Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes

The book was something I could take or leave. But maybe because I'm familiar with the story it hits better the second time out. Or maybe the fact that I did a double feature with this and The Watcher In The Woods means I can tell it is the far superior "Disney Dark Period" production. The Watcher In The Woods has its charms, but despite it starring Bette Davis, the tone and script, and yes ACTING play very much like a TV movie of the era. As far as this movie goes, it very much feels like a legit movie.

The acting is great. Jason Robards plays the role of the greatest dad ever perfectly. And Jonathan Pryce is shockingly scary as Mr. Dark. The Watcher In The Woods was definitely a thriller. But it was under the same restrictions as other Disney stuff. Something Wicked The Way Comes REALLY leans into the PG rating with blood, exotic dancers, even cursing. The dialogue is outstanding, especially for an 80's movie.

If somebody told me that they should figure out a way for the Walt Disney Company to adapt one of the most famous horror novels of all time, and get the actual Author to write the screenplay, this is pretty much the only solution. Even reading the book, knowing it became a Disney movie, I could totally see it. And the adaptation didn't let me down. I'm going to reread the book at some point. I'm starting to dig it.

This is an actual movie. It's actually scary. And most shocking of all, it's actually GOOD. How about that? Maybe Disney's Dark Age wasn't really dark after all. 4 1/2 stars.

Blu-Ray Menu

Still with music. The disc has no special features. 2 stars.