The Craft

The Craft

The Craft, Written by Andrew Fleming and Peter Filardi, Directed by Andrew Fleming. Released May 3, 1996. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

Plot Summary:

Sarah Bailey has moved to San Francisco and is having a hard time making friends at her new high school. She eventually falls in with a group of three girls who are rumored to be witches and they start worshipping a deity called Manon. When the girls start exhibiting supernatural powers, they begin to exact revenge on people they believe have wronged them. It’s only when they start to turn on each other that the trouble really begins.

Critical Evaluation:

The movie is an exciting watch. It can be a little gruesome at times because the special effects were (at the time) pretty good. What’s more terrifying to watch is these girls who had prided themselves on being outcasts together turn on each other, especially over a boy.

Information about the Director:

From the director’s imdb page:

Andrew Fleming was born on December 30, 1965 in the USA. He is a director and producer, known for The Craft (1996), Dick (1999) and Nancy Drew (2007).

Curriculum Ties:

n/a

Challenge Issues:

Witchcraft, language, sex

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Rating:

R

Why is the material included?:

Despite its girl on girl troubles, most of my friends remember that one summer where we all wanted to be witches. This movie is escapist fun. 

Image via Google