Maleficent (M)
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning
THE untold story behind Sleeping Beauty details the rise and fall of evil fairy-villain Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie.
It’s good to see Brad Pitt’s leading lady back where she belongs … on the silver screen playing an evil wench. She’s brilliant as Maleficent, the scorned ex of Aurora’s father, the King.
After he betrays his childhood friend and young love, Maleficent turns on the kingdom and curses his baby daughter.
He becomes consumed by the thought of his daughter falling into a deep sleep when she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday.
But the audience will be surprised at what happens after she is taken into the woods to be cared for by three fairy godmothers.
Without ruining it, Maleficent becomes a softer, kinder spirit and develops a motherly relationship with Aurora.
But all is not quiet in the kingdom, and soon enough drama ensues.
Disney’s latest re-make is different to what you’d expect. It is a fantastical story of ‘true love’ and yet the leading male character doesn’t play the role you’d expect.
It is a truly cinematic experience with plenty of bright CGI characters and grand fight scenes.
Unfortunately it’s not particularly memorable or remarkable expect for the ‘true love’ twist.
Most will remember the story of Aurora and Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent is the re-make of a Disney favourite with less substance and more bells and whistles.
– Danielle Galvin
