Without explicitly comparing to the TV show adaptions, The Worst Witch just seemed like an episode of a series. Nothing really happens; some nasty banter between peers, clumsy girl is clumsy, 0 build up to what probably should have been the climax (Halloween). Characters are all tropes; woman turned harsh by unrequited love, mysterious man framed as irresistible hero, quirky old woman, unnecessarily manipulative teacher's pet, evil twin. + the ~your evil twin wants to ruin your life~ plot was tacked on so carelessly. This was undeniably the worst part of the film. Though the constant demeaning of Mildred by not only peers, but teachers, was just awful; honestly she's surprisingly cheerful for someone who's constantly insulted. Nevertheless, any film set in a magical school, or with upbeat Halloween vibes, is not regrettable.

I, like the previous comment, have also seen this movie on Halloween and thought it was the best thing ever. It has been years since I have seen it, but there is definitely something to be said about a movie from your youth. It's not bad, not really up to the standards of special effects of today, but for the year it was made (1986) they did a good job. A must watch if you need a laugh. Mildred Hubble is just a fun character and reminds me of Judy Garland (Dorothy) in the Wizard of Oz. My favorite part, from what I can remember about this movie, is when Tim Curry shows up. He is quite a catch and all of the young girls seem to fancy him.

In my opinion, any film where Tim Curry sings is a delight. Although I am not a fan of a lot of the horror Mr. Curry has created, he is perfect in the Worst Witch. Seeing this for the first time at the age of eight back on the Disney Channel in 1986, I was blown away with the story and the actors in the movie. Balk, only a child at the time was a wonderful actress before she hit the big screens. She would later go on to do the sequel to the Wizard of Oz as Dorothy. A lot of the cast members in this movie went on to do other notable movies including The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Overall, a perfect Halloween movie for girls and boys. It's funny that Harry Potter has a lot of similar tones and scenes that are equal to the Worst Witch.Still a great movie almost 20 years later. Check it out!

Halloween is my favorite time of year specifically for the reason that HBO annually aired THE WORST WITCH! I have been watching this ever since 1986 & it just gets better each time! Fairuza Balk delivers a fun performance, as does Diana Rigg as the hard-edged Mrs. Hardbroom. But the cake has to go to Charlotte Rae (in a dual role) and the undeniable Tim Curry in a cameo. Charlotte role really shines as the Evil Queen Aggie, who along with her sidekick Delilah want to take back her school that her sister (Rae again) now runs. Not for the tuition money or the prestige, but just so she can bring back her song. BEAT ON IT DELILAH! "Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf. Dropped into the bottomless gulf. Venomous vipers come to us, covered in evil, ooze & puss! So if you're filthy!(FILTHY) Smelly! (SMELLY) Evil, wicked & cruel...you'll feel right at home in my little school. My lil school..Mine Mine MAMAMAMAMAMAMAMAMINE! Yeah!" Tim Curry later flies in (literally) as the Grand Dragon & delivers his own effects laden production number of "Anything can happen on Halloween." I don't know which were more unbelievable, the effects or Tim Curry as a sex symbol. Oh well to each his own. Ethel Hallow is ultimate foil & delivers a performance reminiscent of Nellie Olsen from Lil House on the Praire. Be sure to check it out.