​FILMS

maleficent

Maleficent (Action/Adventure/Fantasy): 74 out of 100: This is a twist on the traditional fairytale of "Sleeping Beauty" which might upset some purists.

 

The focus of attention this time around is on Maleficent who cursed Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty with a spell and the end result is likely to anger some fans. If you can see past this, you should be able to enjoy the movie for it offers sumptuous cinematography, well-detailed production design and glamorous costumes.

 

Angelina Jolie portrays the title character and plays both wonderfully wicked and heartbreakingly heroic, well. Elle Fanning is divine and delightful as Aurora while Sharlto Copley is great as the villain.

 

The director, Robert Stromberg, keeps things moving along and is helped by an interesting plot, although some of the CGI characters are cute but annoying. The ever-dependable James Newton Howard provides a beautiful and symphonic music score.

 

Even if you are not a fan of fantasy films, you should get a lot out of this film. I should know as I am one of those non-fantasy people.

Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley
(97 minutes)
Parental advice: Low level violence

Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w-XO4XiRop0 (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 2nd July, 2014)