Magnificent Maleficent

Yes, simply put, Maleficent is magnificent. The storyline is simple yet charming and engaging, the acting convincing and no non-sense, the sets beautifully done and the CGI just enough to lift up the movie but not overwhelmed other elements. This is another right move for Disney, and with Frozen, then Maleficent, it seems that after years of fading into oblivion, Disney seems to be coming back and proving itself once again as the mover and shaker of the animated movie scene.

The movie retold the very classic Disney story of Sleeping Beauty in a new, edgier but still very fairy tale like spirit, and I believe a lot of people will love this approach to the decades old story. It still retains the old charm of the story, but at the same time gives it a new edge that makes it easier connected and related for the new young audience. Children now are more selective as there are so many entertainments to choose from, so came the CGI and the beautify 3D creatures to charm them and engage them before the story unfolds its real beauty.

For those movie fanatics, you can see some recycling here, both in terms of stories and characters. For example, those tree soldiers are quite similar to the ones in The Lord of the Rings, and one of the story’s knot is a continuation of the idea in Frozen. However, we still need to give them credits, as the elements are borrowed only sparingly, and mixed together quite finely and delicately.

The main character, Maleficent, played by the talented Angelina Jolie, can be considered the most important piece of the film’s success formulae. She really shone in this movie, brilliantly. She looked charming when in love and in care for the young princess, then very fierce when she defended her kingdom, then charming and lovely again when she changed back to her feminine self. She was very versatile and her facial expression, especially her bright eyes, portrayed emotions clearly and convincingly. It may have cost Disney a bomb to get her to come in, but it is surely worth it, as I don’t find many other actresses with that versatility that can also do action movies.

Besides Jolie, the rest of the cast also played their part well enough to lift the movie to its current chart topping position. The three little fairies were clumsy but lovely, the crow obedient and selfless and the villain cruel and determined. The villain, the greedy king Stephan, who would do everything he could to get what he wanted, but ended up losing everything, exuded cruelty right from his eyes. The very first moment I saw him, I knew he was up to no good, and there he was, throwing away love and trust for fame and power. His acting was truthful and he was very real, and that can be considered a success.

Despite the presence of Jolie, some credits must still be given to Elle Fanning, who played Princess Aurora. She was superbly lovely, beautiful and captivating, and her acting was quite natural. She was beautiful in a sweet way, and really brightened up the screen every moment she appeared. With her connection, her sister’s guidance, and her natural beauty and talent, if she keeps working hard and keeping herself scandal free, she will be a star. How shiny that star will be, I don’t know, or whether she will be the next Jolie, I’m not sure, but at least she will be successful. Just don’t go the Abigail way. Please. We need more actors, not scandal makers.