Something Wicked This Way Comes

Starring: Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, Diane Ladd
Written by: Ray Bradbury

Director: Jack Clayton
Year: 1983

Rating: * * *  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * *

A sinister October carnival comes to a small American town to prey on its people. Two young boys uncover the demonic truth behind this unusual festive carny. 

Often films are described for "all ages", but rarely are. Usually it means kids will love it, and parents won't fall asleep. Something Wicked This Way Comes is one of those rare exceptions, preying simultaneously on the fears of young and old alike. Rated PG, this film adapted from horror/sci-fi legend Ray Bradbury needs no language, nudity or gore to tell its wicked tale, yet is still delicious horror fun. Small children will cover their eyes as the monsters reveal themselves. There's plenty of spooky scenes that will keep them up at night. Older kids, maybe 9-13, will relate to the plight of the two central characters, Tom and Will. They're both about 10 years old, and dream about growing up. Especially Tom, who wants to run off and find his Father. Will fears his best friend will make good on this and run away, leaving him all alone. Regret and age envy is a theme that not only resonates with a young audience, but with adults, and this is played out in a few scenes, most notably with Jason Robard's character, Charles Halloway, the elderly father of Will. Charles lives with regret, being too old and with a bad condition that kept him from saving his son from drowning years before. He had to suffer on the shore as someone else thankfully dove in and saved him.

Enter Mr. Dark and his carnival. Rides, games, and attractions for all. Here, wishes are granted and fulfilled for a fee. Mr. Dark is wonderfully played by Johnathan Pryce, who preys upon the good people of the town by turning their dreams into reality, only to twist them in some perverted outcome enslaving them to the carnival. A one-armed bartender gave up on his dreams of being a football player ever since the accident that cost him his arm. An elderly teacher wishes to be young and beautiful again, but is stricken blind and cannot see her own reflection. They seemingly hand over their souls, but are cheated. That is until Will and Tom spy what's really going on. Mr. Dark begins a search for the boys throughout the town, but to no avail. Mr. Dark makes a tempting offer to Mr. Halloway, promising to rewind the clock, and allow him to be young again, and remove the guilt he's carried all this time. 

Arthur Hill is wonderful as the film's narrator, who's sweet voice captures the wonder and innocence of childhood, yet betrays the sinister undertones of the evil about to descend upon the town. Johnathan Pryce literally steals each scene he is in. He's sinister and charming, diabolical and mysterious. A perfect performance for this part. Jason Robards pulls it off as a sympathetic character who has to confront his own demons. Fine performances and wonderful scenery make this a treasured addition to the horror genre, all be it more lighthearted. 

SEE THE TRAILER: Something Wicked This Way Comes