There is a fairly extensive history of movies with teenage protagonists bravely facing danger and opposition while trying to save their town or family, from The Goonies and The Monster Squad to the more recent Super 8 and Monster Summer.  They are, at least ostensibly, family friendly, emphasizing adventure more than horror or suspense, constructed to demonstrate how capable young people can be under pressure.  This is the start of a series of “Wickensburg” films.

Richard Boddington’s tale introduces a mother and son (Denise Richards, Jensen Gering) who move to the title town to start over.  It’s a weird little town, rather unfriendly, and with strange history.  They meet a self-professed teenage witch (Catherine White) who befriends the boy, explains things, and encourages action to solve the emerging mystery involving a curse on the town and various occult or paranormal happenings.

It all works, to a point.  Although the production has the feeling of a TV-movie rather than a feature film the setting is used effectively and the premise is intriguing.  Denise Richards doesn’t do very much with her role but Catherine White is delightful as Willow Darkwood, the teen witch.  She is the character who brings this tale to life.  Jensen Gering is effective as the main character, Elliott, but his actions are predictable and obvious too much of the time.  Still, the film is entertaining, if not spectacularly so, and merits a viewing for genre fans.  ☆ ☆.  24 January 2026.