Maléfica

IGNORE THE TRAILER: GO SEE IT!

I saw this movie tonight with a friend and it was spectacular. Going in, I was excited as a life-long Disney fan but also expecting a somewhat cheesy good-vs-evil type of movie based on what I had seen in the trailer. I couldn't have been more wrong! Angelina Jolie delivers an amazing performance and makes a well-known, previously rather one- dimensional Disney villain relate-able and more sympathetic, while also managing to look like a convincing, gorgeous, magical creature.

The CGI is a tad heavy and a little freaky at times (such as the three coloured pixies/Aunts) but was used, in combination with some amazing sets, to create a fantastic world and creatures which were reminiscent of the beautiful and imaginative work in movies such as "Hellboy 2" and "Pan's Labyrinth". The effort by the art team here really helps to draw you into Maleficent's world at the beginning of the movie and makes you wish you were a kid growing up with this movie as fodder for your imagination.

Although Maleficent's character has been humanised in this re-telling, the story really emphasises that she isn't human at all, and explores the ins and outs of her life and how she relates to the humans she encounters.

The plot for this movie really fits into the current trend of exploring the anti-hero (Breaking Bad, Hannibal...) and shows that Disney is trying to break with its past depiction of characters being black and white, good or evil, etc.

I feel like I am gushing over this film, but as a Disney classic lover I have been truly impressed by what is sure to be a new favourite with kids and adults equally. I do expect some controversy over parts of the film but I won't discuss those here.

A bit Dark for a PG Rating so Parental Guidance is Advised. But the more Mature and Well Grounded Children are sure to Get a Thrill from this CGI Ride that is Full of Fantastic Images and Stirring Action.

It is Pathos that the Movie Embraces and the Good and Evil are Reversed somewhat but there are still Characters Worth Rooting for and others to Hiss and Boo.

Haters of this Backstory seem to be Under the Delusion that the Original Fairy Tale and the Original Disney Animated Movie have been Purged from Existence with some Sort of Orwellian Eraser and Cease Existing to Enjoy.

Both are still there to be Perused and Appreciated, this is just something a bit Different, Not a Replacement. Angelina Jolie makes a Great Maleficent and is backed by an Array of Colorful and Interesting Fairies and other assorted Moor Magnificence.

Thankfully there are No Outburst of Sappy, Old-Fashioned, Done-to Death Songs Interrupting the Story and it Plays out like a Truly Grim Fairy Tale. True Love comes in Many Forms and is not always found in a Traditional way, there could be others, and this is Not a Replacement, it's just Manifested in Another Form.

The Film certainly Looks Seamless incorporating Live Action and Animation. The Three Fairies are Amazing, and the Whole Movie is Spellbinding in a somewhat "New" Kind of Look from Modern Artistry.

Definitely Recommended for Those that Don't always Take the Path Well Traveled and are Willing to Accept and Embrace New Directions as New Entertainment and this Does Not Eliminate the Old, but Enhances with Enchantment.

An interesting take on the classic fairy tale (and Disney movie/theme park sensation), this deliberate rewriting felt bold for Disney. The cinematography was also high quality.

Sienna's Rating: 7 stars Sebs Rating: 10 stars Paul's Rating: 7 stars.

While it may be hard for younger readers to imagine, the Disney Studio has not always been God-like, there were times when it seemed they had exhausted their creativity.

That was then. This is now. An influx of talent, inspiration, and a few well-chosen corporate takeovers have put Disney back at the top of the heap. And this film is not merely entertainment but a flexing of those corporate muscles, especially after the worldwide success of Frozen.

Note the quiet arrogance in re-imagining a story which the studio itself had made archetypal. Try pulling that off in film class.

And if they don't create an Oscar category for best cheekbones, they should. Many actresses in Hollywood will tell you that they could look that good with prosthetics. They lie. To look that good you have to START with the best face in Hollywood.

In deference to critics, the second Act of the film simply does not maintain the wonder and innovation of the start; and Elle Fanning, a future actress of great promise, seems slightly lost in an under-written part.

Still, this film is a major achievement and destined to delight children for generations to come.

Maleficient is fully developed as a hero who is wounded, and embarks on a long and painful journey to overcome her past. This is a magnificent reimagination and retelling of an old story, from a refreshing viewpoint.