Unleashing Nightmares: Disney+'s Revival of a Gen X Classic
As we approach Halloween, Disney+ has unleashed a hidden gem that's sure to give families a thrilling, yet manageable scare. The 1983 film adaptation of Ray Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' has resurfaced, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and supernatural thrills that will leave you questioning your childhood memories.
For those Gen Xers who grew up with cable TV, this movie is a blast from the past. It's like revisiting a long-forgotten dream, with its eerie imagery and familiar yet strange narrative. The film's dark fantasy world, centered around a supernatural carnival, will either spark recognition or leave you wondering, "Was it always like this?"
But here's where it gets controversial... This film, with its strange lopsidedness, manages to be both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. It's a rare find that defies easy categorization, and its PG rating might just be the most surprising twist of all.
Released before the PG-13 rating existed, 'Something Wicked' managed to sneak through with a PG, creating a tidal wave of nightmares for unsuspecting families. With its daytime cable airings, no one was safe from the terrifying tarantula scene or the haunting vision of Jonathan Pryce's decaying flesh.
The story follows two boys, Will and Jim, in a small Midwestern town during an unspecified era (think 1920s). They uncover a traveling circus that seems to be a harbinger of evil, and only Will's father, Charles, believes them. As the film progresses, we learn that familial love and forgiveness are the ultimate weapons against evil, but not before we're treated to a wild ride of special effects and intense freakouts.
The movie's tone is peculiar, shifting between a fun, light-hearted spectacle and a morose reflection on aging. The late-in-life parentage of Will's father, played by the 60-year-old Jason Robards, adds a layer of tragedy. Charles' bad heart prevents him from playing with his son, and his inability to rescue Will from drowning adds a traumatic layer to the story.
And this is the part most people miss... The town drunk, Jim's father, is the one who saved Will years ago. Now missing for years, Jim's mother is either bedridden or entertaining gentleman callers. Both boys are on the brink of adolescence, obsessed with the horrors of puberty. Their recurring nightmare is an alluring Woman of the East, who can turn men into jelly and keeps a pet tarantula. No psychological degree needed to interpret that one!
When the movie picks up pace, it's a fun adventure with the kids racing through town, escaping an animated green mist. Mr. Dark, the leader of the carnival, played by Jonathan Pryce, provides some entertaining antics. But for every energetic scene, there's a counterbalance of doom and gloom, with Will and Charles having heavy conversations late at night.
The origins of this strange project are just as intriguing. It began as a short story, 'The Black Ferris,' published in 1948, and later adapted into an episode of 'Ray Bradbury Theater.' Bradbury then expanded it into a novel, set in the nostalgic town of Green Town, Illinois. The movie's journey to the screen was fraught with challenges, with various directors attached at different times, including the legendary Sam Peckinpah and rumors of Steven Spielberg's interest.
The 1980s saw Disney experimenting with various projects, from dull sci-fi to horror films with shattered mirrors. 'Something Wicked' emerged from this era, with substantial reshoots to make it more family-friendly. However, the tarantula scene, now iconic, was one of the added scenes, proving that sometimes the suits get it right!
With October's chill in the air, now is the perfect time to watch 'Something Wicked.' The camera effects and animations still hold up, and the score by James Horner adds to the rich, nostalgic experience. While the dramatic scenes might not always land, their sincerity is remarkable.
Jordan Hoffman, a writer and critic from New York City, sums it up: 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is a one-of-a-kind abnormality, a family-friendly movie unlike any other. It's a must-watch for those seeking a unique Halloween experience.
So, what do you think? Is 'Something Wicked' a hidden gem or a strange anomaly? Let us know in the comments!
