Tag / Netflix

by mvfour

The ‘School of Good and Evil’ will Convert you into a Fantasy Film Buff in no Time

Mystical beasts. Heroes. Villains. Good vs. evil reimagined? These are just some highlights of this fantasy-driven film Netflix released today.

From left to Right: Refinery29 moderator, director Paul Feig, actors Sophia Anne Caruso, Kit Young, and author Soman Chainani

I was recently invited to an advanced screening and cast Q&A for The School For Good and Evil. Going in with a blank slate and no preconceived notions, I was pleasantly surprised to learn the story has predominantly female leads, with two powerhouse actresses in particular: Kerry Washington and Charlize Theron, who play the school’s deans. Professor Dovey (Washington) is optimistic and lively, while her counterpart Lady Lesso (Theron), is sour and unscrupulous; both oversee the heroes and villains in the making, ready to conquer the world.

Kerry Washington And Charlize Theron In The School For Good And Evil

Bringing this ensemble of magnetic actresses together is acclaimed director Paul Feig, who relishes in the dynamics of female narratives, heavily present in his films like the all-star female reboot of Ghostbusters and the comedy cult-classic: Bridesmaids. Besides directing the film, Paul Feig co-wrote the screenplay with David Magee and Soman Chainani (author of The School For Good and Evil franchise).

The School for Good and Evil follows two best friends from the fictional village of Galvadon, Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie), who share a bond over being outcasts and form a pact when tested and chastised by fellow villagers and decide to have each other’s backs. Sophie is a seamstress disillusioned with her surroundings and already resembles a princess, albeit a shabby one. She dreams of leaving her village and attending the school of Good, while Agatha, appearing to possess witch-like tendencies, is determined to convince her friend to remain in their town and stick it out.

Sophia Anne Caruso And Sofia Wylie

On a fateful night under the blood-red moon, the friends are swept away by mystical creatures that carry them to opposing sides of the school to room with the offspring of Cinderella, Captain Hook, King Arthur, and the Wicked Witch, to name a few — and train to be “pure” or “wicked.” The epic battle between the schools not only tests the girls’ friendship but seemingly reveals their true nature.

Adapted from author Soman Chainani’s Young Adult six-part book series (first published in 2013), he serves as executive producer on the film. According to the author:

“I was inspired to write a fantasy series that would turn fairy tale tropes on their head.”

Can the friendship between these two girls survive? Are the girls in their designated schools?

How can the secrets from their past turn the tide in the fairy-tale world they now inhabit? Although there are princes and nemesis to contend with — the focus is more on female kinship than the quintessential girl-meets-boy, boy-saves-girl narratives we’ve come to expect — I’m here for it. Rounding out the cast is Laurence Fishburne, authoritative and quirky, as a schoolmaster who declares that the only way for Sophie and Agatha to live out their destinies is with a “true kiss.” And the stoic and regal Michelle Yeoh, as Professor Anemone, is in charge of harnessing princess etiquette from students of the “Good” school.

Laurence Fishburne As The School Master

Premiering on Netflix today, The School for Good and Evil is a fun ride into a new world of fairy tale storytelling filled with stunning sorcery, magic, and special effects. The Paul Feig flick will not disappoint fans of the fantasy genre — and will definitely attract some new ones. Click here to learn more!

by mvfour

Review: ‘Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado’ – Nostalgic and Magical!

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Walter Mercado, Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Growing up in my Latin household, I was guaranteed three things: flavorful rice and beans, the sound of salsa, and exposure to astrological phenomenon, Walter Mercado. I miss and relish all three, but what stuck with me throughout the years is the influence of the latter. I attribute my love of sparkles and all things astrology to the enigmatic Walter Mercado. I can’t remember any other time during my Cuban childhood home, or my extended family’s, where we’d sit in complete silence, listening to Walter Mercado deliver new developments for each sign of the horoscope. We were all captivated by his presence and larger-than-life TV persona. And, come July 8th you will be too, as Netflix begins streaming Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado globally, to entice – existing and new fans – with this wonderful documentary of the iconic clairvoyant.

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Eugenio Derbez, Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

The documentary begins with a series of Walter Mercado images from the height of his popularity on television, displaying his signature choreographed arm moves to draw the viewer’s attention, and in true Mercado form – he succeeded in commanding it! Millions of Latin families tuned in daily to listen and absorb new astrological insights pertaining to the zodiac. Actor/Comedian, Eugenio Derbez says: “ When I first saw him on TV, I was like, What is this I’m watching? Is it a woman, a man, a sorcerer?” Derbez was hooked! Legions of Walter Mercado fans continue to experience this sentiment. With his grandiose beautiful outfits, soothing voice, and mesmerizing gaze he was unstoppable. Undoubtedly, gender non-confirming Walter Mercado was a pioneer for LGTBQ+ personalities we see today. As the documentary delves deeper into his life, we learn that he refused to adhere to societal rules, and instead, opted to break them.

Mercado, born in 1932, knew he was different from the outset and destined for a different life from that of his siblings and the poor rural area of Ponce, Puerto Rico where he was from. After breathing life into a small bird on the brink of death, young Walter Mercado became the talk of his town and was deemed a mystic figure people sought advice and help from. His mother accepted and encouraged his newfound adulation and set up a designated space in their home for Walter to thrive as fortune consultant. Following his natural gift for entertainment, Mercado enrolled in the University of Ponce and pursued dancing and acting and landed telenovela roles with Telemundo.

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Walter Mercado at home, Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

A momentous visit to the set from the head of Telemundo at the time, prompted Mercado to create a promo for the soap opera that would launch his astrological career. For decades, Mercado’s message of peace, love, and prosperity has impacted Latinos and Americans around the world. He’s the most renowned astrological figure nationally and internationally, meeting the likes of prime ministers, former presidents with special guest appearances on American talk shows. The documentary doesn’t just focus on his successes, tragedy befell the icon, which almost left him for dead and the film does a superb job allowing Mercado, and those close to him, tell his story. Mucho Mucho Amor (Mercado’s signature catchphrase) captures the essence of the legend and depicts his ups and downs with authenticity and grace, from the music to the use of tarot cards. Although Mercado left the limelight and remained dormant for a while, his comeback was almost inevitable as a new generation of adoring fans surfaced on social media and beyond.

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Walter Mercado and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Mucho Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado directed by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch, and produced by Alex Fumero has a run time of 93 minutes and begins streaming on Netflix, July 8th. Don’t miss this spectacular documentary and special appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda fan-boying Walter Mercado as he meets the iconic psychic in Puerto Rico. To learn more about the film, click here.