Maleficent-2014

Director Robert Stromberg

Starring Angelina Jolie

Scott’s Review #251

Reviewed June 27, 2015

Grade: C+

Maleficent (2014) is an updated retelling of the classic fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” told from the perspective of Maleficent, the evil godmother, who, in this version, is revealed not to have always been evil.

She is rather sympathetic towards the beginning of the film.

Later, as the antagonist, she begins in a world of goodness, wonder, and hope until she is duped by a young man she loves and turns wicked with hatred and revenge.

Angelina Jolie’s casting as Maleficent is excellent and the main reason to watch the film.

Also worth noting are the wonderful, creative art direction and costumes, which look gothic and interesting.

Otherwise, the film meanders a bit, feels slightly watered down, and includes a sappy, Disney-style love story. The story itself is Maleficent’s weakest part.

Maleficent, a young girl and protector of the fairies in the magical land of the Moors, is betrayed and is NOT a villain. Her male suitor (Stefan) is someone she trusts, loves, and respects; he then dupes her and has her wings stolen.

He becomes the King of the neighboring land of humans, vastly different from the peaceful world that Maleficent lives in.

These events lead to devastation, followed by revenge, as she places a vicious sleeping curse on Stefan’s firstborn, Aurora.

Jolie is wickedly delicious in this role- the sultry, pouty looks, and those eyes! She plays scorned, revenge-driven to the hilt without being too over the top as lesser actresses would have.

As the actress ages, she is beginning to take on more character, villainous parts rather than sexy bad girls or heroines, and I am all for that.

It gives the actress something meaty to sink her teeth into. Her dark costumes give the character a clear edge.

The art direction is magical, and the difference between the two lands is distinctive. The beauty of the Moors with gushing streams, mountains, and flowers contrasts with the stark nature of the human world.

The fairies symbolize peace and freedom with a life filled with treasures, whereas the human kingdom symbolizes ambition, greed, and coldness. The tiny fairies flitting around add zest and life to the film.

The silly love story, though, isn’t believable or compelling to me, especially the later romance between Stefan’s daughter, Aurora, and her wealthy suitor, Phillip.

They seem manufactured to be together without having a chance to get to know each other.

This seems contrived and produced to add something young to the story.

On a storytelling note, Maleficent’s sleeping curse is set to transpire on Aurora’s sixteenth birthday when she pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep that can only be remedied by love’s true kiss.

Why does he send Aurora away to live in hiding when she is a newborn? Doesn’t he have sixteen years to enjoy her?

The film then dwindles into the inevitable battle finale, with lots of movement and fire, and a stand-off between Maleficent and Stefan that is dull and predictable.

Overall, the first half of Maleficent (2014) is the better part, and Angelina Jolie’s performance is wonderful.

Oscar Nominations: Best Costume Design