Peter V
Next to Beauty and the beast the best live action remake of Disney!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/23/25
Full Review
Stephen L
Maleficent offers a visually stunning reimagining of the classic tale, anchored by Angelina Jolie's compelling performance. Her portrayal brings depth and nuance to the iconic villain, making her both menacing and sympathetic. The film's special effects and battle sequences are impressive, creating an immersive experience. However, the supporting cast's performances, particularly Elle Fanning as Aurora and Sharlto Copley as King Stefan, lack the same impact, making the narrative less engaging. Despite these shortcomings, Maleficent provides a fresh perspective on a well-known story, making it a worthwhile watch.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/22/25
Full Review
ell x
A wonderful twist on the origional - the special effects are breathtaking, and the story is truly heartwarming. Angelina Jolie & Elle Fannings have wonderful chemistry; one of the better live action adaptations Disney has come out with.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/28/25
Full Review
Victor W
Nothing like the original. Completely ruins a timeless classic. The king is a traitorous lunatic instead of noble. The 3 fairies are incompetent and impotent, more like the 3 stooges, and worse yet, they are very selfish. Maleficient does not even begin to live up to her namesake, she is mildly bad, mostly good, unlike the real story where she is dreadfully evil, one of the best villains of all time.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
02/09/25
Full Review
Audience Member
its a good movie with a good plot and an good cast
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/29/25
Full Review
SkyRo P
I'm choosing to review both films in the Maleficent franchise together, as they have both been released, and this gives me a chance to discuss them simultaneously. The series features Angelina Jolie in the titular role of the iconic character, Maleficent.
Disney films always manage to capture my attention and let me relive my childhood, and these films are no exception. While some critics have been harsh on the live-action adaptations, there are indeed moments that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, allowing viewers to reconnect with their inner child.
That said, the screenplay does have its shortcomings, with some dry patches that transform Maleficent into a more sympathetic antihero. This shift in characterization can make it challenging to see her as the malevolent figure she was initially portrayed to be. I hope that a third installment will delve deeper into her character arc, allowing her to embrace her darker nature rather than presenting her as a misunderstood sweetheart, which detracts from the essence of Maleficent.
I found Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Princess Aurora somewhat surprising; she doesn't quite embody the princess archetype as one might expect. Instead, she comes across more like a sidekick or a stepsister, which isn’t meant to be a slight against her talent. It’s simply a reflection of how she presents the character, which feels a bit flat and lacking the regal presence typically associated with royalty.
In comparison, the first film is certainly better written than its sequel. I appreciated the cinematography and the world-building in the original, which captured the essence of the character beautifully. As the franchise progressed, I enjoyed watching Maleficent's descent into darkness. However, the second film hinted at her potential for evil but didn’t quite deliver. I want to see her fully embrace her role as a dark mistress, even if she isn’t technically a queen, and channel that powerful presence she embodies.
As for Prince Charming, he should be a captivating, larger-than-life character in this franchise. Ironically, he feels more like an afterthought. While Harris Dickinson stepped in as the prince, I believe Disney missed a trick by not bringing back Brenton Thwaites. Dickinson, although talented, doesn’t quite fit the role, and his longer hair just didn’t work, making him come off as somewhat silly.
Throughout the franchise, we’ve seen Diablo evolve into a human character, adding depth to his role. However, the introduction of Pinto was a bit perplexing. I'm still unsure of the character's gender; if Pinto is female, the shirtless look is confusing, and if male, it seems more fitting. Regardless, Pinto is a cute character, one that I’d love to see as a plush toy, although it’s disappointing that the marketing didn’t capitalize on this.
In conclusion, both films are enjoyable and worth revisiting. I believe the franchise should continue, but it needs a stronger screenplay to develop the story further. It’s time to explore a new direction that empowers Maleficent, gives Princess Aurora her rightful narrative arc, and brings back the prince to fulfill his role in the story. Overall, Angelina Jolie remains the standout casting choice in this series.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/23/25
Full Review
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