Director – Andrew Fleming (Bad Dreams, Paranormal Girl)
Starring – Robin Tunney (End of Days, Vertical Limit), Fairuza Balk (American History X, The Worst Witch), Neve Campbell (Scream, Are You Afraid of the Dark?), and Rachel True (Halfbaked, Sharknado: Heart of Sharkness)
Release Date – 1996
Rating – 3/5
Blu Release – 3.5/5
I was born in the mid 80s but I grew up in the 90s. My entire life was changed when I discovered Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark? so 90’s counter culture and horror was what I grew up on. A lot of my friends that liked what I liked loved the 1996 fantasy horror film The Craft. I don’t mind it but it’s not a movie that I will purposely seek out. If it’s playing on television or if a friend turns it on I might check it out.
Sometime ago Scream Factory released the movie on blu. They were kind enough to send it over for review but I was unable to review it at the time because I accidently placed it in a tote while I was organizing my collection after the house fire. With the release of the sequel I went searching for it because it reminded me I never reviewed it. Well, here I am. Better late than never!
**Spoiler alert** The film follows Sarah (Tunney) who moves to a new school. She soon befriends Nancy, Bonnie, and Rochelle and the four become a coven encomposing the four elements. They soon discover that they can perform magic and use their powers to better their lives. However, Sarah soon finds herself falling under the wrath of the other three. After fighting back they all realize that she is much stronger and the reason they had power to begin with. **Spoiler Alert**
The Craft is not a bad movie by any means but it’s one that I can’t obsess over like so many genre fans. The movie has a very interesting story but the final act of the film just never set well with me. It felt forced and the predictability really makes the movie come across so much cheesier than the first three acts of the film did.
The acting in this one is solid. The four leads deliver some of their most iconic performances of their careers. Their performances are fun and they work so well together. It really is a damn shame that fans of didn’t get a direct sequel in a timely manner with this cast returning. I may not be obsessed with this one like some of the others but I would have loved to see these four ladies return in a follow up. The story for this one is pretty straight forward but there is so many scenes that are pretty boring. Some of the more action heavy scenes are more entertaining and help hold the viewer’s attention but the pacing is not consistent. With that being said, I really do have a soft spot for horror movies centered around witches and the depth this film goes into with the witch story really sucks the viewer in.
Finally, the film has a lot of visual effects that did not stand the test of time but those looking for blood and gore will be very disappointed. Overall, The Craft is such an iconic fantasy horror film and this blu from Scream Factory looks amazing. I wish I loved this one as much as others but I can’t. It’s two uneven and the final act just ruins it for me. Fans of this one will want to snag this release from Scream. It’s well worth it.
Special Features:
NEW Directing The Craft – An Interview With Co-writer And Director Andrew Fleming
NEW Producing The Craft – An Interview With Producer Douglas Wick
NEW Writing The Craft – An Interview With Co-writer Peter Filardi
NEW Effecting The Craft – An Interview With Makeup Effects Supervisor Tony Gardner
Audio Commentary With Director Andrew Fleming
Vintage Featurette – Conjuring The Craft
Vintage Featurette – The Making Of The Craft
Deleted Scenes With Optional Audio Commentary
Theatrical Trailer
