Directed by: Robert Stromberg
Casts: Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Release Date: 29 May 2014
A retelling of one of Disney's most well-known classics Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of its chief villainess, Maleficent offers a rather sympathetic tale of origin, a look at the betrayal which led to the once kind and loving faerie into becoming the mistress of evil we all know and fear (kind of).
Praises: I'm no master fan of Disney fairytales, but at the very least I know what to expect of a Sleeping Beauty remake - somewhere along the line of a bad woman in black who cursed a princess to sleep and prince charming comes to the rescue with a kiss. Although that isn't entirely wrong, writer Linda Woolverton gave a few surprising twists to the narrative to make the entire experience familiar but fresh, even for those who grew up with the story.
Prior to the film's release, the public has taken keen interest on Angelina Jolie's new stint - teaser images of the Tomb Raider actress in full Maleficent costume garnered positive response with great anticipation. Now, having finally watched the film, I must say I'm truly enchanted by Angie's spectacular performance. She moulded the character that would befit her own image and the end result can be described as "sexy evil". There's no other better way to put it - Angelina Jolie is Maleficent and likewise Maleficent is Angelina Jolie. Even if nothing else impresses you, there's no denying that she is simply magical.
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Of course, she wasn't the only one noteworthy in the film. Sharlto Copley played the paranoid and treacherous version of King Stefan, who incurred the wrath of Maleficent after betraying the latter for the throne. What I mean by that, well, you have to watch the film to find out (this is strictly a spoiler free review!) Sharlto of District 9 and Elysium fame is definitely a brilliant choice when it comes to a role that is rather twisted in the mind.
Now, how can it be a Sleeping Beauty film without the eponymous princess herself? Elle Fanning puts up a really attractive smile as Aurora, the cursed heir of King Stefan who's fated to prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle during her 16th birthday and inadvertently falls into deep sleep. Her relationship with Maleficent is unlike any other we have ever seen or heard and is integral in her emotional transformation (apart from the betrayal for sure). Without revealing further, it's safe to say Aurora is a whole lot more integral to the plot progression and culmination than her mid-20th century incarnation did.
Sam Riley may not be a well-known name yet at this point, but he sure is entertaining and funny to watch. Be it a crow, a wolf or a giant reptile.... he's charming nonetheless.
To sum up the good parts, Maleficent thrives on its casts to deliver an old story anew and for someone like me who often shrugs at fairytales, I enjoyed the film for the most part.
Complains: For all it's worth, the effort to revamp Sleeping Beauty did not spare it from certain Disney cliches. There are several moments when I'm drawn into the character conflicts only to be taken aback by certain lines so cheesy I cringed. I know it's still a Disney flick, but to have the story flicking back and forth indecisively between what's corny and what's not seems rather lackluster on the writers' side.
The visuals are stunning but holds no weight on the narrative, besides, it's not something we have not seen in other fantasy films.
Rating: 7.7/10
Hit or Miss: A remarkable summer treat from Disney, I beckon. Hit.
Prior to the film's release, the public has taken keen interest on Angelina Jolie's new stint - teaser images of the Tomb Raider actress in full Maleficent costume garnered positive response with great anticipation. Now, having finally watched the film, I must say I'm truly enchanted by Angie's spectacular performance. She moulded the character that would befit her own image and the end result can be described as "sexy evil". There's no other better way to put it - Angelina Jolie is Maleficent and likewise Maleficent is Angelina Jolie. Even if nothing else impresses you, there's no denying that she is simply magical.
Now, how can it be a Sleeping Beauty film without the eponymous princess herself? Elle Fanning puts up a really attractive smile as Aurora, the cursed heir of King Stefan who's fated to prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle during her 16th birthday and inadvertently falls into deep sleep. Her relationship with Maleficent is unlike any other we have ever seen or heard and is integral in her emotional transformation (apart from the betrayal for sure). Without revealing further, it's safe to say Aurora is a whole lot more integral to the plot progression and culmination than her mid-20th century incarnation did.
Sam Riley may not be a well-known name yet at this point, but he sure is entertaining and funny to watch. Be it a crow, a wolf or a giant reptile.... he's charming nonetheless.
To sum up the good parts, Maleficent thrives on its casts to deliver an old story anew and for someone like me who often shrugs at fairytales, I enjoyed the film for the most part.
The visuals are stunning but holds no weight on the narrative, besides, it's not something we have not seen in other fantasy films.
Rating: 7.7/10
Hit or Miss: A remarkable summer treat from Disney, I beckon. Hit.
2 comments:
Anjelina looking gorgeous.
I will watch this on weekend.
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She is! She redefined the role and it's her most memorable to date since Lara Croft :)
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