Little Miss Magic (4 Stars)

This is a delightful family film made by Fred Olen Ray in 1997. "Little Miss Magic" is the original title, but it's also been released as "Kidwitch" and "The Little Witch".

Deirde is an apprentice witch who is attempting to become a fully qualified witch. She's 214 years old, but she doesn't look her age. She's played by the actress Vanessa Greyshock, who was 13 at the time. For her final examination she has to make an unhappy man happy. That's a nice thing to have to do, better than turning someone into a toad.

The man in question is Richard Thomas, an employee in a large company. It's not made clear what the company does, but Richard is successful, about to be promoted to the Director of European Operations. Richard's problem is his wife Kristin, played by the stunning Michelle Bauer. She doesn't love him, she's always bossing him around, and worst of all she's plotting with Richard's colleague Greg to get him fired. Greg wants Richard's position, because it will give him the opportunity to make a fortune from money laundering. So Deirdre has a lot to do.

Deirdre is dropped on Richard's doorstep by a social worker. He's told that Deirdre is the daughter of his cousin Adam, who recently died, and he should decide whether he wants to adopt her. Richard is suspicious, because he didn't know he had a cousin Adam, but Deirdre is such a sweet little girl that he can't possibly say No. He offers to keep her for a few days, despite the protests of his wife.

Deirdre is aware of the intrigues going on behind Richard's back, but it's not easy to deal with Kristin's schemes. It would be easy to make her disappear by turning her into a frog, but that wouldn't make Richard happy. Richard loves his wife and would be even unhappier without her. Sigh... I can understand him. Michelle Bauer is so beautiful that I'd love her however evil she is.

Fred Olen Ray is best known for his skill at making top quality films on a small budget, so he cuts corners by any means possible. Why pay for actors if you can do it yourself? Here he is as a police detective.

Fred's son Christopher plays a security guard. He's now become a talented director in his own right.

Fred's beautiful wife Kimberly plays the babysitter Jenny. The film is a family affair.

Vanessa Greyshock might be the film's lead actress, and she's doubtlessly talented, but it's Michelle Bauer who steals the show. It's impossible not to like her, even though she's playing an evil woman.

It's not just her good looks. She's a perfect comedienne. Much of her humour is put across by slapstick, and she has such talent that she ought to have appeared in bigger comedy films.

The film is aimed at younger viewers, but judging by reviews I've read it's not popular among children. It's more suitable for adult audiences who can understand the subtleties of the plot.