Maleficent

Maleficent is one of the most infamous Disney villains of all time. But what is is that makes her into a menacing villain? This live-action adaptation has the answer, and this film has made the title character a misunderstood and sympathetic protagonist. This kind of concept is original, and it has unveiled it's complexity. "Maleficent" may be too complex and dark for younger kids (suitable for ages ten and up). I have got to say that this is a magnificent marvel of wonder; everything about this film is marvelous. The Moors is a magical forest filled with fairies and fantastical creatures that represents nature; Maleficent is a powerful and misunderstood fairy with the most striking wings. She needs her wings so she can have speed and power. The vile humans want a piece of her. When Maleficent lost her wings, she becomes unhappiness that leads to anger that leads her to be evil as she develops ominous powers for revenge. This made me think about elephants losing their important tusks because of the greedy poachers. The elephants with their incredible memory spans garners revenge on humans by becoming extremely aggressive towards human trespassers and destroying human villages. Another element that I have noticed is how each fairy takes care of Princess Aurora; Maleficent has the surprising maternal instincts to take good care of Aurora properly. The trio of bumbling pixies who are the aunts of Aurora? Not so much. Also, true love isn't about a romantic relationship, it's about motherly feelings in a family. Not to mention that Maleficent is the godmother of Aurora. These themes are so endearing to me. As far as the entertainment value went, it's very entertaining, and their has never ever been a dull moment. Robert Stromberg (the director) has staged some superb set-pieces; the interactions between Aurora, Diaval, and the other creatures are so amusing because of how cute they are. The action sequences are electrifying, especially the final climax. Stromberg really sells the hilarious comedy, thanks to the effective timing that seems instantaneous. What really supports the execution of the action and comedy is the well-utilized tone for enormous impact. Even the quick camera cuts certainly help. There is also a breathtaking use of slow-motion. The performances from the cast is vigorous; Angelina Jolie is magnificent as the title character, she is a seriously powerful and complex anti-heroine. The actresses who played the three pixies are so amusing. And Sharlto Copley smashed his villainous role as the intimidating king Stefan, Stefan is a ferocious tyrant. The cinematography is haunting and gorgeous; every single shot will aspire an artist to freezeframe each and every shot. The effects are top-notch; the effects team must've gotten a lot of time and patience on their hands to create astounding magical effects that are so convincing. Lets not forget that the awesome designs of the creatures are very well up to par. The stirring music score by James Newton Howard is genuinely imposing. In conclusion: A unique and complex masterpiece of intriguing substance; "Maleficent" not only offers magnificent entertainment, it also digs deep into the roots of this good-vs-evil formula to acknowledge both the dark side and the light side of individuals. Highly Recommended.

Here it is, the much anticipated film starring everyone's favourite Disney villain. Make no mistake, this movie is god awful. A bullshit retcon of the classic, filled with terrible clichés, performances, plot, and horrid CG, this movie is everything wrong with the Hollywood Adaptation Mindset of today. Making something Darker and Edgier™ doesn't make it good. Just watch Sleeping Beauty instead of this trash.

First I would have loved to c a remake of the classic sleeping beauty but that just wasn't what I got. Some stories should remain true to the original but this was just garbage to make the lead villain into a misunderstood person was such a drastic change y can't some people just be evil instead of having a terrible back story that's suppose to justify her change. I loved the original story and would have rather paid to c that instead of this lack luster film. Don't waste your money.