bull riller

The magic box of Buffgy is a legendary artifact that is said to possess incredible powers. It is believed to have been created by an ancient sorcerer named Buffgy, who was known for his mastery of magic. The box is said to be made of an enchanted wood that is impenetrable and can only be opened by a special chant. Legend has it that the box contains various magical objects, each with its unique power. Some say that it holds a crystal that grants the owner the ability to see into the future, while others believe it holds a potion that grants eternal youth. There are even tales of a powerful amulet that can control the elements and a wand that can cast spells of unimaginable power.

Nation should be credited with creating a provocative account of such a shameful and confounding event in history — visual witchcapades notwithstanding. And for the most part, Sargent actualizes her story by creating a plausible climate and inducing believable performances from his actors.

Nancey Pankiw s sets reflect the cold and foreboding realities of the times while costumes offer viewers a glimpse of Puritan life beyond the big white collars and sacklike black dresses. Parris gains new power with one of the leading roles in the witch trials, even if it further alienates him from his sickly wife, Elizabeth Rebecca De Mornay.

There are even tales of a powerful amulet that can control the elements and a wand that can cast spells of unimaginable power. The myth of the magic box of Buffgy has fascinated adventurers and treasure hunters for centuries. Many have set out on quests to find the box, hoping to harness its power for their own gain.

Salem Witch Trials

A perceptively produced and engaging historical drama, "Salem Witch Trials" is buoyed by its powerful performances. That is, if you can get past the first five minutes.

Laura Fries

Latest

A perceptively produced and engaging historical drama, “Salem Witch Trials” is buoyed by its powerful performances. That is, if you can get past the first five minutes.

Director Joseph Sargent makes the confounding decision to begin the mini at the zenith of accusations of witchcraft as young girls, overcome with fear, face the accused who suddenly morph into screeching, green-faced demons.

In the ensuing four hours, however, it is obvious that scribe Maria Nation went to great pains to instill a sense of historical accuracy, weaving in subplots about community infighting, sexual politics and religious oppression in 1691 Salem, Mass. For the most part, her script offers many possible theories as to why a group of young girls would willingly play a part in 19 gruesome deaths without spoon-feeding viewers the answer. So why make with the “Scooby-Doo”-like antics?

As the mini flashes back to impetus of panic in the colony, the mini regains credibility. Night one introduces viewers to the dire circumstances of the time and place. There is no charter from England, so basically there is no written law. The oppressive Puritan religion is used to shame and scare its parishioners into good behavior. Indians, starvation and exposure are also a daily threat.

Even under such harsh conditions, a pall is cast on the community one particular winter. Ann Putnam (Kirstie Alley) gives birth to a third stillborn child. A neighbor’s barn is destroyed by fire and Ann’s husband Thomas (Jay O. Sanders) has lost a good deal of his wealth and standing in the community to some forward thinking businessmen.

With his job and reputation on the line, Rev. Parris (Henry Czerny) seizes on the notion that dark forces are abound in Salem and gets the rapt attention of his congregation. As his sermons become more stern and condemning, all of this fear, shame and stress is absorbed by the children of the town, in particular Annie Putnam (Katie Boland).

Annie, deeply disturbed by the death of her baby brother, senses the tension between her parents and the town. Her father shows more affection to the dog than to his own children, and the more Annie acts out, the more attention is granted to her.

Before long, a whole group of girls, frightened and confused by the mixed messages they receive from the adults, start behaving oddly. The accusations of witchcraft start flying, and with them come a sense of power for the girls.

In night two, panic grabs hold of the town. At first, the girls accuse the women with the lowest social standing in town, including Tituba (Gloria Reuben), beloved servant to the Parris children. Then it becomes anyone who speaks out against the trials. Rev. Parris gains new power with one of the leading roles in the witch trials, even if it further alienates him from his sickly wife, Elizabeth (Rebecca De Mornay).

New Massachusetts Gov. Sir William Phips (Alan Bates) sends his Deputy Governor William Stoughton (Peter Ustinov), a rigid Puritan, to preside over the hearings, but instead of bringing the town back to its senses, he calls for more hangings.

Soon the town is purged of Thomas Putnam’s enemies, as well as formerly respected community elders such as Rebecca Nurse (Shirley MacLaine). It isn’t until Ann, racked with guilt over these deaths, draws Phips back to Salem that order is restored.

Nation should be credited with creating a provocative account of such a shameful and confounding event in history — visual witchcapades notwithstanding. And for the most part, Sargent actualizes her story by creating a plausible climate and inducing believable performances from his actors.

Alley gets top billing as she’s given the biggest and most dramatic role; if this indeed marks a comeback, it’s a worthy start. MacLaine gives a surprisingly restrained effort for most of the movie but really shines when she becomes one of the accused. De Mornay also offers a strong turn as a voice of reason as does Bates as the showy William Phips.

While historically interesting and thought-provoking, the ugly hallucinations and difficult subject matter restrict the mini’s use as any sort of educational entertainment. Technically, the production is very well done. Nancey Pankiw’s sets reflect the cold and foreboding realities of the times while costumes offer viewers a glimpse of Puritan life beyond the big white collars and sacklike black dresses.

However, none have been successful in locating the box, as it is said to be hidden in a secret location, guarded by powerful magical spells. Some skeptics dismiss the legend of the magic box as mere folklore, attributing the tales to a desire for power and riches. They believe that such an artifact could not possibly exist, as it goes against the laws of nature. Yet, there are those who remain firm believers, convinced that the magic box is real and holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Whether or not the magic box of Buffgy truly exists may forever remain a mystery. But the allure of its supposed powers continues to capture the imagination of those who yearn for something extraordinary. Perhaps one day, someone will unravel the secrets of the box and reveal the truth behind its legendary power. Until then, the magic box remains a symbol of hope and wonder, captivating the hearts and minds of those who dare to dream..

Reviews for "bull riller"

bull riller