The Good Witch's Family (2011)

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Every Good Witch movie introduces a new stranger in town to stir things up. In this case, it's Cassie's heretofore unknown cousin, Abigail.Cassie and Jake are now married, and Cassie is stepmother to Jake's two teenagers. The town is divided over a proposed bridge, which the men (particularly Mayor Tinsdale) favor, expecting it to bring prosperity, and the women (led by Martha Tinsdale) oppose, fearing it will bring destruction (of the town's old-style charm). As the mayor's term in office is expiring, the women prevail upon Cassie to run for mayor, and with Martha's support, to lead the opposition to the bridge. Cousin Abigail's particular witchy talent is in the casting of spells. Deserted by her father when she was just 13, she seems determined to hex the Russell household by whatever means possible, for reasons known but to her, including charming Deputy Derek Sanders to run for mayor against Cassie. (Derek's baker girlfriend from the previous movie has mysteriously moved out of town, leaving him susceptible to Abigail's bewitching influence.) Of the four movies in the series to date, this is the edgiest and most threatening in terms of conflict, and viewers' displeasure is reflected (as of this writing) in a marginally lower average rating than all previous installments. So, who will win the mayoral race? And will the bridge be built, or not? What is Abigail's motive? And after all this turmoil, will Middleton ever be peaceful again? But more importantly, will there be another Good Witch movie? If so, what will be in store for "The Good Witch's Family"? Have we seen the last of the Tinsdales? And what new stranger will bring trouble to the town?

I love the Good Witch series. They are set in a small friendly town and Grey House. This last movie in the series was a disappointment, however, because of inconsistencies and discontinuity.Where was grandfather George and his girlfriend from the prior movie?Where was Derek's girlfriend Betty from the prior movie?Where was the song that Brandon wrote?Where was Cassie's old Middleton shop with charm and mystery from the prior movie?Where was the old Grey House with intrigue and character from the prior movie?Where will Middleton be without Mayor Tinsdale as mayor? He was great.Where was Cassie's alert intuition to her cousin's schemes?And where was Brandon's girlfriend from the prior movie?The attraction of the Good Witch is gone for so many reasons. The only saving grace was that the Tinsdales united in love and there were excellent resolutions for all the other problems presented, but for me the climate changed and Middleton and Grey House were lost forever.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first three GW movies --- cast great, stories fun, atmosphere appropriately spooky, plenty of little twists and turns. I was so looking forward to this one .... unfortunately, I was disappointed after the long wait. Always ready to see the first three again, I will find something else to do if this one comes back on the TV.The plot worked well: a long-lost cousin makes her appearance and things get, well, quirky and unpredictable. In spite of all this, Cassandra remains calm and "in the know," for the most part.There were several things that annoyed us as the story went on: -REALLY disappointed to find out that the wonderful flirting and attraction between Betty and Derek was tossed off: "My ex-girlfriend used to own a bakery but she moved away." THAT's IT??? What? Wonderful Grandpa who was so close to his kids is gone. And the sweet romance between George and Gwen evaporated into thin air. Another what? Hey, we need good senior-type characters getting a new life...We loved Grey House and all the delicious gardens in the first three movies. THe way the garden images were intertwined with the plot lines was a terrific metaphor. The only mention of Grey House in this new movie is the portrait on the wall of the new house..... did Cassie dump her heritage? The new house is too too pristine and clean. Where are the cobwebs, huh? We have questions: Did Brandon finish his song for college? How will Cassie deal with her pregnancy as new mayor? How will the marriage work with Jake as Chief reporting to his WIFE? What happens to Tom and wife? Surprised that your magical formula didn't work this time. Catherine Bell is quite talented. I'd be willing to see the fifth installment but was it really "three time's the charm"? Hope not.

"The Good Witch's Family" is the best one since the original. It was good to see Cassie actually fail at a few things, thanks to her nemesis cousin Abigail. Everything works out in the end, of course, but not until even Cassie has an awakening that she's neglecting her family. And it was also good to see Officer Derek given an expanded presence -- I always felt he added a lot. Jake's "goodbye" to Derek was especially touching (I won't spoil what that's about.) A lot of subplots, as usual, and they all amazingly tie together. Even Martha has turned into a bit of a sweetheart. I don't know why they didn't say where Grandpa was, but maybe he'll be back.All and all, a very fun movie for the whole family. Keep them coming!