Season of the Witch (2011)

Number Rolled: 19

Movie Name/Year: Season of the Witch (2011)

Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy

Length: 94 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Director: Dominic Sena

Writer: Bragi F. Schut

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman, Stephen Campbell Moore, Stephen Graham, Ulrich Thomsen, Claire Foy, Robert Sheehan, Christopher Lee, Rebekah Kennedy, Andrew Hefler, Fernanda Dorogi, Kevin Rees, Matt Devere

Two medieval soldiers, Behmen and Felson, have spent many years spilling blood in the name of God, during the Crusades. Several events pass that put them in a situation where they are asked to transport an accused witch to a monastery that is in possession of a book that will put an end to her. They reluctantly agree and the quest to bring the witch to her trial begins.

There are a great many ways to look at this film and, while I’m aware it got trashed by audience and critics alike, I really enjoyed it. It’s possible that the table-top role-player in me just happened to note the Dungeons and Dragons like quality to the movie. I’m talking about a table-top campaign, not the movie by the same name.

I‘ve seen a few reviews that say that Nicolas Cage shouldn’t have played this role. That it should have been Steven Segal. Whenever I see that suggestion, I can almost feel the blood starting to flow out of my ears. Nicolas Cage is a unique actor. Love him or hate him, you’ll always recognize him. For as minor as the comedy was in this movie, I was surprised that he seemed to be the only person I could picture playing it. If Dominic Sena would have used a more action film actor for the role, the movie’s dynamic would have changed. It’s impossible to explain why without adding severe spoilers to this review. I’m going to just have to leave it at that. That being said, I’ve been iffy on Ron Perlman for a while, but after this movie I’m definitely a fan.

There are some very predictable moments in this movie. I wouldn’t quite call it a recipe film, but there were some familiar ingredients. Unfortunately, that happens in movies like this with a straight-forward storyline. The major twist, as well as the ending, however, I found I really enjoyed. I’m truly a sucker for this brand of ending.

I think the critics didn’t have the right outlook on this movie and I’m not sure why more of the audience members didn’t like it. In the end, none of that matters. Watch and decide for yourself.

Overall Opinion – 3.5/5