For months now, my daughter and I have been waiting to see Maleficent on the big screen. Ever since we saw the teaser trailer for the film early last year, we both were enamored and intrigued by the project. Knowing the story of Sleeping Beauty, I wondered how they would turn the story of Maleficent into something that adults and kids could both enjoy. And I am team Angelina, so seeing her transpose into this very dark character also piqued my interest.
But this is not your mother’s version of Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent focuses on the backstory—the tale of the fairy, a good girl who wanted nothing but to protect her land against the enemy. Once she grows up, she finds out that not everyone is what they appear to be, as she is challenged and tested, and then stabbed in the back. After that, Maleficent becomes caught up in revenge, only to learn that love conquers all, and she is taught a valuable lesson by Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).
Visually, Maleficent is an amazing film filled with awesome imagery and special effects. The music is haunting (thanks to the films theme song, Once Upon a Dream, sung by Lana Del Rey), yet works in tandem with the aesthetics of the movie. Angelina does a brilliant job playing Maleficent and showcasing her vulnerable side. Even when you want to hate Maleficent, you can’t. Angelina humanizes her in a way that makes the movie enjoyable.
Elle Fanning also does a fabulous job playing the lovable Princess Aurora. Her smile lights up the screen and she captivates and radiates in every scene she is in.
I’ve been asked if I thought this film was okay for younger children to watch. I think it is suitable for children 4 and up—there are scenes which may frighten children who are younger.
My daughter and I was invited to a preview screening of Maleficent here in St.Louis, and I want to see it again. It was that good.
Maleficent is in theaters, Friday, May 30th. Check Fandango for showtimes. The film is Rated PG. Download official Maleficent Activity Sheets here <===
Below is more info Maleficent from the official Disney staff:
STORY SYNOPSIS:
“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.
Genre: Action-Adventure
Rating: PG
U.S. Release date: May 30, 2014
Running time: 97 min.
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville
Director: Robert Stromberg
Producer: Joe Roth
Executive Producers: Angelina Jolie, Michael Vieira, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith, Sarah Bradshaw
Screenplay by: Linda Woolverton
The Chicklet had her Maleficent dolls ready. They were the talk of the screening. 🙂
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