In a world where magic is a part of everyday life, a private detective who refuses to use magic tries to solve a murder, while a corrupt senator organizes a witch hunt, including public burnings.

An unusual fantasy-noir, with a dose of humor that seriously flirts with comedy, comes from the pen of Joseph Dougherty, as a sequel to "Cast a Deadly Spell" (1991), but apart from the basic premise, two films have nothing in common and, although the author is the same, the story is much weaker, and the whole film is worse in every aspect. Dennis Hopper replaces Fred Ward in the lead role, but although I appreciate him as an actor, he did not suit me as a detective Harry Phillip Lovecraft. Penelope Ann Miller is just a pale shadow of Julianne Moore, and the only actor who made some impression in this movie is Julian Sands, although it's not one of his better ones either.

Still, the interesting use of magic and acceptable effects, pleasant music, and a light relaxed atmosphere (which should not fit with mystery, noir, and thriller as genre determinants) make "Witch Hunt" a decent pastime for one viewing.

6/10

Paul Schrader directed this made for cable film for writer Joseph Dougherty, who also wrote the original film Cast A Deadly Spell to which this film is a sequel. Dennis Hopper, an oddball actor if ever there was one, stars as a private detective in this oddball film about 1950's Hollywood, McCarthyism, crooked politics, and the hypocrisy surrounding it all. Hopper investigates the murder of a woman's husband while everyone around him utilizes magic of some sort. He consults with a seer who points him in the right direction, and the seer, in turn, winds up on trial for being a witch. The gag being everyone else seems to be using magic as a means to an end.

The film stars Penelope Ann Miller as Kim Hudson whose husband is...ah... murdered in a most unorthodox fashion. Hopper, as H. Phillip Lovecraft, is on the case investigating when a parallel plot with politician Eric Bogosian unfolds. Viewers end up with an uneven allegory of the times portrayed. The highlights of the film are the art and set direction, despite some of their anachronistic elements, the costumes, and the dialog. The Noir-like touches are nothing new for Schrader, but the comedic dialog (complete with Hollywood in-jokes) is definitely new and interesting territory for a Paul Schrader film. The film is above average for cable television, has several sight gags, clever scenes, and laugh out loud moments, but it ultimately loses some steam before the fadeout. **1/2 of 4 stars.

Looking at the votes, one has to wonder not only whether those that saw this film actually understood it, and whether the distributor made an effort to encourage viewers in the first place. Not every "high concept" or fantasy film will turn into a classic, but, to this reviewer's tired eyes, this one did. Set in some sort of parallel universe where magic is possible (the viewer becomes comfortable with the premise, painlessly, seamlessly and within moments) this is a clever riff on the Bogie/Marlowe detective story, complete with voice-over, with a cherry-and-sprinkles sci-fi topper. The performances are nothing less than brilliant and you have to wonder, if this had been a mainstream production, whether they would still have been so badly ignored? Hopper does what might be the best job in his career, actually carrying the film, in a role similar to Jack Nicholson in Chinatown. Bogosian -- he of the distinctive voice -- left us a very small film legacy, but this one portrayal alone should live on in the film archive for some time to come. Julian Sands arrives late in the film but makes the most of his screen time, presenting one of the most pleasant villains since the Bond days. And, like Hopper, Penelope Ann Miller delivers what could be the best role of her career as a larger-than-life individual who made hard sacrifices to get that way. Recommended, and tell your friends. This film deserves more than it got.