Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 30, 2025

Larry Cohen may be used to low-budget production challenges, but I can’t imagine he was fully prepared for the craziness that went on during the shooting of 1989’s “Wicked Stepmother.” The feature was intended to star Hollywood legend Bette Davis, who recently returned to action in 1987’s “The Whales of August,” looking to keep some career momentum going. Davis spent a few days on the set of Cohen’s picture before leaving for reasons that differ among those telling the story of her exit, putting the helmer in a position to save the movie, scrambling to rework the script while hiring Barbara Carrera to replace Davis. It’s the kind of professional chaos that’s interesting to study, but “Wicked Stepmother” certainly doesn’t benefit from such turmoil. Cohen is holding on for dear life in the offering, which is often confused and careless, trying desperately to be wildly amusing with some truly awful ideas for comedy. There’s a curiosity factor in play, but the viewing experience is rough as Cohen attempts to piece together a sellable endeavor.

Jenny (Colleen Camp) and her husband, Steve (David Rasche), have arrived to spend some time with her elderly father, Sam (Lionel Stander). Instead of a happy reunion, Jenny is horrified to learn that Sam has married Miranda (Bette Davis), a chain-smoking woman who changes everything about her dad, claiming control of the household. Jenny and Steve try to play nice as they observe Miranda’s control, but something isn’t right, and the daughter is determined to learn more about the stranger. Soon entering the house is Priscilla (Barbara Carrera), who claims to be Miranda’s daughter, taking over for her suddenly absent mother, setting her sights on creating chaos in the house, including targeting Steve for seduction. Jenny turns to private detective Pringle (Richard Moll) for help investigating Miranda, and Lt. MacIntosh (Tom Bosley) tries to make sense of possible witchcraft, tying the old woman to past domestic takeovers involving strange ways to destroy families.

“Wicked Stepmother” offers an opening 15 minutes of passable clarity. Miranda moves in with Sam, taking over his life in strange ways that include a return to meat consumption after living a vegetarian lifestyle, and he’s newly obsessed with television, favoring game shows. Jenny is horrified by the discovery, Steve is baffled, and Lt. MacIntosh is on the case, having recently discovered a family shrunk down to the size of quarters after encountering Miranda’s influence. A battle between a daughter and her stepmother seems to be in the making, and then, poof, “Wicked Stepmother” is suddenly about Priscilla and her arrival, which is tied to something about a magic cat and its ability to only house one spirit at a time.

It's easy to pick apart the logic of “Wicked Stepmother,” as it really doesn’t have any to begin with. Cohen is trying to staple together a ruined filmmaking plan, striving to connect Davis to Carrera, and doing so as fast as possible to refocus on a younger, lustier witch who’s newly interested in tempting Steve into bed, winning him over by helping him in tax court. She’s also a pal to Jenny’s son Mike (Shawn Donahue), using her magic to turn him into a beach hero, and Cohen ruins the sequence by adding a very strange sexual predator button on it. “Wicked Stepmother” tracks the family members as they respond to Priscilla, finding Sam delighted with his new hair growth after going bald, and he’s sent on a game show adventure, gifted perfect knowledge. Jenny hires Pringle, who’s meant to add physical comedy to the movie, but brief racism is found instead. Lt. MacIntosh essentially disappears from the film after an extended introduction, and Steve is left to drool over the new addition to the household, bringing sex into what seems like Cohen’s attempt at making a family picture.

Cohen struggles to communicate a motivation behind Miranda/Priscilla’s madness, exploring their perverse desire to build up targets before ruining them. It’s not exactly clear what’s going on, but the helmer hopes to distract from severe storytelling issues, eventually putting Priscilla’s dark magic to work destroying the house, initially tearing apart the kitchen. Cohen has ideas for fantasy fun, but execution is pretty dreadful, extending to bluescreen work, which is horrible, even for a low-budget picture. However, film fans might enjoy these moments, as they resemble visuals from 1980’s “Xanadu,” putting a bizarre glow around the characters as they engage in slapstick moments.

Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The visual presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for "Wicked Stepmother" is listed as a "new 2K scan from the original camera negative." The viewing experience offers capable detail, delivering skin particulars on the cast and their wide range of ages. Costuming is also fibrous. Household interiors are dimensional, also maintaining a good look at decorative additions and special effects. Exteriors offer depth. Color is secure, handling the feature's darker appearance at times, with defined blacks and grays. Brighter hues are found with L.A. living, including greenery and blue skies, and makeup is distinct, especially on Miranda and her red lipstick. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides fresh dialogue exchanges, maintaining clarity with very different performance choices and accents. Scoring provides distinct synth support, selling the mischief and danger of "Wicked Stepmother." Sound effects are appreciable.

Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Which Witch is Which" (12:10, HD) is a video conference interview with editor David Kern, who initially met Larry Cohen through David Carradine, receiving a phone call years later to help put 1982's "Q – The Winged Serpent" into shape. The interviewee reflects on his professional relationship with the helmer, which boils down to a "do what your told" dynamic, eventually hired to edit "Wicked Stepmother," receiving a chance to work with Bette Davis footage. The actress proved to be difficult during the making of the feature, dealing with a dental issue that triggered a loss of confidence, eventually quitting the picture. Production quickly resumed with Barbara Carrera, and Kern details optical mistakes made after the casting change, adding pressure on the director, who fought for a chance to finish the feature. Admitting "Wicked Stepmother" was "lacking in some departments," Kern remains candid about the strange professional experience, admitting he hasn't seen the film in years.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:34, SD) is included.

Wicked Stepmother Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Perhaps "Wicked Stepmother" was a no-win situation for Cohen, who could've walked away from a crumbling production, but decided to stick it out, fighting to build a new story with whatever he could find. He's not successful, as the movie is a mess, but one that features a passably spirited performance from Carrera, who's really, truly trying to be the life of the party here, playing with silliness and sexiness for Cohen, who needs her presence. And there's the novelty of seeing Davis in the last performance of her career. She's frail and barely has the breath to say her lines, but the idea of her as an unholy sex machine bent on crushing her victims might've been something if she stuck around, really putting Cohen's creative vision to the test.