Do you believe a broken heart can make people do hurtful things? In May 2014, we found out the answer was yes, but sometimes we do things we regret.
Directing this 97 minute action/adventure/family/fantasy/romance is Robert Stromberg.
Telling this magical tale is: Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Elle Fanning as Aurora, Sharlto Copley as Stefan, Janet McTeer as Narrator (voice), Lesley Manville as Flittle, Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass, Juno Temple as Thistletwit, Sam Riley as Diaval, Isobelle Molloy as Young Maleficent, and Michael Higgins as Young Stefan.
A betrayed and wounded fairy found an opportunity for a little revenge, and all it took was a curse. A curse on a baby that would transpire on her 16th birthday. The only way that the curse could be lifted... was by true love's kiss.
This is one of the 2014 movies that a lot of people have been looking forward to watching, myself included.
Well, the wait was worth it! Something I didn't know was Maleficent, the Mistress of Evil, was seen for the first time in Sleeping Beauty (1959), but the story has been around even longer. This movie was based on the French story, La Belle au bos dormant, or The Beauty sleeping in the Wood (1697), which was written by Charles Perrault, and Little Briar Rose (1812) by The Brothers Grimm.
One of the things I liked about the movie was that writer Linda Woolverton goes a different way with the story than we're used to. This time around we get to see a nicer side of Maleficent and get a little insight into her younger years. Woolverton created a storyline that was full of magic and wonder, plus it's something the whole family can get into and enjoy. The playthrough was really good and has enough going on between the story and the visuals that it will seriously hold your attention.
The look of the film from the special effects, sets and costumes looked amazing. The cinematography that Dean Semler pulls of during the movie makes for some great scenes and the make-up effects that were done by Rick Baker where really good. After it was all said and done, Stormberg did a great job in directing this film. Hard to believe that Tim Burton passed on this one, but I have to say Stormberg grabbed a hold of this and made a movie worth seeing.
The cast was cool, especially Angelina Jolie, and did a good job. I will say that Jolie kind of stole the show and made an awesome Maleficent. Now I really like Copley and Fanning and thought they both did great with their characters.
Overall I have to say I really liked everything about the movie, and it's well worth catching it in the theater. One down side is there is a dragon scene where things get kind of hairy for the characters. That could scare some of the smaller kids, but other than that it's an awesome flick. Plus it's has Angelina Jolie looking super cool/evil... how could you not want to see this movie?
It's rated PG for violence.
4 stars
