Opened: October 19, 2022

Directed by: Paul Feig

Starring: Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Flatters, Kit Young, Peter Serafinowicz, Rob Delaney, Mark Heap, Earl Cave, Freya Theodora Parks, Demi Isaac Oviawe, Kaitlyn Akinpelumi, Holly Sturton, Briony Scarlett, Rosie Graham, Emma Lau, Chinenye Ezeudu, Mark Charles, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ali Khan, Stephanie Siadatan, Joelle, Scaredy Kat, Patti LuPone, Rachel Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Kerry Washington & Charlize Theron

Based on the novel, The School for Good and Evil is a promising adaptation but is overstuffed even with a lengthy runtime.

Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) longs to escape her home of Gavaldon. When she makes a wish, she and her friend Agatha (Sofia Wylie) are transported to the School for Good and Evil. There, Sophie is deemed evil and becomes the target to restore Rafal (Kit Young) to power.

Many qualities of this film work. The production design, costume, hair and makeup are all lavish, while the cast is stacked with Wylie being the true breakout in an emotionally charged role.

However, there’s so much happening that elements of the story feel rushed and underdeveloped. This is a story that may have worked better as a series than a film.

Final say: There’s good and evil at play here. ★★★☆☆