Movie Review: Angelina Is Perfect in "Maleficent," But The Rest Of The Film Is Poorly Constructed.

Maleficent

Director: Robert Stromberg
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Juno Temple, and Imelda Staunton.
Rated PG for sequences of fantasy action and violence, including frightening images.

There has been a craze lately to tell the untold stories of famous villains ever since the success of the Broadway play, Wicked. Now, Disney has gone and taken one of their most popular villains and decided to bring the notorious Maleficent to the big screen. The casting of this role was always going to be the most important aspect of the film, and luckily the casting is pitch perfect with Angelina Jolie bringing the sorceress to life. Unfortunately, the story that is created around her is poorly constructed and executed.


Maleficent is presented here as a powerful fairy who falls in love with a young man named Stefan. The two grow apart as they become adults, and after a single act of horrible betrayal, Maleficent sets out to seek her revenge by cursing Stefan's first born daughter, Aurora. However, as the child grows, Maleficent grows increasingly fond of her and begins to regret that she ever cursed her.

The story is not necessarily the problem. I like the spin that Maleficent grows fond of Aurora and regrets ever cursing her, but I hated how her relationship played out with Stefan. It was difficult to believe how stupid he was. Also, the movie apparently makes Maleficent more powerful and weaker at the same time. At times, she is able to seemingly do whatever she wishes, even throwing around soldiers with a wave of her hand, but then when she is surrounded by soldiers at the end of the film, suddenly she can't do anything to them. Poor storytelling. The visual effects can be bright and beautiful, but then there are moments that are horribly fake, such as the completely computer animated pixies that take care of Aurora.

In short, there are some good ideas in here and Jolie does a fine job, but the rest of the film is a disservice to this awesome character. It may look dazzling on screen, but it will leave no lasting impression. The Maleficent to remember is still the animated character in Sleeping Beauty. She is still more terrifying than anything in this film.

RATING: C+