Satan's brewhaha

An overwrought horror-fantasy set in the 14th century, Season of the Witch does not offer up anything like a genuine chill.

Rather, it offers crummy locations (the medieval tale was filmed largely in Croatia), some frenzied battle scenes and plenty of satanic manifestations.

The special effects are of the low-rent variety.

Director Sena (Gone in 60 Seconds) has little idea how to develop dread as he plods through a story about two disillusioned crusaders (Cage-Perlman) tasked with escorting an alleged pestilence-causing witch (Claire Foy) to trial.

The climactic confrontation in a spooky monastery has to be seen to be disbelieved.

It is apparent that for Nicolas Cage the assignment was just a matter of another pay cheque. As his burly sidekick, Ron Perlman has a blast, though. Old-timer Christopher Lee fetches up briefly in the role of a disfigured Cardinal.

All seen and suffered, this …Witch doesn't cast any spell.