MALEFICENT: 2014: DRAMA: ++: I didn't know what to expect from this movie and overall it was told with the excellent story telling that Disney is known for but with a darker aura about it.
Not only did Disney decide to make one of its villains from a cartoon the main character, but they decided to make her seem vulnerable and sensitive. Needless to say, this was a surprisingly fresh role for Jolie, who wasn't covered in tattoos or showing off her muscular/ thin physique as in Wanted...
Jolie showing her sensitive side.
The story moved along with ease, with few parts of "plot lag". The characters were chosen superbly and the casting was above average, even for Disney. The king was played well by Sharlto Copley, the insecure ruler who first falls in love with Maleficent. Sam Riley also played the role of the shape shifting cohort of Maleficent very competently as he usually does in his films.
The insecure king has serious commitment issues.
The effects in the movie were impressive and the forest was created with excellent visuals.
There were some great effects in Maleficent.
Stand out scenes are when Maleficent finds out her wings are clipped by the king, when she fights his warriors, and when she decides to help the baby in the movie. In addition, when she puts the curse on the baby, it was impressive and definitely got your attention. At that time I was beginning to get bored, but that "jump started" the movie.
Jump Start of the movie, the cursing scene, gets your attention.
Overall, this movie is very watchable, surprisingly dark for a Disney movie, directed well by Robert Stromberg and a great look at Angelina Jolie. Incidentally, Tim Burton was initially pegged to be the director, but passed..Why? Maybe it would have just been a lot of Danny Elfman music and Nightmare Before Christmas / Edward Sissorhands, but who doesn't like those movies?
Given that, I will give this a low 80s score, because I can't imagine it being better than a Burton treatment. Angeline Jolie really nailed the role though and makes its "redeeming" value high : 83%
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