Disney’s Maleficent Movie Review

One thing I love about Disney is they have perfected the art of storytelling. Disney takes well-known stories and crafts them into works of art. Disney’s Maleficent is no different. We all know Disney’s beloved, classic version of Sleeping Beauty. It is a version, though, not the true fairy tale. Now Disney reinvents the story, this time with lots of surprises. Much of the story of Sleeping Beauty is not played out in this movie. You will see references here and there, but Disney tells a brand-new story. I liked that they changed the story because then I did not know what to expect.

Maleficent Review

I was able to preview this movie in IMAX 3d. I felt like I was part of the movie, not just watching it. The visual effects are stunning. The fairies and creatures in Maleficent’s land are creepy and beautiful at the same time. The scenes are grand and everyone needs to see this in the theater at least once, even if it is not in IMAX. I would think many details would be missed on a regular TV screen. The 3d was very well done, though I did notice if you are not looking at the scene straight on it kind of hurt your eyes.

Angelina Jolie’s performance was fabulous! I couldn’t imagine another actress pulling off such a spectacular performance as she did of Maleficent. Maleficent’s character is MUCH more than the villain. I cried with Maleficent as she mourned, got angry alongside her when she was betrayed and watched with amazement as the story of Maleficent turned her into something quite unexpected. Maleficent has grace, charm, power, and a sense of humor. Yes, you will laugh as Maleficent delivers some great deadpan humor. I loved Maleficent before and now I have a new respect and admiration for her.

Another source of humor is the three fairies that take care of Aurora. Those fairies make us chuckle in Sleeping Beauty as they fight over the color of Aurora’s dress, but in Maleficent they make you laugh out loud a lot as in this version they are not the best substitute moms for Aurora. The fairies do have different names in Maleficent but a couple of references are thrown back to the classic Sleeping Beauty.

As for children seeing this movie, I would not recommend it for very young children. Some of the scenes are very intense, violence-wise.  If your child can handle the Once Upon a Time series, they might be able to deal with this movie.

Overall, I give this movie 4.5/5 stars.

Award-winning, American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has recorded a unique reimagining of the renowned fairy-tale tune from Disney’s classic animated film “Sleeping Beauty,” which will be featured in the end credits of the movie.   

Maleficent Movie Fun Facts

Jolie’s Commitment: Angelina Jolie was deeply committed to her role as Maleficent. She even had to undergo extensive makeup and prosthetics application to transform into the iconic character, which took several hours each day.

Maleficent Character Appearance: For a short time around the film’s debut Walt Disney World had the live version character available for a meet and greet at Hollywood Studios.

Elle Fanning’s Enchantment: Elle Fanning, who portrayed Princess Aurora, was genuinely enchanted by her surroundings. Director Robert Stromberg revealed that Fanning’s reactions to the magical elements in the film were often genuine, as they kept certain details a surprise for her during filming.

Young Aurora was Jolie’s Real Life Daughter: Angelina Jolie’s daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, was chosen to play the younger Aurora because she was the only child who wasn’t afraid of her mother in costume, since other kids in casting would run away in fear of Angelina’s appearance.

Good Guy Turned Evil: This is the first live-action remake where a character who was good in his original but changed into a villain in a live-action adaptation; in this case, King Stefan.

Do you like Maleficent? Let me know in the comments below. For me it is one of the few Disney live-action remakes that I like.

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!