The Devil and Daniel Webster Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A writer makes a deal with Jennifer Love Hewitt to become famous, then Anthony Hopkins yells a lot in court, because it’s cheaper than therapy.

🍿 The Devil and Daniel Webster: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Jabez’s Desperation

Jabez Stone, a struggling writer in New York City, is plagued by rejection and misfortune. He envies his successful friend, Julius, and in a moment of despair, jokingly offers his soul to the Devil for literary success. This sets the stage for a Faustian bargain with potentially devastating consequences. He is desperate for fame and recognition.

The Devil’s Contract

Jennifer Love Hewitt embodies the Devil, appearing as a captivating and persuasive figure. She offers Jabez a contract promising fame and fortune. The Devil’s seductive charm masks the true cost of this deal, blinding Jabez to the potential ramifications. His novels quickly rise to the top of bestseller lists, though they are critically panned.

The Price of Fame

As Jabez gains fame and wealth, he loses his friends and moral compass. He becomes arrogant and isolated, realizing the hollowness of his success. The initial excitement fades as he recognizes that his achievements come at a significant personal cost. This leads him to regret his impulsive decision.

Seeking Redemption

Desperate to escape the Devil’s grasp, Jabez seeks the help of Daniel Webster, a renowned publisher and lawyer. Webster agrees to defend Jabez in a trial against the Devil, representing his last hope for salvation. This sets up the climactic courtroom showdown, where Jabez’s soul hangs in the balance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jabez Stone (Alec Baldwin): A struggling writer who sells his soul to the Devil for fame and success, only to realize the emptiness of his bargain.
• The Devil (Jennifer Love Hewitt): A seductive and cunning being who grants Jabez Stone’s desires in exchange for his soul.
• Daniel Webster (Anthony Hopkins): A renowned publisher who becomes Jabez Stone’s unlikely savior, offering him a chance to break his contract with the Devil.
• Julius Jensen (Dan Aykroyd): Jabez Stone’s successful writer friend, whose success triggers Jabez’s desperate deal with the Devil.
• Constance Hurry (Kim Cattrall): An opportunistic associate who aids Jabez in achieving literary success through questionable means after his deal with the Devil.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Daniel Webster: “Better neither than both.” – Daniel Webster responds with wisdom and humor to the aging writer’s crass remark.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $686,846

💥 The Devil and Daniel Webster Reviews

Personal Review

I wanted to like this movie because of the cast, but it just didn’t click for me. Jennifer Love Hewitt was surprisingly good as the Devil, but Alec Baldwin’s character was hard to root for. The courtroom scene was supposed to be dramatic, but it felt rushed and didn’t have the emotional impact it needed. I kept waiting for it to get better, but it never quite got there. The one scene I did enjoy was when Hopkins’ character first confronts Baldwin, a clash of acting styles that was fascinating to watch. Overall, it was just an okay movie, nothing special.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in morality tales”
  • “Those who appreciate Anthony Hopkins’ performances”
  • “People who enjoy modern interpretations of classic literature”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Language”
  • “Suggestive Content”
  • “Thematic elements relating to deals with the devil”
  • “Some mature themes may not be suitable for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Despite a stellar cast including Hopkins and Hewitt, Baldwin’s attempt to modernize this classic tale falls flat, suffering from a muddled tone and uninspired direction. The courtroom scenes are particularly weak, lacking the tension and drama needed to elevate the film.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film’s biggest problem is Alec Baldwin’s heavy-handed direction. Hewitt tries her best as the Devil, but is often overshadowed by Hopkins, who seems to be acting in a completely different movie. The script lacks wit, and the overall result is a forgettable adaptation.
• New York Times: “Anthony Hopkins adds some gravitas to this muddled retelling of the classic story, though his efforts are largely wasted. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s devil is more cute than menacing. The film struggles to find its footing, ultimately failing to deliver a compelling or memorable experience.

Audience Reactions

Anthony Hopkins’ performance was the only saving grace.: Most viewers felt that the cast was wasted on a weak script and poor direction.

Jennifer Love Hewitt was miscast as the Devil.: Many felt that the film lacked the charm and wit of the original story.

Overall Consensus: A poorly executed remake with a talented cast, ultimately failing to live up to its potential.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alec Baldwin served as both director and lead actor, but later requested his name be removed from the credits due to extensive re-editing by Bob Yari Productions.”
• “The film is a modern adaptation of Stephen Vincent Benét’s short story ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster,’ which has been adapted multiple times.”
• “The movie experienced significant delays and sat on the shelf for years before being released.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devil and Daniel Webster?

The Devil and Daniel Webster (also known as Shortcut to Happiness) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Some cable providers also offer on-demand access to the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devil and Daniel Webster, you might like these similar films:

• Bedazzled (2000): A more comedic take on selling one’s soul to the Devil, with a similar theme of unexpected consequences.
• The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009): Explores themes of temptation, deals with the devil, and the battle for souls in a visually imaginative setting.

🛒 The Devil and Daniel Webster Related Products

• Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Barnes & Noble Classics Series): Read the source material that inspired The Devil and Daniel Webster. Goethe’s Faust is a cornerstone of Western literature, exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and the human condition. This edition includes helpful annotations and an insightful introduction.
• The Devil and Daniel Webster [Blu-ray] (1941): Experience the original classic adaptation of Stephen Vincent Benét’s short story, starring Walter Huston as Mr. Scratch. This Blu-ray offers improved picture and sound quality, allowing viewers to appreciate the film’s timeless themes and stellar performances.
• Supernatural: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: If you’re into stories of demons, deals with the devil, and fighting supernatural forces, check out this epic series. Join Sam and Dean Winchester as they battle evil and make their own deals with dark forces to save the world.
• Good Omens: The Complete Series: Explore the humorous side of the apocalypse in this adaptation of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s novel. Featuring an angel and a demon who team up to prevent the end of the world, this series offers a witty and imaginative take on the battle between good and evil.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Devil and Daniel Webster features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Are You There, Margaret? It’s Me God” – performed by The Baldwin Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He helped the old man 😌 | Movie title: The Devil and Daniel Webster | #movie #film

Check out this clip from ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster’ that perfectly sums up the heart of the movie. Seeing how this character selflessly helps someone is truly inspiring!

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