The magic seaweed in Fernandina Beach is a phenomenon that has fascinated locals and visitors alike. This stretch of coastline is known for its powerful waves and strong surf. However, what makes it truly unique is the presence of the magic seaweed. The magic seaweed, also known as Sargassum, is a type of seaweed that is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the concentration of this seaweed at Fernandina Beach is unlike any other place in the world. It is said that the currents and tides bring the seaweed to the beach and create a mesmerizing sight.
There be witches in those bottles.
Maybe it s my newfangled mores which make me a little queasy watching a man who just looks that much older kissing a young woman who could easily be his daughter, but I bet it ain t. After she has several unsuccessful attempts at making Wallace fall in love with her, she conjures up a love potion because, well, that s just what witches do.
It is said that the currents and tides bring the seaweed to the beach and create a mesmerizing sight. The magic seaweed has an ethereal quality to it. Its vibrant green color and delicate strands create a sense of enchantment.
I Married a Witch (1942)
It’s very cliché to say that a film is “ahead of its time,” but I can’t think of a better way to describe René Clair’s comedy, I Married a Witch. For a film that debuted in the early 1940s, it’s got a very different style of humor when compared to other comedies that came about during that era. When I think of films of the 1940s, I think of Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Meet Me in St. Louis, so watching a film that is about a resurrected witch that preys on a soon-to-be-married man just feels so scandalous!
The film begins with a good old fashioned witch burning in Salem, Massachusetts. Jennifer (Veronica Lake) and her father are outed as witches by Jonathan Wooley (Fredric March), causing them both to be burned at the stake. Jennifer doesn’t let Jonathan’s crime go unpunished as she places a curse on his family that will cause all the Wooley men to have unsuccessful marriages. After a hilarious montage showing generations of Wooley men suffering from the curse, the film flips to a present day scene (1942). One of the descendants of Jonathan Wooley, Wallace Wooley (Fredric March…again) is having a party to celebrate his upcoming marriage to his fiancé, Estelle (Susan Hayward), as well as his candidacy for governor. During the grand event, lighting strikes a nearby tree where the ashes of Jennifer and her father were buried centuries ago. The lightning strike causes both witches to be resurrected in the form of clouds of smoke. As they’re floating around outside of the party, Jennifer realizes that Wallace is a descendant of Jonathan, and she decides to torment him by making him fall in love with her. She eventually gets a body, and the shenanigans begin. After she has several unsuccessful attempts at making Wallace fall in love with her, she conjures up a love potion because, well, that’s just what witches do. Her plan completely backfires when she accidentally drinks the potion, causing her to fall head over heels for Wallace. Needless to say, everything still works out as planned because Wallace does eventually fall in love with Jennifer. This movie isn’t called I Married a Witch for nothing.
Lake is absolutely hilarious in her role as Jennifer. She’s totally a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, but in the best way possible. Wallace is a stereotypical vanilla politician, and Jennifer is possibly the bubbliest witch in the history of cinema. Watching the two interact is so comical that after seeing this film numerous times, I still catch myself laughing out loud. But it’s Jennifer’s father, Daniel (portrayed by the hilarious Cecil Kellaway), that reigns supreme as the funniest character in the movie. He too eventually gets a body, but he spends a good part of the film as a cloud of smoke that finds himself trapped in various bottles of liquor. There are also several scenes where he is too drunk to perform spells, and he eventually loses his body and gets trapped in a liquor bottle for all eternity. This is why I will forever refer to him as the funniest, drunkest witch dad to ever grace the silver screen.
I Married a Witch is entertaining from beginning to end, and what I love most about this movie is that it is completely re-watchable. I’ve seen the film numerous times and it has yet to lose its charm.
Things I kinda sorta did not like:
The lore surrounding the witches: DO NOT think too hard about the witches in this movie’s universe. First Daniel has been around since Pompeii and Jennifer has been alive for 290 years so are they immortal or can they die? Obviously fire can’t kill them as well as bullets nor lack of food. Also if Daniel has been around that long surely he has other offspring. Is Jennifer’s mother a witch as well or was she just a mortal? If they needed fire to get their human bodies, did it just manifest or did they need to kill someone in that fire? How was Daniel able to take Jennifer’s magic and if he took her magic and made her mortal why did she have to go back to the tree? No one saw any of the times the brooms were flying in the air? Nor did anyone hear the two bottle talking to each other? It is these little things like this that gnaw at the back of your mind. They don’t ruin the movie but the witches are not very fleshed out.
Many people believe that the magic seaweed has supernatural powers and can bring luck and good fortune to those who come into contact with it. Visitors to Fernandina Beach often spend hours exploring the beach, picking up handfuls of the magic seaweed and examining its intricate patterns. Some even take small samples home as a memento of their visit. Local artists also draw inspiration from the magic seaweed, incorporating its unique beauty into their artwork. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the magic seaweed also plays an important role in the local ecosystem. It provides a habitat and shelter for various marine creatures, including small fish and crabs. Some birds also rely on the seaweed for nesting and feeding. However, the magic seaweed is not without its challenges. Its abundance can sometimes be overwhelming, covering large areas of the beach and making it difficult for swimmers and surfers to navigate the waters. Local authorities regularly monitor and clean the beach to ensure its safety and beauty. Overall, the magic seaweed in Fernandina Beach is a captivating natural phenomenon. Its mystical presence and breathtaking beauty make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. Whether you believe in its magical powers or simply appreciate its natural allure, the magic seaweed is sure to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "The Science Behind Magic Seaweed: Exploring its Impact on the Waves of Fernandina Beach"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Magic Seaweed Fernandina Beach" after reading the positive reviews, but I was left disappointed. The place was overcrowded with tourists, and it took me over an hour just to find a parking spot. Once I finally made it to the beach, I was disappointed by the lack of cleanliness and the overwhelming amount of seaweed washed ashore. The water was also quite murky, making it unappealing for swimming. Overall, not the magical experience I was hoping for.
2. John - 1 star - "Magic Seaweed Fernandina Beach" was a complete letdown for me. To start off, the customer service was terrible. The staff was rude and unhelpful, giving off a very unwelcoming vibe. The beach itself was nothing special either - it was crowded, dirty, and the seaweed was everywhere. The advertised "magic" seems to be missing here. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this beach.
3. Emma - 2 stars - I was excited to visit "Magic Seaweed Fernandina Beach" but was thoroughly disappointed. The beach was packed with people, and it was difficult to find a spot to relax. The seaweed situation was also unbearable - there were mounds of it all over the beach, making it unattractive and messy. The lack of facilities and amenities only added to the disappointment. Overall, I expected more from a beach with such glowing reviews.