Ruby Young Witch is like a Disney film but without all the Disney sugar and frosting. It is a fantasy film that is perfect for the kids, not scary, has a nice sense of humour, adventure and the songs are very listenable.
Ruby Strangelove discovers she’s a witch and has to win the Battle of the Bands at school in order to save her mother (who is also a witch) who was kidnapped and taken to an alternate dimension when Ruby was born.
Her task is to gather the evil forces, a group of people from the parallel world who are there to stop Ruby from saving her mother. She must open a portal to the other world and only after all the evil is returned to the other dimension can Sara return.
She must also defeat the evil sheriff, her school principal, and the snotty blonde Queen Bee of the school.
Ruby hatches a plan, makes sure all the creatures of the mirror universe are at the Battle of the Bands and uses her magic, which comes out when she sings to save the day.
Seanna Pereira AKA Ruby, is every bit the young witch. She is adorable, a talented singer and a proficient actress. She is the pivotal role in the film and handles the task well.
Her parents Sara (Twinnie Lee Moore) and Ted (Ed Stoppard) provide excellent support to Seanna. They form the bridge between the real world and the parallel universe.
A highlight of the film was Stephen Rea’s portrayal of Danforth, the ruler of the parallel universe. He contributes many of the laughs. His kingdom is populated with citizens with clown makeup, so if you have Coulrophobia (fear of clowns) then this film may not be for you.
Director Evgeny Ruman has kept the direction tight and ensured that the film never dragged and was highly entertaining.
A feel-good film, Ruby Young Witch is a movie to sit down and enjoy with children (even if they aren’t yours).
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Rating out of 10: 7
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