Hocus Pocus (1993 film) made to the script to make the film more comedic and made two of its young protagonists into teenagers; however, production was stalled several times until 1992, when Bette Midler expressed interest in the script and the project immediately went forward. Midler, who plays the central antagonist of the film (originally written for Cloris Leachman), is quoted as saying that "Hocus Pocus" "was the most fun I'd had in my career up to that point". Leonardo DiCaprio was originally offered the lead role of Max, but declined it in order to pursue "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". Principal photography began on
Cousin Bette (film) her own to be a great artist who returns her love. "Cousin Bette" received mixed reviews from critics and it holds a 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 22 reviews. Jessica Lange received strong praise for her performance. Stephen Holden of the "New York Times" referred to the film as "it feels as rushed, overstuffed and devoid of texture". Cousin Bette (film) Cousin Bette is a 1998 British-American comedy-drama film starring Jessica Lange in the title role and is loosely based on the novel "Cousin Bette" by Honoré de Balzac. The wealthy Hulot family gathers at the deathbed of