With ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2 kicking off the summer with a massive box office debut, it is safe to say we are going to have a huge season on our hands. In a new segment called Blockbuster Breakdown, we will be featuring the biggest summer movies that will be hitting the theaters each week and why you don’t want to miss it. So throw on some flip flops, grab some popcorn and sink into a big comfy seat because summer has arrived.
MALEFICENT – MAY 30
Director: Robert Stromberg (Directorial debut)
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley, and Brenton Thwaites
Synopsis: A evil fairy fueled by rage curses a young girl who may be the solution to a war between humans and creatures.
Runtime: 97 minutes
Quote: “I had wings once, and they were strong. But they were stolen from me.”
Review: ‘Maleficent’ is a magical adventure that explores the back story of Disney’s most evil villain.
If you think you are going to see a live action movie Sleeping Beauty then you would be better off watching the DVD at home. The film is a re imaging of the classic tale that follows Maleficent from a bright young girl to a hateful sorceress on a path of revenge against her former love King Stefan.
Angelina Jolie carries the film and is absolutely enchanting as Maleficent. She transitions from wickedly evil to light-hearted trickster to a motherly figure so seamlessly. Jolie also brings a brokenhearted and emotional side of the Disney villain that is refreshing. Her actions are cold and calculated but she never reveals more than what she has to. Elle Fanning also holds her own in the movie as an adorably precious young Princess Aurora.
This is director Robert Stromberg’s debut. He has already spent much of his career as an art director and it shows. The special effects in the film create a mesmerizing fantasy world that is sure to entertain kids. Cameras sweep across bright blue oceans and glowing fairies as Maleficent soars through the clouds. They managed to create lifelike creatures and spells while still paying homage to the original Walt Disney animation.
The costuming and the attention to detail for the set is also spot on. It’s easy to guess that much of the $200 million budget was spent here.
Despite the glossy finish and powerful performances, the storytelling falls a little short of magical. There is a war raging on between humans and creatures that serves as a backdrop to the movie but it is poorly explained. Many secondary characters were cast to the side as after thoughts and a few scenes from the original ‘Sleeping Beauty’ that were incorporated into the film seem forced.
However, ‘Maleficent’ is still a highly entertaining and visually stunning film. Angelina Jolie commands full attention as the titular character and may change your mind about how you feel about the villain. If not, you may get cursed to fall into a sleep like death.
Don’t believe me? Check out clips of Jolie in action below.
