Maleficent: A Different Fairy Godmother

Review: Maleficent

Do not mistake Maleficent for a Disney princess movie. You might hear a bellowing scream from the forest kingdom instead. In this revisionist tale of Sleeping Beauty, a classic villain rises to take center stage, who in this case is the magnificent Angelina Jolie.

The movie is based on Maleficent’s past of how a painful act of betrayal turned her into an iconic villain before crossing paths with the loveable Princess Aurora in the near future.

The character arc of Maleficent reveals a misunderstood character who’s pretty much a peaceful guardian angel dwelling in the shadows and rarely losing her cool unless provoked or betrayed.

Angelina Jolie’s strong tonality and forceful voice (including a hint of English aristocratic accent) exudes a powerful presence and emotional performance, striking fears in the people of the kingdoms (and audiences).

First-time director Robert Stromberg does a great job creating a fantasy-reality setting with loads of special effects set in several southeast England locations, including Petworth Park, Ashridge Estate and the countryside of Buckinghamshire.

Within the enchanted forest lies the moors – home to Maleficient and other magical creatures – which depicts an idyllic forest similar to the tooth fairies’ homeland from the animated movie, Rise of the Guardians.

The soundtrack complements the movie from a cheery tune to capture the fun at the moor to a chilling piece in the enchanted forest. Lana Del Rey’s darker rendition of “Once Upon A Dream” during the climax suggests dangerous and dark times ahead.

Audiences are treated to a twist to the traditional interpretation of a true love’s kiss, reminiscent of a recent trend in Disney’s newer tales.

The casting of Angelina Jolie is one of the wisest moves made in the movie, although the same can’t be said of the tedious plot or draggy storytelling. What we are left with is really just Jolie being at her magnificent best in a pretty garden.

Rating: 3.5/5

Release Date: 29 May 2014

Runtime: 97 minutes

Language: English with Chinese subtitles

Censorship Rating: PG 13

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Director: Robert Stromberg

Main Actors: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwiates.

Check out the Maleficent trailer.

Photo and video courtesy of Disney