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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Humor helps ‘Herbie’

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

“Bewitched”

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When a former movie star (Will Ferrell) gets a chance at a comeback by starring in a television remake of “Bewitched,” he recruits a co-star (Nicole Kidman) without knowing that she’s a real witch. So when she discovers that he and his agent (Jason Schwartzman) are merely using her, he’s shocked when she begins casting spells on him. Not nearly as bad as it could have been, “Bewitched” benefits from its willingness to update the 1960s-era sitcom and from Kidman’s ability to play cute. And Michael Caine, who plays the new Samantha’s father, doesn’t hurt. But Ferrell is funny only in spots, and the film never overcomes the nagging feel that, well, it’s been done before.

DVD extras include six deleted scenes, commentary with director Nora Ephron, a trivia feature offering “Bewitched” background and 10 making-of featurettes. Also debuting in a five-disc set is “Bewitched: The Complete Second Season,” with 38 episodes of the series starring Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York. (Movie on DVD, VHS; 1:40; rated PG-13 for language, sex and drug references, partial nudity. TV show DVD set unrated.)

– Dan Webster, staff writer

“House of Wax”

Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray and Paris Hilton lead a band of college saps returning from a football game who stumble onto a creepy town’s corpse museum in this lame horror remake. The DVD has an alternate opening and a handful of making-of featurettes. (DVD; 1:45; rated R for horror violence, sexual content, language)

“Melinda and Melinda”

Woody Allen’s comedy-drama hybrid stars Radha Mitchell in dual roles as the title character, a troubled woman whose story is told in a dark version and a humorous variation. The cast includes Will Ferrell, Chloe Sevigny and Amanda Peet. As usual with Allen, who prefers to let his movies speak for themselves, the DVD has no extras. (DVD, VHS; 1:40; rated PG-13 for adult situations involving sexuality and substance material)

“Last Days”

Gus Van Sant spins a dreamlike reverie inspired by the death of Kurt Cobain, exploring the odd preoccupations of a rock icon (Michael Pitt) spinning toward an early demise amid the pressures of stardom. The DVD has a deleted scene and two behind-the-scenes segments. (DVD; 1:37; rated R for language, sexual content)

“Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist”

Shelved after the producers decided it wasn’t scary enough, Paul Schrader’s prequel to the 1970s horror classic is nothing special but still far better than the Renny Harlin version released in theaters last year. Stellan Skarsgard, who also starred in Harlin’s movie, plays the priest of the original “Exorcist” in his first encounter with Satan. (DVD; 1:57; rated R for strong violence, disturbing images)