MOVIE
REVIEW: MALEFICENT

05/30/2014

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.
REVIEW:
Princess Aurora: I know you're there. Don't be afraid.
Maleficent: I'm not afraid.
Princess Aurora: Then come out.
Maleficent: Then you'll be afraid.
The very first thing to say about this film is that Angelina Jolie was born to play this character. She nails it to the point that I don’t think anyone else could have done better. Her eyes, her cynical laugh, her voice, her demeanor, her everything reeks of Maleficent. She is like a human animation. So of course her performance was top notch. She makes the movie and makes it great. She’s not the only one though. Elle Fanning was also very perfectly cast as Aurora. Not only does she also give a brilliant performance, she looks stunning. Her face glows with every smile and she personifies Aurora almost as much as Angelina does Maleficent. You can’t help but fall in love with her. But I think that’s the point. Another stunner is Ella Purnell in the role of a younger Maleficent. She does a good job with her role and actually looks like a young Angelina Jolie. The cast overall did a good job, I can’t say anything bad about anyone in it. That especially includes Angelina’s daughter who does an excellent job as a very young Aurora. The chemistry between them in a particular scene was palpable. It was a special moment for the movie and for them. Then there are the three fairies who are just darling. The special effects used for them were pretty good. On that subject, the special effects overall contribute very nicely to the quality and success of the film. One such effect that I loved was the various looks in Maleficent’s eyes. Awesome! I mean her look overall was just perfect, including her face, make up, costumes and horns. Speaking of looks, the castle in the Disney logo opening looks a little different. This could be a first ever I think. It ends up being the castle of the king of the human realm. Now speaking of realms, the “fantasy” realm reminded me a lot of Oz from the latest Oz film. This is a good thing, because it adds to the magic.
There is one thing about this film say in comparison to Snow White and the Huntsman. While Snow White was very dark and dramatic, this one is also quite dramatic but it seems to keep an element of light heartedness throughout. No matter how “dark” it got, it never got too dark. This way it keeps a fairy tale sensation about it which is special. The story presented here is very cool and heartwarming . . . huh? Cool and warming at the same time? You know what I mean. It is thrilling and touching, exciting and moving, and different. Yep, there’s a twist here and there that brings the story up a notch. Director Robert Stromberg is better known for being a visual effects master. Chances are you’ve seen a bunch of the movies he has worked on. Now he debuts as Director with this film and wow, not a bad start at all. This movie is thoroughly enjoyable for all ages. It won’t disappoint.
Review
By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
MORE
MOVIE REVIEWS >>>