Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps

As a child of the 80s, I was intrigued by a film that promised to pay homage to the fantasy films of that decade...but also a bit skeptical about its ability to do so. That skepticism gave way to pure delight as the film delivered on that promise and then kept delivering.

The story's creative twists are charmingly and skillfully unfolded to us, and the film keeps a humorous and whimsical tone while delivering moments of actual scariness and suspense. The acting is uniformly terrific, from the two leads down to the tiny child playing Cupid. Jim Henson's puppets serve as a Greek Chorus of sorts in a way that engaged the children and amused the adults in the audience. And the broadening of the POV from just the goatherd to include the witch enhances the tension of the build to the film's very satisfying denouement.

The film carefully threads the needle between being a throwback to the 80s and commenting on the world of today. It's a joy to see something that unmitigatedly "feel-good," and it says a lot about this film that it has stuck with me in the weeks since I've seen it. I'd love to get to see it again and to share it with others of all ages.

I absolutely loved this movie! Everything from the beginning when they explained the making and inspiration behind the movie, to all of the throwbacks to the 80s, which were incredibly nostalgic and I loved. I loved that it was a family project, and everyone in it just seemed to be having so much fun, and it was so contagious! The artwork and the throwback to puppets or just fun. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon at the theater with my family, Just a delight!

Full of slapstick humor that made me laugh and clap out loud. Neverending story was one of my favorite childhood movies, and it was beyond fun to see the reappearance of the Child empress, and Christopher Lloyd. I am so excited to see part two, this will definitely be a classic watch and rewatch for our family! Thank you for making such a delightful film, I wish there were more like this!

Man and Witch: The Dance of A Thousand Steps is an under appreciated masterpiece. It is a movie that knows exactly how cliche it is, makes fun of how cliche it is, and shows how fun it is to be cliche. From great main characters to great background characters, to a great setting, to great set pieces, to great writing, this movie feels to me like a cult classic in the making. It heavily calls back to the whimsical era of 80s fantasy, from The Princess Bride to The NeverEnding Story, deconstructing some of the more cliche tropes of 80s fantasy while still showing how fun fantasy can be to watch. I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a fantasy movie, romance movie, comedy movie, or just a movie with a happy ending.

This one's out of the blue. It's funny without even trying. The dialog is simple and straightforward, but enjoyable nonetheless, because it does not pretend to be a hifalutin talking-head.

Every bit is enjoyable, and the laughs are always mostly unexpected.

Even the costumes add to its comedic flair; ogres who do not really look like ogres. No need for expensive CGI to make this film watchable.

I recognized Tami right away, and she is as beautiful as always.

The acting is apt. Even when the dialog is already too corny, it actually blends with the overall theme.

Stories like this, I miss. I hope filmmakers make more of this.

It must be nice to have such good friends and crew members who all think this movie is a 10 and not one score under 10 given.

How did this movie get made?

Someone actually financed this garbage?

Good luck getting your money back.

The acting was beyond bad.

ChatGPT could have written a better script.

The directing, lets just not comment on that, I have nothing nice to say about that.

Hollywood is dead. Its that simple.

No more good ideas and even less talented writers / directors who can produce a descent movie these days.

For all those who gave it a resounding 10 out of 10, get your head examined. This movie was a train wreck and if you think this is worthy of a 10, clearly this is the only movie you ever watched in your life and never witnessed a well crafted, well written, well acted and directed movie.

Guys stop giving 10's.