Maleficent: Movie Review
Visual effects artist Robert Stromberg makes his directorial debut with Disney’s “Maleficent” an update on the story of Sleeping Beauty. When you have a visual effects master helming an epic fantasy, there is no doubt that the result will be visually stunning. In that regard, “Maleficent” succeeds. Unfortunately, it fails in nearly every other way.
In the original story of Sleeping Beauty the evil Maleficent put a curse on the young princess and could only be awaken by a true loves’ kiss. In this live action update, which is told through Maleficent’s point-of-view, we see a different side to the classic Disney villain. As the story progresses and princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) grows up, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) begins to care for the young girl she cursed as a baby. She watches over her from a distance like a guardian angel.
We also get to see how Maleficent was betrayed by Stefan (Sharlto Copley), the new King, who happened to be her first love as a child. Copley who is good in almost everything I have seen him in, is so awful in the role as the King Stefan that his performance could earn him a razzie award. Jolie looks absolutely stunning as the title character, unfortunately Jolie spends most of the movie just glazing at the camera. Her look is hypnotic but it begins to become laughable at just how many scenes have her just looking at things. After awhile it starts to feel like a staring contest between Jolie and the audience. Even with that issue, Jolie still does a great job with the character.
The biggest problem with “Maleficent’ is the writing. I know the production was plagued with re-writes and re-shoots and it clearly shows. So many elements feel rushed through and forced. One perfect example would be with the young prince who feels thrown in at the last minute to try and be Aurora’s one true love.
Sure, “Maleficent” is beautiful to look at and I can’t say that I found myself bored with it at all. Clocking in at about 90 minutes, it goes by pretty quickly. I am sure kids will be entertained by the spectacle on screen and many will be entranced by Jolie’s performance, but those looking for something intelligent, will need to look elsewhere.
By: Marc Ferman