Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Man and Witch’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

The 1980s were truly a magical time for cinema. For not only did that decade give rise to the modern-day summer blockbuster (thank you, the summer of 1989), but it also brought forth some iconic stories. That continue to influence the industry to this day and gave rise a new generation of filmmakers. Who were blown away by movies such as Back to the Future and everything that John Hughes had to offer and well, this influential time in Hollywood history truly is looked fondly upon, even the lower points, and yes, there were some lowlights from the industry during this era… courtesy of the fantasy genre. Because well… those movies were a bit hit or miss from a production value standpoint. 
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Because unfortunately, the 1980s were an era of filmmaking that didn’t harbor the budgets that fantasy films enjoy now. For studios reserved the cash for the big budget blockbusters, not movies about faraway places and lands and that led… to some interesting results from a storytelling perspective. Wherein fantasy films with great stories and lots of heart, were left with visuals and production values that were lacking. But they were beloved none the less, and some filmmakers figured out how to make the most of their limited cash flow, allowing for some genuine classics and cult classics to come forth from the era and well, since we are now in an era of nostalgia and reflection when it comes to the 1980s, some filmmakers are taking the time to pay tribute to the majesty of those low-budget films and one such film just screened on the East Coast recently, entitled, Man and Witch, and we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to spotlight this film in a spoiler-free manner, of course.

Simply because, this is a forthcoming feature that needs to be celebrated, but not spoiled. In large part because… it really does pay proper tribute to those films of yore, courtesy of its perfect plot. For in this story, we are introduced to a humble Goatherd, who wants nothing more in this life than to life find love and spend the rest of his humble days with the admiration of someone that has captured his heart and vice versa. But alas, Goatherd can never quite find that love he dreams of. For he is cursed and bumbling and that leads him to meet with the town’s reclusive Witch. All in the hopes of having her lift the curse that has plagued him and help him to finally find his love and well, what follows from their encounter, is a charming story for the ages, one that does indeed feature true love and everything we loved about movies in this vein from back in the day. 

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For Director Michael Hines and Writer Greg Steinbruner, celebrate the best parts of those movies from beginning to end. For this is a motion picture that looks as though it was made in the 1980s, complete with those gentle shots that speak to a land far away that was indeed created on a budget, yet still manages to whisk us away, and the wonder of this movie goes beyond its visual appeal. For there is a true homage story present here, one filled to the brim with heart and honesty, and a love story that works and it features all the hallmark comedy and fun and sense of adventure present in those classics. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the movie is also filled to the brim with iconic actors from the 1980s. Such as Sean Astin, and Christopher Lloyd, and Tami Stronach, the Childlike Empress from The Neverending Story is here as well in a leading role, and that’s not the only surprises you’ll find here from a casting standpoint either. Since Eddie Izzard and Michael Emerson factor into the story as well. 
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But while the homages and the wonder of this story could indeed carry it from beginning to end, what truly allows for this motion picture to stand out and impress… is how it presents its love story. Because this isn’t the same type of love story present from the 1980s, where lovers come together through sheer will and finally find happiness because of what is in their hearts. No instead, this is a love story, grounded in modern concepts. Wherein our hero must acknowledge that love doesn’t come easy, nor does it magically fix our lives. It requires work to grab hold of, and work to maintain, and it also requires self-work and self-improvement. Because we cannot love anyone without loving ourselves, and even then… more work is required. Such as being vulnerable and open and honest, and emotionally available. So that the love in question is nurtured and that same journey of discovery is extended to the woman that falls for Goatherd and that makes for a beautiful and honest love story, one that we can truly relate to. 

If anything, this is just, a delightful motion picture when all said and done. One that evokes the wonder of yesterday while taking this type of story in a new direction with its modern storytelling elements. But above all, it’s just plain fun, and enchanting, and you truly find yourself vested in the characters and their journey toward eternal happiness. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the comedy elements in this story work so well and leave us in stitches every single step of the way and hopefully… this is a motion picture that finds its way to the masses sooner rather than later. For in this era of gritty and bombastic storytelling, it is simply refreshing to harken back to a simpler time and remember the wonder of settling in to enjoy that sent the hearts and minds and very souls of its audience, soaring through the skies.

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