Bewitched (2005)

The 2005 film *Bewitched* offers a clever, meta-twist on the beloved classic sitcom, centering its story around a television remake within the movie itself. As the premise dictates, thinking he can overshadow an unknown actress in the part, an egocentric actor unknowingly gets a real witch cast in an upcoming television remake of the classic show "Bewitched." Will Ferrell stars as Jack Wyatt, a washed-up movie star who demands an unknown alongside him, leading to Nicole Kidman's Isabel Bigelow – a genuine witch attempting to forsake her powers for a normal life – being cast as Samantha. The film humorously explores the friction between Hollywood's manufactured illusions and Isabel's very real, albeit hidden, magical abilities, as their on-screen chemistry begins to spark off-screen. Though often seen as a departure due to its fantastical elements, *Bewitched* firmly belongs on a list of Nora Ephron's best, as she not only directed but also co-wrote the screenplay alongside her sister Delia. Ephron masterfully infuses the supernatural premise with her signature romantic-comedy sensibilities: witty dialogue, keenly observed human relationships, and a charming central couple navigating the complexities of modern love – even if one of them is a real witch. The film embraces her characteristic blend of sophisticated humor and genuine heart, exploring themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the search for authentic connection amidst the artificiality of Hollywood, all while delivering the warmth and intelligence synonymous with her beloved filmography.