Maleficent…is a happy fairy child who flits around a forest full of little creatures, bonding with Stefan (as a teenager played by Jackson Bews). When Stefan grows up (as an adult played by Sharlto Copley) he risks it all by pulling a stunt on Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) that forever hurts her, albeit paves the way for himself to the throne.
Now Maleficent is a dark fairy among colorful and happy fairies (Lesley Manville, Juno Temple and Imelda Staunton). Maleficent casts a spell on young Aurora, the Princess (Elle Fanning) that – as the fairy tale goes – upon her sixteenth birthday she will prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a dark sleep. Only love will awaken her.
Of course Maleficent’s revenge is on the King, Stefan, who forfeited true love for the throne, but one wonders why Hollywood is suddenly making movies for little girls that focus on the evil witch and negativity? Snow White & the Huntsman’s Charlize Theron did the same as the wicked queen.
Angelina Jolie stars as the Sleeping Beauty nemesis…like a Joan Collins of “Dynasty” with implanted cheekbones and horns. There is nothing warm about her and it’s that ice block demeanor which makes a parent wonder if the film might be too scary for small children, and if so, will it hold the interest of older kids. So who is this film for? First time director Robert Stromberg won an Oscars for set designer for Alice In Wonderland and Avatar, so alas, the filming is flawless as Jolie’s face, but not very interesting. ♚ ♛
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