The Witches of Eastwick (R, 1987)
common sense media says
Satan vs. BFF feminism in grownup fantasy-comedy.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's much sex talk, including frank discussions of what penis sizes/shapes women prefer. No sex is actually shown, despite female characters dressing in alluring clothes and obviously participating in a bedroom foursome with Daryl Van Horne. Some religious households may be offended by the "witchcraft" (present in the title more than anywhere else), likeability of the devil, or the insignificance of the neighborhood church. Horrific elements -- mostly played for laughs -- include gross vomiting and Daryl mutating into a monstrous being at the end, potentially scary for little ones, who shouldn't be watching in the first place thanks to frequent swearing (the f-word, above all). There are idealized scenes of romantic, recreational drinking. Teens assigned to read the John Updike novel for school should know that the movie is no substitute; it doesn't share the same themes, tone, or even time period.
Positive role models:
In the John Updike book the title characters really are a practicing witch coven, performing pagan rituals. Here they're not; they just steal a few of Satan's tricks to use against him. Each woman ends up easily charmed/seduced, and they don't argue with extramarital sex. The devil, for most of the movie, comes across more like a lecherous and likeable wizard with a possessive streak. Except for a speech accusing God of making frequent mistakes he doesn't seem to have an evil or unholy agenda, besides maintaining a harem of pretty women for companionship, sex, and recreation.
Violence:
Supernatural "violence" includes a character hit briefly with a rapid-aging hoodoo, a whirlwind that assaults Daryl, and stabs of pain resulting from pins being stuck into a voodoo-type doll. Severe vomiting induced by magic. One character falls down a flight of steps; another gets a minor cut from a broken bass-violin string. An out-of-control car wrecks. Rather confusing hints that a murder-suicide has taken place.
Sex:
Lots of talk about sex, penis size and shapes, being "horny," and the f-word in its literal meaning. No action shown, although it's obvious that intercourse has taken place -- possibly with three women at once -- and pregnancy results. Actresses wear sexy clothing. The only nudity comes from the obese tribal-Venus figurines that a character makes.
Language:
"F---k," "s--t," "bitch," "schlong," "dick."
Consumerism:
Some household product labels (Ritz crackers, etc.). A spinoff TV series came along 20 years later. A book of the same title exists too, of course.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Social and recreational drinking at home.
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