Tag: fairy-tales

Spoiler-Free Review of “The School for Good and Evil” on Netflix: Jam-Packed Fantasy has its moments

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Some wishes are too powerful to take back…”

The School for Good and Evil released on Netflix on October 19th 2022. The fantasy drama based on the book series stars Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, and Michelle Yeoh. It runs for approximately two hours and thirty minutes.

Best friends wind up becoming rivals when they are magically transported to a school where fairy-tale heroes and villains are trained to fulfill their true destinies.

Here is the trailer:

The School for Good and Evil is a mashup of Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time, filled with plenty of magical moments. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Cute concept and gorgeous scenery.

This film really felt like it was part of a fairy-tale storybook. The scenery and costumes were absolutely gorgeous. I think it effectively created this world for the audience, drawing us into a wickedly fun place full of imagination.

I haven’t read the book series, but I thoroughly liked the concept. I’m a fan of modernizing fairy-tales even if it may be overdone.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Great cast!

Charlize and Kerry were absolutely wonderful and the perfect choices for these roles. I also thought both of the main characters were very likable and I think they did a good job of making us believe the friendship between them, which was the core of the story.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Tries to do too much…

This film was way too long and I think it overstuffed it. There were some really great moments that I would have liked to have seen fleshed out more. Once we got to the big reveals, everything felt super rushed and I couldn’t sit back and appreciate it the way I’m sure I would have if I had read the book.

It’s clear that this film borrowed a lot from Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time, but I wanted it to find its own identity. There were definitely glimmers of it here and there and I think this film had a lot of potential, but it needed a little more to fully captivate me. I still enjoyed my watch, however.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in about 75 percent…

There are some magical moments and plenty for fans of the fantasy and fairy-tale genres to enjoy in this one. 

I’m not sure that the film did anything that unique to stand out from some of its predecessors, but it was fun all the same.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The School for Good and Evil in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 villains from “Once Upon a Time”

Happy Saturday TV Fans!  For today, I started to really think about all of the heroes and villains on Once Upon a Time.  One of the reasons why I truly love this show is because it redefines these roles from traditional fairy-tales.  Heroes we root for are far from perfect and villains transform into unlikely heroes, rewriting their own stories in the process.  Who says that villains can’t achieve a happy ending? 

It’s never too late to change and embrace the goodness within that has been stifled by past actions and circumstances.  While some villains are never able to redeem themselves, others have surpassed our expectations, sacrificing everything for the greater good.  Over the seven seasons of OUAT, we have witnessed some of our favorite heroes fall from grace and some of the most notorious villains accept their true destiny, saving the day and reminding us that we all have the potential to do the right thing.

Even though some of their roles have been redefined, one cannot forget how truly “wicked” they once were, proving to be formidable foes who threaten to extinguish all of the good in Storybrooke and other realms.

Whether they possess dark magic, a knack for manipulation, or an impressive evil cackle, these villains have paved their way into my top 5, refusing to make it easy for the good guys.  After all, where is the fun in that?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the series yet. My top 5 villains from Once Upon a Time are:

5

Captain Hook

While most of us will think of Captain Hook as a hero, we can’t forget how he started out on the show.  Captain Hook was a villain who was purely out for revenge.  The “crocodile” is none other than Rumplestiltskin and is responsible for cutting off Captain’s Hook hand and for killing his love, Milah.  Milah was married to Rumplestiltskin, but we learn that she and Captain Hook were lovers, which only enraged Rumplestiltskin even further.  Captain Hook started off as a pirate looking for adventure.  He may have had selfish tendencies, but he didn’t truly become a villain until he became obsessed with his quest for vengeance.

Captain Hook teams up with Cora, but soon learns that there is more to life than revenge.  While it’s difficult for Hook to let go of this, his growing feelings for Emma show him that perhaps he can go down a different path…or sail down a different coast.  Captain Hook is redeemed by his selfless and pure love for Emma.  He becomes a hero one can be proud of and sheds his treachery in the process.

4

Zelena

Otherwise known as “The Wicked Witch of the West,” we learn that Zelena is Regina’s half-sister.  Zelena was abandoned when she was a child and never really found anyone who could truly accept her.  Rumplestiltskin taught her how to channel her rage and magic, which turned her into a powerful witch.

Zelena’s wickedness comes from her jealousy.  When she goes to see the wizard, she sees Rumple stating that Regina is his best student and her jealousy escalates so much that it turns her skin green with envy.  Zelena is a primary villain for most of the show, but she eventually forms a sisterly bond with Regina and learns what love is.

Even though Zelena is able to redeem herself, her side comments and puns still have a “wicked” quality that make fans adore her even more.  Zelena may be fighting on the side of good now, but that doesn’t mean she needs to suppress her opinions and sense of humor in the process.

3

The Evil Queen

After watching the entire series, it’s difficult to lump Regina Mills with the Evil Queen, especially since her evil half gets separated from her later on.  However, everyone has a past and Regina definitely has done her fair share of evil.  The Evil Queen focused most of her revenge on Snow White and made it a priority to become the most powerful of all.  She is known for ripping out the hearts of her enemies to control them, proving to be ruthless and coldblooded.

In Storybrooke, Regina is the mayor and is not afraid to showcase her “power” for all to see.  However, Regina’s love for her adopted son, Henry, teaches her that unconditional love is possible.  While her romantic love interest, Robin is killed, Regina is still able to hold on to goodness because of her family.

At the end of the series, “The Evil Queen” has transformed into the “The Good Queen,” and is actually elected by everyone in Storybrooke to lead them.  This is a pivotal moment for Regina because she spent most of her past forcing others to follow her commands.  However, she is now fully accepted as a hero and is trusted because of her goodness and courage.

2

Dark Emma Swan

Emma Swan is known as “The Savior” and the main protagonist on the show.  Even though she had trouble believing, she always tried to do what was right and when she becomes “Dark Emma Swan,” it was completely shocking.  The twist was a role reversal for our favorite hero, which kept us on the edge of our seats.

Emma’s actions were to protect Regina from darkness, as she consumes the magic of “The Dark One.”  Emma’s hair is now an icy white, as the darkness within her corrupts her, turning her into a fear-provoking villain.  Emma is still conflicted, as she clearly cares about her loved ones, but she recognizes how strong the darkness is.  She plans to sacrifice herself, but Hook intervenes and takes her place to save her. 

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Ingrid, the Snow Queen
  • Peter Pan
  • Black Fairy
  • Mother Gothel
  • Maleficent
  • Cruella De Vil
  • Cora Mills
  • Hades
  • Drizella
  • Doctor Facilier

1

Rumplestiltskin

It should be no surprise that my favorite villain has to be Rumplestiltskin.  Insert his classic creepy laugh here “dearie.”  Rumplestiltskin enjoys making deals and gaining power as a result.  He always has something up his sleeve whether you are aware or not.  If we look at a lot of the other villains mentioned, Rumple has played a role with almost all of them in some form or another.  While he is consumed by the power of “The Dark One,” Mr. Gold is no stranger to concocting his own schemes as well to further his agenda.

What makes him a truly great villain is that he often goes unnoticed.  However, he is the master puppeteer in many instances, which proves how powerful and dangerous he can be.  While it initially seemed like Rumple could never be redeemed, his pure love for Belle changes his tune.  Belle sees the good in him even when others see him as a monster or a “beast.”  While Rumple does disappoint Belle along the way by giving in to the darkness, he desperately tries to be the man she wants him to be.  However, Rumple does not fully redeem himself until the end of the series.  Up until this point, we have seen signs of goodness within him, but he has always been too afraid to fully commit.  Even in his past, he was called a coward and it seems like this has always come back to haunt him.

At the end of the series, Wish Rumple threatens everyone and Rumple finally realizes that he may not be able to be with Belle again after all.  He puts aside the one thing he cares about more than anything in order to help his family and friends.  When he sacrifices himself and gives his heart over to Nook, he has finally embraced the goodness that has been trying to surface for so long.

Rumple’s act is out of pure goodness and friendship and he can now finally earn the happy ending he has been searching for.  In the afterlife, Rumple and Belle are together and will never be apart again.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite villains from Once Upon a Time.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support! 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 12: “H Town”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 12 last night, I wish I could get the opportunity to listen in on Henry’s full podcast, “H Town.”  While he carefully unravels a mystery for his listeners, he is spot on when he asks the relevant question:  “what could possibly happen next?”  When one door closes on OUAT, fans know that several more are about to open, bringing new faces to town and dangerous enemies as well.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “A Taste of the Heights,” we finally learn more about Sabine/Tiana’s past, which introduces us to new characters like Doctor Facilier and Prince Naveen.   Meanwhile, Rumpel finally throws his hat in the ring to uncover the mystery behind Lucy’s doctor’s death, Henry finds out about the mix tape Jacinda made him, and Regina’s jaded past catches up to her.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 12 are:

5

Welcome back Rumpel!

So even though Rumpel has been in most of the episodes this season, it seems like he has been taking a back seat to the drama, which seems uncharacteristic and suspicious.  Well that’s all about to change and it’s about time.  Rumpel begins investigating the death of Lucy’s doctor and doesn’t believe for one second that it is pure coincidence that she died at the exact moment that Victoria did.  He loops in Hook or “Nook” and explains that the lock of hair could mean that there is an evil in town extending past Eloise/Mother Gothel.  Our two favorite detectives interview Hilda who runs a bakery.  What’s her best seller?  Gingerbread of course, which Rumpel points out, is really out of season.  Hilda is blind and is clearly the witch from Hansel and Gretel.  While initially it seems like she might know more than she is letting on, she is then attacked and a lock of her hair goes missing as well.  Is this the work of Doctor Facilier?  Seems likely when we think about voodoo magic, but we know that Rumpel and Nook are on the case.

4

“Food Truck Queen of the Heights.”

So I was thrilled that we finally got the opportunity in this episode to really get a glimpse at Sabine/Tiana’s back story.  It really was perfect timing since Dr. Facilier and Prince Naveen have also conveniently shown up in town, now that Victoria is dead.  While Tiana/Sabine recognizes that she is a perfectionist, she’s used to putting on a “one woman show,” as Naveen/Drew reminds her.  Tiana always puts her people first in her past and tries to do what is right.  In her present, she is quite nervous about her food truck debut and is heartbroken when the cop tells her she can’t debut at the event because she is missing her safety permit.  While she initially blames Naveen/Drew, he does the right thing to win her trust and gives her his own safety permit.  Swoon!  While this seems to be bringing these two back together again, Doctor Facilier/Mr. Samdi shows up and tells Naveen that he did a good job winning her trust.  Is Naveen/Drew really out for himself or will he do the right thing and be true to Tiana/Sabine?

3

“The dark one in denim.  How quaint.”

Zelena was absolutely hilarious in this moment and I couldn’t help chuckling myself.  While Rumpel may not have the best fashion sense, he is vital to bringing down the new threat in the Heights.  When Rumpel approaches Regina and Zelena, Regina is initially angry because she tried to bring Rumpel into the fold much earlier.  However, she recognizes that he might be the key to them saving Henry.  They put two and two together and realize that someone is killing witches.  This means that the threat is nowhere near over and it also means that Regina and Zelena are in danger themselves.  Will they be able to stop this new threat before it’s too late?

2

“Word on the street is you made me a mix tape.”

While I can’t really buy Henry using the phrase, “word on the street,” this moment is absolutely adorable between him and Jacinda.  Lucy is now awake and it seems like Henry and Jacinda’s romance can finally begin or begin again.  Lucy is beyond excited and they invite Henry over for a game night.  Lucy confides to Henry that it’s all real and that her grandmother, Victoria showed her the book.  While she doesn’t know where the book is now, she is convinced that true’s love kiss will break the curse.  However, Lucy finds a missing page of the book which reveals the truth that the kiss will end Henry’s life.  She quickly intervenes just in the nick of time and stops the kiss from happening.  Now that Lucy knows the truth, who will she turn to for help?  Will Henry and Jacinda ever be able to get their happily ever after?

1

Regina’s past is revealed.

While it seems apparent that Doctor Facilier could be the evil threat everyone is talking about, I was shocked to learn that Regina had a romantic past with him.  At the end of the episode, Regina pays him a visit and says, “You think you can just waltz into my town and pretend you’re cursed.”  She asks him what he is here for, which is something we are all wondering, but Doctor Facilier does not appear to be intimidated by his former flame, Regina.  Big mistake Doctor Facilier.  If there is anything I know for sure, it’s that you don’t mess with Regina Mills!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

You can now follow me on Twitter as well! https://twitter.com/TV_Fanatic_Girl

My top television shows of 2017 on Local Networks: Cheers to the CW!

Greetings TV Fans!  For today, I am going to be listing my top favorite television shows that aired in 2017 on local networks.  While some shows near the top of my list were no surprise for me, there were others that were a pleasant revelation, providing just the right amount of entertainment.  There were also some shows that I used to enjoy a lot which fell short this past year and are in need of something earth-shattering to happen in 2018 to get them back to the top of the pack.  While I haven’t gotten a chance to view all shows that aired new episodes in 2017, I did get to more than I initially anticipated.  Please feel free to include some of your favorites below as well.  Once again, I will be breaking the shows into 3 categories:  the best of the best, honorable mentions, and shows that have lost some steam.  Please note some spoilers are ahead.

The Best of the Best of television shows airing on local networks for 2017 in no particular order are:

Riverdale

Supernatural

The 100

The Mick

Prison Break Revival

The CW network had some real contenders for 2017 and proved that they are not just a network holding on to a few fan favorites to survive.  It is no secret that Supernatural has been the longest running show on their network, but I was pleased to see so much content in the episodes airing in 2017.  Sam and Dean continued to keep fans hooked with their charm and humor while dealing with the British Men of Letters and understanding why their mother is back from the dead.  The boys encountered new enemies and dealt with their own inner demons along the way, reminding us that they can be just as vulnerable as we are deep down.  The 100 proved to have another addicting season, which has been the perfect mid-season show in my opinion.  Clark and the others left us with a cliff-hanger, where they end up going back into space because the world is no longer habitable.  Will they survive?  Seems likely since we should have another season premiering soon, but all bets are off.  The most pleasant introduction for me on the CW was Riverdale, based on the Archie comic series.  While the series has just the right amount of bubble gum pop providing fans with a nostalgic feel from the comic series, it takes on a life of its own.  Riverdale gives fans the perfect blend of romance and mystery, providing more depth for some of our beloved characters.  Fox also had some great shows airing in 2017, including The Mick and Prison Break Revival.  Kaitlin Olson proved that she can be a starring lady for sure, stepping out from the shadow of her stars on It’s Always Sunny to provide fans with a raw and edgy new comedy balanced with some family values in-between.  Since I am a big fan of Prison Break, I was excited to see the revival air this year, providing fans with a solution to the ending that left so many of us wondering what went wrong.  Michael and Lincoln were back with a new prison to escape from, bringing some new and old friends along for the ride.  The series still had that same amount of edge-of-your-seat action that hooked us initially, allowing us to root for the brothers once again.

Honorable mentions for television shows airing on local networks for 2017 in no particular order:

Grimm

Hawaii Five-0

Once Upon a Time

Modern Family

Grimm aired its last season in 2017 which was actually entertaining and brought everything full circle for fans.  While the series had lost some of its edge from earlier seasons, this last one proved that it would not go out without a fight.  While one fairy-tale show came to an end, Once Upon a Time started fresh introducing some new characters and story-lines along the way.  While some of our favorite characters are no longer around, it made sense to give the show a fresh chance.  Some of the newcomers have actually been quite entertaining, working nicely with fan-favorites, Regina and Hook.  Will they be able to keep the momentum going?  Time will tell.  Hawaii Five-0 and Modern Family are shows that I consistently watch that gave us just the right amount of consistent entertainment to satisfy fans.  While both shows have been on the air for a while now, they are still giving viewers what they are looking for, but may need to refresh every once in a while.

Television shows airing on local networks for 2017 that are running out of steam in no particular order are:

Arrow

Elementary

Lethal Weapon

I have watched all of the episodes from the three shows above and was somewhat disappointed overall in the seasons from 2017.  While Lethal Weapon started out promising, it has not had the same punch it initially gave us when it premiered.  Perhaps the show has run its course, but I am confident it still has a spark left to give us the action and laughs we enjoyed originally.  Elementary had very low ratings in 2017 and fans are still waiting for a new season.  While it looks like this may happen, it will have to be something so over-the-top and different to bring fans back.  Arrow has been slipping with each new year which is very disappointing for me.  While the CW has had some great success with its super-hero shows, Arrow keeps slipping and forcing story-lines.  I am still rooting for Oliver Queen, but perhaps we need to shake things up and keep a character that has been killed off actually dead.   I will keep watching, but Arrow is losing steam for sure.  Let’s make it a great 2018 for shows everywhere and hope these shows ignite a spark that will keep viewers coming back for more and more.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of your favorite television shows from 2017 that aired on local networks below.  Happy viewing and the countdown to 2018 is here!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl