Maleficent is basically an alternate version to the story of Sleeping Beauty. Sleeping Beauty was one of my fave Disney movies to watch as a kid, I think because I liked when the fairies fought with their magic over how Aurora's 16th birthday party was supposed to go. Anyway, this story is about Maleficent.
We get to see Maleficent grow up as a child, she had wings once, like most fairies do. But then one day, someone she trusted betrayed her and took them. And so her anger and desire for revenge builds up against this man. Instead of attacking him, she curses his daughter.
Now I read the movie adaptation novel before seeing this one, so I already knew how this movie would play out for the most part. Perhaps I should've waited to read the book until after the movie, but oh well! For the most part, the book played out the movie right. Although there was one teeny, tiny, factor that I liked the book having and I thought fit rather well into the character development, but the movie left that tidbit out. No big, since the movie does technically come first in this instance.
It's a great movie though! Beautifully done. I also like how with this story in general, Maleficent's crow can be turned into a man with her magic. His character was rather enjoyable. I think he helped bring the good back into Maleficent at times. Especially when she was out to get the baby Aurora. For Maleficent kept an eye on the princess as she grew up for reasons unknown really. Most likely just because she could since Aurora was technically in hiding.
There are very great differences in this story, as I said, it's an entirely new retelling of the beloved Disney classic. But I have to say I loved the movie! It's sort of like a Wicked thing, where you get to see a classic in a whole new light and you just see things differently. Although I wouldn't go as far to say that our cartoon Maleficent was wronged by another, she was just evil for being evil.
If you're at all a Disney fan, then I highly recommend seeing this one! It was a superbly done movie. The visual effects were remarkable when we're in the Moors, the place where all things fairy live. It's really beautiful! Angeline Jolie made a marvelous Maleficent and it definitely brings a shiny, new light to the story of Sleeping Beauty that's not one to be missed!
Bonus--we get a teaser trailer--aka a trailer that doesn't tell you much just lets you know the movie is upcoming, like the Simpsons Movie trailer with the outline of Superman but turns into Homer wearing a Superman t-shirt and his underwear on the couch!--of the upcoming LIVE ACTION movie version of Cinderella! I had totally forgotten about this movie until I saw this! My cousin and I were even just talking briefly about it and I had still forgotten that this movie was up and coming! Yes, the story of Cinderella will be taken to real live people in March 2015! So can't wait to see that one either!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
