Maléfique

IGNORE THE TRAILER: GO SEE IT!

I saw this movie tonight with a friend and it was spectacular. Going in, I was excited as a life-long Disney fan but also expecting a somewhat cheesy good-vs-evil type of movie based on what I had seen in the trailer. I couldn't have been more wrong! Angelina Jolie delivers an amazing performance and makes a well-known, previously rather one- dimensional Disney villain relate-able and more sympathetic, while also managing to look like a convincing, gorgeous, magical creature.

The CGI is a tad heavy and a little freaky at times (such as the three coloured pixies/Aunts) but was used, in combination with some amazing sets, to create a fantastic world and creatures which were reminiscent of the beautiful and imaginative work in movies such as "Hellboy 2" and "Pan's Labyrinth". The effort by the art team here really helps to draw you into Maleficent's world at the beginning of the movie and makes you wish you were a kid growing up with this movie as fodder for your imagination.

Although Maleficent's character has been humanised in this re-telling, the story really emphasises that she isn't human at all, and explores the ins and outs of her life and how she relates to the humans she encounters.

The plot for this movie really fits into the current trend of exploring the anti-hero (Breaking Bad, Hannibal...) and shows that Disney is trying to break with its past depiction of characters being black and white, good or evil, etc.

I feel like I am gushing over this film, but as a Disney classic lover I have been truly impressed by what is sure to be a new favourite with kids and adults equally. I do expect some controversy over parts of the film but I won't discuss those here.

This movie is brilliant ans deserves a way higher rating than it has. The whole character of Maleficent is so intresting and the twist of the original story is really good.

A bit Dark for a PG Rating so Parental Guidance is Advised. But the more Mature and Well Grounded Children are sure to Get a Thrill from this CGI Ride that is Full of Fantastic Images and Stirring Action.

It is Pathos that the Movie Embraces and the Good and Evil are Reversed somewhat but there are still Characters Worth Rooting for and others to Hiss and Boo.

Haters of this Backstory seem to be Under the Delusion that the Original Fairy Tale and the Original Disney Animated Movie have been Purged from Existence with some Sort of Orwellian Eraser and Cease Existing to Enjoy.

Both are still there to be Perused and Appreciated, this is just something a bit Different, Not a Replacement. Angelina Jolie makes a Great Maleficent and is backed by an Array of Colorful and Interesting Fairies and other assorted Moor Magnificence.

Thankfully there are No Outburst of Sappy, Old-Fashioned, Done-to Death Songs Interrupting the Story and it Plays out like a Truly Grim Fairy Tale. True Love comes in Many Forms and is not always found in a Traditional way, there could be others, and this is Not a Replacement, it's just Manifested in Another Form.

The Film certainly Looks Seamless incorporating Live Action and Animation. The Three Fairies are Amazing, and the Whole Movie is Spellbinding in a somewhat "New" Kind of Look from Modern Artistry.

Definitely Recommended for Those that Don't always Take the Path Well Traveled and are Willing to Accept and Embrace New Directions as New Entertainment and this Does Not Eliminate the Old, but Enhances with Enchantment.

Review: I really thought that this was going to be a typical Disney movie about fairies and magic dust, but I really enjoyed it. Although the storyline is based around Sleeping Beauty, I found it quite dark with some adult content. The CGI throughout the movie looked impressive and Angelina Jolie played her part extremely well. After being betrayed by her loved one, she turns quite evil and full of hate, but once Aurora comes into the picture, you get to see an inner sweetness which made her character entertaining and a joy to watch. Pieced together with Sharlto Copley playing the villain, this movie really did have every aspect covered and I'm not surprised that it made so much money at the box office. A Great Watch!

Round-Up: Angelina Jolie really doesn't make that many movies anymore, but when she comes out of the woodwork, she really does come out with some good movies. From Changeling to the action packed Wanted, she really does have a versatile acting ethic and with all of her charitable work and her hectic family life, I'm not surprised that making movies is low down on her priority list. I liked the chemistry between her character and Sam Riley, who played the crow, and the action scenes were very well thought out by the director. Personally, I don't think that it's a movie for the young ones because there are some scenes that will give them nightmares, but there are some scenes they will enjoy, like her magical land and the amazing creatures. In all, I'm surprised that I enjoyed the movie because I really wasn't expecting something so dark.

Budget: $180million Worldwide Gross: $757million (WOW!)

I recommend this movie to people who are into there Disney movies which are based on the concept of Cinderella. 7/10

Maleficient is fully developed as a hero who is wounded, and embarks on a long and painful journey to overcome her past. This is a magnificent reimagination and retelling of an old story, from a refreshing viewpoint.