Netflix’s adaptation of Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and EvilSince its Wednesday release, the film has already provoked debate and generated conversation. Notably, the movie has attracted a lot of attention from viewers who have identified similarities between it and the original. Harry Potter Noting that the film carries elements from the J.K Rowling films, the franchise.
It stars Kerry Washington and Charlize Yeoh as well as Michelle Yeoh, Laurence Fishburne and Patti LuPone. This movie follows Sophie Anne Caruso (Sophia Anne Wylie) and Agatha Wylie (Sofia Wylie). Sophie’s blonde hair and floral dresses matches her a sunshine-y attitude, while Agatha dons black clothing and has to fight against rumors of being a witch because her mother makes herbal teas. After learning about the School for Good and Evil, the two are snatched up by a giant skeletal bird and then dropped in the school that is in direct opposition to their personalities—Sophie at the school for Evil and Agatha at the school for Good. Although the movie received subpar reviews, it was met with mixed responses from people who were familiar with the original book.
Here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s new young adult film.
The book on which the movie is based.
Also known as “The First Book in the Series”, it is also known as The School for Good and EvilThe book, titled ‘The Secret Life of a Dog’ was published in 2013. Six more books were released between 2014-2020. Paul Feig was the director. IGNHe tried to realistically translate elements of the book to screen.
“It’s all based on the story, obviously, because it’s about the characters on their journey and making sure that that’s what grounds us and keeps us going,” he said. “But then it’s about going, ‘Okay, these are the main set-pieces from the book that are important to people. These are the ones that I think we can make really cool, and really advance the story and tell the characters through them,’ and then you just apply, ‘How do we do it in a way that we haven’t seen before?’ It’s fun, it’s a real exciting challenge.”
Soman Chainani (author) was involved in film development and also told Radio Times that “Only a foolish author would insist on a slavish translation that speaks to no one but the most literal of readers—a reader’s imagination is usually much more vivid and precise than anything that can be put on screen.”
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It has been likened to Harry Potter
It has mostly received negative reviews from critics, including those who were not impressed by the movie. The GuardianIt received one of the five stars from. The New York Times wrote that the movie had too many problems: “cheesy special effects; blatant telegraphing of plot points; crude world-building and scant character development; cloyingly oversaturated, superficially glossy cinematography and precious direction; ridiculous action (fireballs kicked like soccer balls, weaponized hot chocolate), set to a soundtrack of teenage-girl angst (Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo).”
There were many opinions among passionate fans. Many criticized the film’s poorly-written script, which was paired with an outstanding cast. However, others believed the movie accomplished everything that it intended to. “The school for good and evil movie is actually so fucked bc how do u have an insanely talented cast and stellar costumes and set yet the WORST script/plotline and editing imaginable,” one person tweeted. Someone else wrote, “As a person who had read and fell in love with the books. I was afraid it would not live up to my expectations, but the movie was executed perfectly, staying true to the lines of the book and its plot.”
In many reviews, there were comparisons made to Harry Potter. The Guardian noted in its review that there was a “regurgitation of archetypal Potterisms.” It continued, “from the lakeside training sessions to the handsome dining halls to the belief that everyone’s either a friend, rival or crush.”
Paste Magazine also pointed out the similarities between the characters, writing, “the teachers are blatant imitations of Harry Potter’s instructional staff. Lady Lesso (Charlize Theron), Dean of the School for Evil, possesses the same cold exterior as Slytherin’s Snape. Kerry Washington plays Professor Dovey, a man who holds unattainable standards and displays theatrical mannerisms. It’s like a cross between Dolores Umbridge or Professor Trelawney. Even Hagrid, the gentle half-giant is ripped off by an enormous, rag-wearing gnome” They also pointed out that the classroom scenes are very similar to those in Hogwarts.
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Is there a sequel planned?
Seven books are in the series so it is possible that there will be a sequel. The movie also ends on a cliffhanger with the line, “It became clear that this was only the beginning,” leaving much more to be desired.
Netflix has yet to confirm if there will be another movie.
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