are as good as can be expected for 1983 and they sometimes amazed me. All in all the effects were pretty decent for those days. But I honestly think that this movie could benefit from a remake. In fact Id go as far as to say that this movie is screaming for a remake, with better effects and a more fleshed out script.
Jonathan Pryce does a good job at portraying Mr. Dark. My only beef with him was that even though he spoke a sinister sounding dialog, he himself didn't come off as pure concentrated evil. I think they could have cast someone slightly more evil looking. Slightly more menacing. But I can chalk that up to Disney not wanting this movie to be too scary. Jason Robards does the best job as Wills father. A man tormented by a mistake from his past and a man fearing death and getting old. He is a tormented soul and it shows in Robards performance. Pamela Griers role as the Dust Witch was short and I think she was wasted in this role. Honestly anyone could have done it.
All in all, this film had its faults like the ones I mentioned above, but still managed to be rather good. Yeah, it was uneven; yeah it wasn't to clear in explaining certain plot points. But it still managed to evoke that sense of wonderment you have when your at that young age as the kids in this movie. If only Disney hadn't held back in showing this stories full potential. Oh well, who knows, maybe someone out there in movie land will take this movie in and remake it following more closely Bradburys story. From what I hear, its a chilling read that I will no doubt be doing sometime soon.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Slow adaptation never as insightful as it pretends
kira02bit30 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
In turn of the century Illinois, a mysterious carnival run by the menacing Mr. Dark shows up in the night to grant the deepest desires of the town folk for a very steep price. The story unfolds through the eyes of two 12-year-old best friends (Vidal Petersen and Shawn Carson), who are the first to twig to the real motives behind the carnival.
One must give Walt Disney Studios credit at the time for taking a stab at something different, but still with a bit of class. The film hit theaters in the spring of 1983 and landed with a thud before vanishing into the haze. It is not hard to see why. All of the elements are present for a potentially scary tale, but this adaptation is so stoic and restrained that it borders on lifeless.
Part of the problem is the approach. I have not read the story by Ray Bradbury (who adapts it for the screen here), but the general focus is as old as the hills. Prior to this film, there were countless books and movies documenting the arrival of a devil who promises everything in return for one's soul, and there have been a number since this adaptation. However, this film plays out like no one has seen this scenario a million times before and it integrates no distinction or flourishes to set it apart.
The film looks great, but it is nearly devoid of suspense or surprises. You know you are in the land of cliches when, given the setting and time, it opens with Waltons-esque homespun narration. At every turn, one can just envision the most unimaginative route and the film takes it. The film introduces some subplots and side characters that seem to be important - such as the lightning rod salesman - but ultimately remain unexplored.
It is also murky as to whether the townspeople realize that they are selling their souls or not. Either way the bargains go predictably awry (i.e., the person pining for their lost youth and beauty regains it, only to go blind, etc.).
There are only four characters of note and only one of the performances actually works to any extent.
The nominal leads are the two boys. Peterson and Carson are adequate - nothing more and nothing less. There is not much chemistry between them and neither possesses the talent of a Henry Thomas or Drew Barrymore.
Snagging two-time Oscar winner Jason Robards, Jr. For the role of the town librarian and Peterson's father must have seemed like a coup, but it does not work at all. The film harps constantly on the fact that Robards' character had his son late in life with his younger wife and he is a man of words rather than a man of action. To convey this, Robards acts as though mummified. There is a huge difference between being older and being dead. Robards reads every line in a tired whiskey-tinged voice that sounds more like nights are spent at the local bar as opposed to the library. What life the film does have gets drained even further whenever he takes center stage.
By contrast, Jonathan Pryce turns in an appropriately menacing performance as Mr. Dark. Although he is vanquished entirely too easily and conveniently with a minimum of excitement.
And would it have killed someone to have handed one of the women in the cast anything to do? Three-time Oscar nominee Diane Ladd is on hand as Carson's mother, who was abandoned by her errant husband and spends her days deluding herself that he will return. She is introduced and almost promptly forgotten. Ditto, Pam Grier makes a ravishing presence as The Dust Witch, but her striking appearance is as far as it goes.
As with the early portions of the film, the climax is fairly staid and predictable - even with the arrival of a cataclysmic storm, which somehow still seems underwhelming. Never fear, Arthur Hill's dull narration closes things out to assure us that everything is fine - if you are still awake that is.
One must give Walt Disney Studios credit at the time for taking a stab at something different, but still with a bit of class. The film hit theaters in the spring of 1983 and landed with a thud before vanishing into the haze. It is not hard to see why. All of the elements are present for a potentially scary tale, but this adaptation is so stoic and restrained that it borders on lifeless.
Part of the problem is the approach. I have not read the story by Ray Bradbury (who adapts it for the screen here), but the general focus is as old as the hills. Prior to this film, there were countless books and movies documenting the arrival of a devil who promises everything in return for one's soul, and there have been a number since this adaptation. However, this film plays out like no one has seen this scenario a million times before and it integrates no distinction or flourishes to set it apart.
The film looks great, but it is nearly devoid of suspense or surprises. You know you are in the land of cliches when, given the setting and time, it opens with Waltons-esque homespun narration. At every turn, one can just envision the most unimaginative route and the film takes it. The film introduces some subplots and side characters that seem to be important - such as the lightning rod salesman - but ultimately remain unexplored.
It is also murky as to whether the townspeople realize that they are selling their souls or not. Either way the bargains go predictably awry (i.e., the person pining for their lost youth and beauty regains it, only to go blind, etc.).
There are only four characters of note and only one of the performances actually works to any extent.
The nominal leads are the two boys. Peterson and Carson are adequate - nothing more and nothing less. There is not much chemistry between them and neither possesses the talent of a Henry Thomas or Drew Barrymore.
Snagging two-time Oscar winner Jason Robards, Jr. For the role of the town librarian and Peterson's father must have seemed like a coup, but it does not work at all. The film harps constantly on the fact that Robards' character had his son late in life with his younger wife and he is a man of words rather than a man of action. To convey this, Robards acts as though mummified. There is a huge difference between being older and being dead. Robards reads every line in a tired whiskey-tinged voice that sounds more like nights are spent at the local bar as opposed to the library. What life the film does have gets drained even further whenever he takes center stage.
By contrast, Jonathan Pryce turns in an appropriately menacing performance as Mr. Dark. Although he is vanquished entirely too easily and conveniently with a minimum of excitement.
And would it have killed someone to have handed one of the women in the cast anything to do? Three-time Oscar nominee Diane Ladd is on hand as Carson's mother, who was abandoned by her errant husband and spends her days deluding herself that he will return. She is introduced and almost promptly forgotten. Ditto, Pam Grier makes a ravishing presence as The Dust Witch, but her striking appearance is as far as it goes.
As with the early portions of the film, the climax is fairly staid and predictable - even with the arrival of a cataclysmic storm, which somehow still seems underwhelming. Never fear, Arthur Hill's dull narration closes things out to assure us that everything is fine - if you are still awake that is.
Disney does darkness
mikerichards8 October 2001
Ray Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is a classic novel about the transition from childhood to being an adult. It deals with becoming independent from our parents, the dread of loosing a loved one and the very real possibility of being alone in the world. There is also the classic morality story of there being no such thing as a free gift - there is always some price to be paid.
This is a very dark story set in the classic mid-Twentieth century America of a Rockwell painting. The most innocent of places with the very best people you could imagine. But underneath the pristine surface, there is something dark gnawing at their souls. When a carnival comes to town, blown in with the autumn winds, it begins to feed on the evil in the town.
As a piece of cinema this is truly gorgeous, best seen through a good film print or the laserdisk transfer. The opening scenes of the autumnal countryside are superlative and are almost too pretty to be true, which only serve to contrast the darkness of the later scenes.
The central performances are all absolutely excellent. Jason Robards is almost typecast as Mr Halloway, the decent American father, but manages to pull some subtleties out of what could have been a by-the-numbers performance. You are never in doubt that he really does love his son and the exchanges between them ring true. Halloway is a man with a lifetime of regrets; missed opportunities and poor decisions who realises that he is the only person standing in the way of evil. Robard's performance is magical; you can't help but empathise with him.
Particularly when evil is played by a young and rarely bettered Jonathan Pryce. As the sleek and lupine Mr. Dark he comes across as the ultimate Victorian villain - one moment charming, the next terrifying beyond belief. Wonderful delivery of fabulous lines raise this bad guy above almost others in recent movies. The conflict between Dark and Halloway in the library is an all-time classic, both spitting their lines in a scene that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The movie is aided by some top-notch effects that still look good in the CGI age. Once again the library scene is perfection, with effects being used to enhance the acting - not overwhelm it. As Dark tears pages from a book, they flare up, illuminating the scene briefly before returning it to gloom. It may not sound much, but compared to the modern orgies of graphics, it is a blessed relief.
'Something Wicked...' is one of the last horror movies that allowed the audience's own fears to do most of the work. It didn't play gross just to get a quick scream and a guilty laugh, it builds on the very real fears we have inside our heads and lets them do the hard work.
Bradbury adopted his own book into the movie and fortunately kept almost all of the material. A pre-Eisner Disney then made a neglected classic without worrying if the Sand Witch would look good in a burger chain promotion.
Oh and then there are the spiders, but that would be telling...
This is a very dark story set in the classic mid-Twentieth century America of a Rockwell painting. The most innocent of places with the very best people you could imagine. But underneath the pristine surface, there is something dark gnawing at their souls. When a carnival comes to town, blown in with the autumn winds, it begins to feed on the evil in the town.
As a piece of cinema this is truly gorgeous, best seen through a good film print or the laserdisk transfer. The opening scenes of the autumnal countryside are superlative and are almost too pretty to be true, which only serve to contrast the darkness of the later scenes.
The central performances are all absolutely excellent. Jason Robards is almost typecast as Mr Halloway, the decent American father, but manages to pull some subtleties out of what could have been a by-the-numbers performance. You are never in doubt that he really does love his son and the exchanges between them ring true. Halloway is a man with a lifetime of regrets; missed opportunities and poor decisions who realises that he is the only person standing in the way of evil. Robard's performance is magical; you can't help but empathise with him.
Particularly when evil is played by a young and rarely bettered Jonathan Pryce. As the sleek and lupine Mr. Dark he comes across as the ultimate Victorian villain - one moment charming, the next terrifying beyond belief. Wonderful delivery of fabulous lines raise this bad guy above almost others in recent movies. The conflict between Dark and Halloway in the library is an all-time classic, both spitting their lines in a scene that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The movie is aided by some top-notch effects that still look good in the CGI age. Once again the library scene is perfection, with effects being used to enhance the acting - not overwhelm it. As Dark tears pages from a book, they flare up, illuminating the scene briefly before returning it to gloom. It may not sound much, but compared to the modern orgies of graphics, it is a blessed relief.
'Something Wicked...' is one of the last horror movies that allowed the audience's own fears to do most of the work. It didn't play gross just to get a quick scream and a guilty laugh, it builds on the very real fears we have inside our heads and lets them do the hard work.
Bradbury adopted his own book into the movie and fortunately kept almost all of the material. A pre-Eisner Disney then made a neglected classic without worrying if the Sand Witch would look good in a burger chain promotion.
Oh and then there are the spiders, but that would be telling...
Should have been a much better film
hitchs12 February 2016
Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes is a classic, and possibly his best work. This film should have been a great success, with a good cast, and especially with Bradbury himself writing the script from his own novel, but alas, it was not.
Several reviewers have suggested that it should be remade with modern special effects. This may be a good idea, but the effects were generally pretty good for the early '80's, and in my opinion the major problem lies elsewhere.
Ultimately, this is a suspense film with very little suspense. This is particularly obvious in the climactic scenes in the library, which should have dripped with suspense, but actually felt flat. Which presumably points to the director and perhaps the editors.
This is surprising, as Jack Clayton had a fairly high reputation and made some very good movies, but perhaps he was just no good in the suspense genre.
Whatever the reason, this was a reasonably good movie which should have been much better.
Several reviewers have suggested that it should be remade with modern special effects. This may be a good idea, but the effects were generally pretty good for the early '80's, and in my opinion the major problem lies elsewhere.
Ultimately, this is a suspense film with very little suspense. This is particularly obvious in the climactic scenes in the library, which should have dripped with suspense, but actually felt flat. Which presumably points to the director and perhaps the editors.
This is surprising, as Jack Clayton had a fairly high reputation and made some very good movies, but perhaps he was just no good in the suspense genre.
Whatever the reason, this was a reasonably good movie which should have been much better.
Too ambitious
adriangr30 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a curiosity. It struggles to find a niche for itself, and although it has some interesting imagery and effects, the overall effect seems rushed and incomplete. In a nutshell, a town is menaced by a mysterious carnival that arrives suddenly and it's up to two young boys to uncover the truth. I found "Something Wicked This Way Comes" interesting, but I also found it quite unsatisfying. I came to the film with no knowledge of the plot and at the end of the film I wasn't much the wiser! As it stands, what we have is (slight spoilers just here): the arrival of the carnival, the two young friends generally exploring it and seeing too much, and the rest of the townsfolk somehow falling under some strange spell and/or disappearing.
The two young leads are appealing but not capable of depicting enough emotion to carry the movie, as their acting range is limited to little more than blank staring and surprise. Little better is the Jason Robards as the blond moppet's father, and all scenes between these two are pretty wooden, even the crucial climactic rescue scene, which kind of dilutes any tension. The script doesn't help at all, in fact nobody ever seems to have anything important to say. Shame, because Jonathan Pryce is excellent as the carnival head honcho.
The story would probably have benefited from being turned into a TV miniseries rather than this feature film. Something more along the lines of the original "Salem's Lot" series would have allowed the story and characters to develop better, and we could have gradually got involved in the little mini plots around each town-person who gets wrapped up in the carnival's power, as well as explaining all the bewildering elements like the fortune teller, the big ticket seller who gets younger, the spiders, etc, etc. What the carnival is actually doing and why (and how!) should have been the most intriguing part of the film but it's so vaguely depicted that it meant I hardly got involved in the mystery at all. I mean, I thought I got what was happening when they showed the frumpy teacher who gained her beauty but lost her sight, but what about the one armed football player who just got younger with no ill-effects? And why did some of the victims turn into exhibits? As I said, I thought there were some good ideas in here but they needed more room to grow so that we could have got the hang of it all properly.
The two young leads are appealing but not capable of depicting enough emotion to carry the movie, as their acting range is limited to little more than blank staring and surprise. Little better is the Jason Robards as the blond moppet's father, and all scenes between these two are pretty wooden, even the crucial climactic rescue scene, which kind of dilutes any tension. The script doesn't help at all, in fact nobody ever seems to have anything important to say. Shame, because Jonathan Pryce is excellent as the carnival head honcho.
The story would probably have benefited from being turned into a TV miniseries rather than this feature film. Something more along the lines of the original "Salem's Lot" series would have allowed the story and characters to develop better, and we could have gradually got involved in the little mini plots around each town-person who gets wrapped up in the carnival's power, as well as explaining all the bewildering elements like the fortune teller, the big ticket seller who gets younger, the spiders, etc, etc. What the carnival is actually doing and why (and how!) should have been the most intriguing part of the film but it's so vaguely depicted that it meant I hardly got involved in the mystery at all. I mean, I thought I got what was happening when they showed the frumpy teacher who gained her beauty but lost her sight, but what about the one armed football player who just got younger with no ill-effects? And why did some of the victims turn into exhibits? As I said, I thought there were some good ideas in here but they needed more room to grow so that we could have got the hang of it all properly.
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