The Mexican magic book is a fascinating object of mystery and wonder. It is said to contain ancient spells and incantations that can bring about extraordinary occurrences. This book has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the knowledge of the Mexican people's beliefs and traditions. The book is written in a language not commonly spoken or understood, adding to its air of enchantment. Its pages are filled with beautifully illustrated symbols and images that capture the essence of Mexican folklore. Each spell is meticulously described, guiding the reader through the steps necessary to perform it.
Will is still spending most of his time lurking around. Other than his new relationship with Belle he hasn’t had much of a reason to be there, though it’s been hinted that his presence is supposed to be limited for a reason.
Other than his new relationship with Belle he hasn t had much of a reason to be there, though it s been hinted that his presence is supposed to be limited for a reason. Updated for the 2023 spooky season, the following collection of the best witch movies reflects the most iconic witches and witchcraft stories of the big screen, from 90s fantasy comedies to chilling 60s historical horrors.
Each spell is meticulously described, guiding the reader through the steps necessary to perform it. **The main idea:** The Mexican magic book is a revered artifact filled with ancient spells and incantations that hold significant cultural and historical importance..
The maleficent witch is six feet under
Visually stunning but more than a little unfocused, Maleficent is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, but not much more. (A spoiler free review)
Disney has never and will never be accused of under-utilizing a brand. Why go to the trouble of creating something brand new when you can take something old and make money off it? Sleeping Beauty is one of Disney’s oldest franchises (the original, animated movie came out in 1959) and is also one with the most untapped potential. It doesn’t even have a direct to DVD sequel! And so Sleeping Beauty becomes the latest victim participant in Disney’s let’s take a popular animated film and make it live action endeavor. Following the truly terrible 101 Dalmations in 1996 and Tim Burton’s bizarre take on Alice in Wonderland (2010), all Maleficent had to do to please me was to not be terrible. Mission definitely accomplished. Fingers crossed for Cinderella, out next spring.
The film spans the time from Maleficent’s childhood until the end of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. That’s a lot of material to go through in a relatively short time, which is probably why there are parts of the movie that feel as though they’ve been ripped apart and stitched back together a dozen times. This is particularly problem in the beginning; once Aurora grows into Elle Fanning, the movie becomes much more cohesive.
I really appreciated that the movie provided reasoning for Maleficent’s actions without excusing them. The film shows quite clearly that cursing Aurora was The Wrong Thing To Do. I was a little afraid the movie would just make up a whiny backstory and turn one of Disney’s greatest villains into an overly tropey tragically misunderstood victim. Nope. Instead, she’s a complex character who makes mistakes. Bravo, Disney.
While it is a beautiful experience, the movie lacks thematic direction. Is it about the nature of love? The strength of redemption and change? The power hatred and fear can hold over us? Or is it just about enjoying some popcorn and Angelina Jolie’s razor cheekbones?
In terms of appropriate age range, again, I have to say Maleficent is somewhat unfocused. Parts seemed geared toward a young audience (i.e. the antics of the fairies, the sing-songy female narrator), while other facets of the movie are decidedly more grown-up in tone. I can’t be the only one who saw the taking of Maleficent’s wings as an allegory for rape, can I? In addition, some of the visuals are decidedly dark and scary. Older kids should be fine, but this movie would’ve terrified me when I was little. Then again, Fraggle Rock terrified me, so maybe I’m not the best metric.
Jolie gives the role her all, truly. She revels in her evil smiles, which she has down pat. This movie has flaws, but Jolie is not for a second one of them. She managed to portray a complicated character while wearing prosthetic cheekbones, crazy contacts, and horns. And she did her own stunts. And she helped design Maleficent’s look. And she handpicked Lana Del Rey to sing the theme. I’ll stop fangirling now.
I will say Young Aurora is played by Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, which takes you a bit out of the movie. There’s no mistaking those lips. Also taking you out of the movie is Angelina Maleficent declaring that she doesn’t like children. To one of her six real life kids. Making cameos in the movie are Pax and Zahara (spot them as the only non-white children in the christening scene).
Have I mentioned how ridiculously beautiful the movie was? It honestly might be the straight up prettiest live action movie I’ve ever seen. They did a great job of matching Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty which is particularly impressive, given how stylized that movie is. A lot of the dialogue in the christening scene is taken directly from the animated film. Jolie even managed to match Eleanor Audley’s tone. Sorry I’m really stopping now.
Fairytale Bits and Pieces
The fairies have inexplicably been renamed Knotgrass, Thistlewit, and Flittle. Was that necessary? (No, no it was not.)
Knotgrass is played by Imelda Staunton, who still looks like Dolores Umbridge in all that pink.
In the original Disney movie, Princess Aurora gets the gift of beauty and the gift of song. Here, song is replaced by the much more sensible gift of happiness.
The song that plays over the credits is a cover of “Once Upon A Dream” sung by the aforementioned Lana Del Rey. It’s a hauntingly beautiful update to the Disney classic. I’ve been listening to it for months.
Maleficent has a buddy cop sort of thing going on with her raven, Diaval, which is quite amusing.
two and a half out of three once upon a dreams
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What makes these characters compelling isn’t their sentient spell books, flying broomsticks, or poisonous apples. No, witches endure because they channel an unceasing appetite for cruelty: a willingness to destroy whatever stands in the way of their desire and an eagerness to sacrifice whomever it takes to prove undying devotion to their own wickedness.
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Reviews for "Mexican Magic Book: The Secrets of Curanderos and Brujas"
1. John - 1 star - This book was a huge disappointment. I expected to learn about the intriguing world of Mexican magic, but instead, I found myself slogging through a confusing and poorly written narrative. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge of obscure Mexican folklore than in actually engaging the reader. The plot was convoluted and filled with unnecessary details, making it difficult to follow. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable and engaging read.
2. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Mexican magic book, but it fell short of my expectations. The story lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional and underdeveloped. The writing style was dry and lacked any sense of excitement or intrigue. The book failed to capture the essence of Mexican culture and magic, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I would not recommend this book to others unless they had a specific interest in Mexican folklore and were willing to overlook the flaws in the storytelling.
3. Sarah - 1.5 stars - This so-called "Mexican magic book" was a letdown from start to finish. The plot was predictable, and the magic elements felt forced and contrived. The author seemed more concerned with incorporating stereotypical Mexican tropes than in creating a compelling and authentic story. The characters were forgettable, and there was a distinct lack of emotional depth in their interactions. Overall, I found this book to be a shallow and uninspiring read, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a truly enchanting tale of Mexican magic.