Witchy teen drama The Craft has become something of a cult classic since its release in 1996, and this 2020 movie attempts to recreate its magic but surprisingly fails to capture any of the fun, or frights, of the original.
Lily (Spaeny) and her mum Helen (Michelle Monaghan) move to a new town to be with mum’s boyfriend Adam (Duchovny) and his three sons. It means Lily has to start a new school, and it is there – after an embarrassing moment that causes her to be mocked by classmate Timmy (Nicholas Galitzine) – that she is befriended by Lourdes, Frankie and Tabby, who just happen to be looking for a fourth girl to form a coven.
It seems that Lily has witchy powers and so do they, but it is not long before the girls’ magic goes awry and causes them to fall out. Someone else may want Lily’s powers, too, and if you can’t guess who that is within 10 minutes of the opening credits, it’s because you have fallen asleep.
Yes, this Craft really is that dull, despite nice performances from Spaeny, Luna, Adlon and Simone. They all deserved a better script, a slicker plot, and important things like scares, witchy fun and good effects – none of which, sadly, are on display in this forgettable and disappointing teen flick.
Is The Craft: Legacy suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
While this is a 15 certificate, there are no scary moments in the movie.
Viewers should note that there are some sex references, including a potion made from semen, and an early scene features one character getting her period in front of her class mates.
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