Read Mixed User Reviews for Maleficent

5

BigZOct 1, 2014

I loved what was hinted at in this movie, not particularly what was done though. The visual splendor was riveting for sure. I knew that if any actress could pull off the Disney villain Maleficent, it was none other than Angelina Jolie, anI loved what was hinted at in this movie, not particularly what was done though. The visual splendor was riveting for sure. I knew that if any actress could pull off the Disney villain Maleficent, it was none other than Angelina Jolie, an all-time favorite of mine. But I cannot deny the fact that the things that made this a Disney movie is pretty much what ended up strangling it. I liked the angle of her being a fairy who isn't sure about humans but tries to connect and even love them and is betrayed in a gruesome fashion. The film seemed solid until she started to seem quite a bit softer than would be consistent for a dark fairy/witch who threatens an entire kingdom of people. It's not that she could have been more sadistic but more like all the other characters could have been smarter, like all of them. Everyone who wasn't Maleficent was either crazy or pin headed. Except maybe her helper crow. But that sort of made it an environment where she had to do everything for everyone like the nanny, kind of a weak approach for a character with such a strong presence. Meaning she needed a stronger antagonist, Sharlto Copley didn't deliver for me. Just came off a little too insane. The story just got too predictable and cliche' to stay intriguing. The visuals did not disappoint though and who can't help but love Angelina's portrayal of a famous villain. A different story all together may have proven better for her character. I mean, if everyone tells the story claiming that's how IT REALLY HAPPENED, i mean who actually knows how it really happened then? How many stories do you need to bleed dry Disney?… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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4

marcmyworksJun 24, 2014

This unfortunate vanity project for Angelina Jolie could have been a thing of greatness. Not only does it suffer from complete lack of character development but it also fails to create any interest in anyone beyond the title character. We getThis unfortunate vanity project for Angelina Jolie could have been a thing of greatness. Not only does it suffer from complete lack of character development but it also fails to create any interest in anyone beyond the title character. We get a glimmer into Princess Aurora’s mind and energy but as quickly as we start to gain interest, Maleficent casts a sleeping spell; much like this film does to its audience.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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5

thejakeberlinJul 6, 2014

Even with the solid and magical (no pun intended) performance from the star Angelina Jolie, the movie lacks a well thought out process. Instead of building off of a main role starring a someone sod Jolie’s caliber, it takes a turn and givesEven with the solid and magical (no pun intended) performance from the star Angelina Jolie, the movie lacks a well thought out process. Instead of building off of a main role starring a someone sod Jolie’s caliber, it takes a turn and gives us dull supporting characters who left us bored for most of the movie. Although it had a fantastic lead and some beautiful visual effects, those couldn’t lift my spirits from the average and disappointment of a showing that Maleficent gave me.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

ThatCoolCriticApr 12, 2015

Why, Why does Disney have to reboot Sleeping Beauty? Now, I wasn't the biggest fan of the original movie but it was a pretty decent flick. But what I loved the most about the movie was the villain, Maleficent. She was so creepy and evil, itWhy, Why does Disney have to reboot Sleeping Beauty? Now, I wasn't the biggest fan of the original movie but it was a pretty decent flick. But what I loved the most about the movie was the villain, Maleficent. She was so creepy and evil, it was awesome! So when I heard Disney was going to make a live action adaptation of Sleeping Beauty focused completely on Maleficent, I was excited. But my god was I wrong! For one, they make Maleficent good. That is such a bad idea and the worst part is they want us to simpithize with her! Uh, hello you realize she cursed and infant baby right? Speeking of which, Aurora is really bland in this movie. And don't even get me started on Prince Philip, he's pretty much useless in this film. King Stefen is probably the most forgettable Disney villains ever. The three fairies, WHAT THE HECK!!! They turned them into Three Stooges … Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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4

FilmQueenOct 30, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This started out to be promising, but by the end it just became worse and worse. Retelling the story from the villain's point of view could have worked if only she had stayed a villain and the characters had acted reasonably, but nothing made any sense. Maleficent wanted revenge and she could have killed the young princess a hundred times yet she did not. The father didn't need to send his daughter away, especially not with 3 so incompetent women. He also didn't react realistically when he was reunited with his daughter considering that he was so crazy because he loved her so much and tried to protect her. I expected that the "true love's kiss" in the end is gonna be a twist and it could have worked if only it was Diaval who kissed her, because it was built up, from the very beginning it seemed like he cared about the princess. If maleficent remained a villain as she is supposed to be, it would have been nice to see that the bird/guy she tormented turns against her, ruin her evil plan and two person who suffered Maleficent's cruelty end up together. Instead, this "twist" is plain dumb, the king became completely evil for no logical reason, the villain became nice again for no logical reason... etc. Meh..everything is dumb in this movie.
So let's see the positive things... It looks good. Yeh, that's it. The visual effects are cool, the whole fantasy setting is beautiful, the costumes are great, Maleficent looks exactly as she is supposed to look. But this does not save the movie, its bad, don't watch it!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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4

csw12Jun 30, 2014

Angelina Jolie was good but that is really the only positive thing to come out of Maleficent. Uninteresting characters, slow pacing and an anti-climatic final showdown provide little life in this boring film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

inaneswineNov 14, 2017

All the cast put in fine performances, particularly Jolie. I also praise Disney for introducing a grey area to all the black-and-white fairytales we already know (though this is not original or innovative). It certainly looks beautifulAll the cast put in fine performances, particularly Jolie. I also praise Disney for introducing a grey area to all the black-and-white fairytales we already know (though this is not original or innovative). It certainly looks beautiful enough, with the 3D - like with most features - being most effective on the quiet, less spectacular scenes (such as the walk through the forest) as opposed to the grandiose battle scenes. Nonetheless, with all that going for it, it still feels like little more than another telling of the same story, as opposed to a retelling.

Dem cheekbones though.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

vikesh2206Nov 10, 2014

A spellbinding performance from Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and brilliant visual effects can't save the movie from its flaws which consists of: shoehorned characters (Prince Philip), slow pacing and an anti-climatic final showdown.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

raviopatraJun 4, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have to agree with most critics for this movie. Angelina Jolie is fantastic as ever, but as my friend said as soon as the movie ended, "I would re-cast pretty much everyone but Jolie, Riley, Manville, Temple, and Staunton. Everyone else needs to go." And that's exactly how I feel as well.

The movie starts with a very good scene in which young Maleficent is depicted as a kind-hearted, powerful young fairy, protector of Moors. Young Stefan actually works for me, but not with the grown-up Stefan. The cast just doesn't work. As soon as Jolie starts wearing the costume, I feel like I'm watching Halle Berry in that horrible Cat Woman spandex costume all over again. It just didn't work. Her natural-looking appearance was perfect. I don't understand why she had to change her appearance after her wings are cut off (only to reattach again).

Elle Fanning is lovely, but she's not doing her best in this movie. I'm excited to see Oculus tomorrow which Brenton Thwaites is starring in, but his Prince Phillip character is way too irrelevant and unnecessary.

The scenes are also very predictable. I totally saw the "Maleficent is the true love" twist right after somewhere aroud the first time she connects with Aurora. It's Frozen all over again. To sum up, I think the movie would only please children and those who simply watch the movie for eye-pleasing visual. Even the climax did not get me excited.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

stakoAug 23, 2014

If anyone ever asks you for an example of a great idea turning into a very mediocre movie - point this title out, I'm sure the will get the idea. If not, they should watch the original Sleeping Beauty and then watch this. Better? Yeah.
ThisIf anyone ever asks you for an example of a great idea turning into a very mediocre movie - point this title out, I'm sure the will get the idea. If not, they should watch the original Sleeping Beauty and then watch this. Better? Yeah.
This movie indeed has the potential to turn around the whole Sleeping Beauty story into something much better - more intricate, cooler and even thought provoking.
The main problem I have with this movie lays withing the writing and directing. Writers Linda Woolverton and Charles Perrault simply don't give the actors anything worthwhile to work with. Constantly the movie is preoccupied with transition scenes that literally tell us what has or is going on - too obvious, even for a children's movie. I believe it isn't in Disney's style.
Director Robert Stromberg went along with it and tried to make something of it, including some beautiful scenes, and other scenes that are as if ripped out from other fantasy flicks. He has done some pretty good work in the past, however here we see mediocrity and literacy, but I'm pretty sure that came out mainly from the script.
I have to note out that this movie contains some of the worst camerawork I've ever seen - awkward zooming and totally worthless scenes included.
Other than that, actors starring here had nothing to work with to begin with, so no one is even worth mentioning. Jolie tried to make Maleficent faithful and memorable, but ultimately fails, due to reasons already mentioned.
And there is nothing more to say. It's a pretty movie, it had the potential to be a masterpiece, however it falls short to be classified as even a Disney kid film.
It can be entertaining to watch if you have nothing else to do, but that's about it.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

diogomendesDec 3, 2014

The visuals are striking and Angelina Jolie is phenomenal but even those points can't compensate "Maleficent" from its bland narrative and hackneyed tone.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

EpicLadySpongeFeb 3, 2016

Maleficent is Disney's first attempt at a movie that stars a villain to be the main role; --- correct me if I'm wrong --- however, there's almost no attempt to survive this long movie.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

ScribeHardMay 30, 2014

Maleficent could have been a Disney live-action film for the ages; it has some of the right pieces. But with a weak foundation and suspect direction, it’s just another dull kid-flick to slug through, with a story like a cursed spindle, readyMaleficent could have been a Disney live-action film for the ages; it has some of the right pieces. But with a weak foundation and suspect direction, it’s just another dull kid-flick to slug through, with a story like a cursed spindle, ready to prick its viewers into a deep slumber.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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6

GustavoTalainiJun 1, 2014

Angelina Jolie steals every scene with her excellent performance .... The Disney movie has charming effects, but a poor and bad script.
It is a cliche movie for this summer.

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

victorhjklMay 30, 2014

Angelina Jolie made an amazing performance in this movie, but there's a lot of cliches predictable scenes... and despite there's a good new perspective of the story, and great visual effects... The movie is middling.

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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6

sanyrubJan 25, 2015

The movie looks so beautiful, Angelina Jolie is perfect in her role, there are a couple of powerful moments and overall it is not boring. But the story is weak, the most interesting part is the first act, while there´s a big amount of minutesThe movie looks so beautiful, Angelina Jolie is perfect in her role, there are a couple of powerful moments and overall it is not boring. But the story is weak, the most interesting part is the first act, while there´s a big amount of minutes where nothing seems to happen in the second act. Nice message with some women empowerment. Not much more going on. You can stream it.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

BrianMcCriticOct 29, 2014

This movie is ok but it lacks any of the wonder or imagination of the original Sleeping Beauty. Visually the film works, it looks great unfortunatly thats the best part similar to other disney retellings. The story is sloppy and man areThis movie is ok but it lacks any of the wonder or imagination of the original Sleeping Beauty. Visually the film works, it looks great unfortunatly thats the best part similar to other disney retellings. The story is sloppy and man are those fairies annoying. C+… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

Rivera74Jun 1, 2014

Great visual effects, but the develop of the principal character is poor. A cruel villain that actually never was a cruel villain? I recognize however, the effort that Angeline put into her character but, it was simply bad written.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

RoraEstJul 5, 2014

My name is Aurora, so this movie was really amazing for me. But, this is not good one. It looks like fan-fiction or something. I compared it with Snow White and The Huntsman, and Maleficent was really failed in story. Basically, I wasMy name is Aurora, so this movie was really amazing for me. But, this is not good one. It looks like fan-fiction or something. I compared it with Snow White and The Huntsman, and Maleficent was really failed in story. Basically, I was wondering when they will give me the real story of Sleeping Beauty. Rather than put Maleficent being a good fairy-godmother, they should put the story of Prince Phillip's mother who was a troll. That's the real twist in the original story. But, the CGI was awesome, very AVATAR movie. I just didn't like how it turned into 'very new-original' thing.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

Jim222001Apr 14, 2015

Everyone is irrelevant but Maleficent pretty much. Even the three fairies who are supposed to watch over Aurora are careless morons in this. But Jolie shines enough to make it watchable despite it hacking up the Sleeping Beauty story.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

canhenhaJun 17, 2014

"Maleficent" is the debut feature for Robert Stromberg, after a career in production design and special effects (he won Oscars for both Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and James Cameron's "Avatar").
The film focuses on the story of a"Maleficent" is the debut feature for Robert Stromberg, after a career in production design and special effects (he won Oscars for both Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and James Cameron's "Avatar").
The film focuses on the story of a fairy named Maleficent. She lives in kingdom of magical creatures, which is surrounded by a kingdom of humans, governed by a greedy king who is adamant on taking over the magical surroundings. Upon seeing his army vanquished, he requests that one of his underlings vanquishes Maleficent and gains access to her kingdom. This request is taken by Stefan, an ambitious young man, whom Maleficent has loved since her young childhood. He takes advantage of her affections, and that drives her to a dark side and to seek revenge upon all the wrongs inflected on her and her kind.
Robert Stromberg is clearly a talented technician, with a gift to create universes that are rich and support the vision from other filmmakers and storytellers. However, in his debut feature, he does not benefit from a rich enough screenplay, to actually provide a canvas for his story telling and universe to be brought to life. The central character, Maleficent, though larger than life and rich enough to have a film focused on her, fails to have much to do throughout the film, thanks to a reductive screenplay, where the trifecta of her motivations are love/revenge/redemption. In the hands of a more experienced director, that would be enough for a richly layered film, however Robert Stromberg merely illustrates the story in a decorative way, giving a hint of a certain darkness, never probing much deeper into the character of Maleficent. Angelina Jolie does a fantastic job, as usual, investing the character with a depth that the film never matches, however the supporting actors have little to do with characters that are basic archetypes. A missed opportunity.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

jdolan74Jun 29, 2014

Angelia Jolie makes this film watchable, despite its flaws. Honestly, its intentions outweigh its flaws in almost every way. And Sharlto Copley gave one of his better performances to date. If I were a little kid I would have really enjoyedAngelia Jolie makes this film watchable, despite its flaws. Honestly, its intentions outweigh its flaws in almost every way. And Sharlto Copley gave one of his better performances to date. If I were a little kid I would have really enjoyed it. Way better than Snow White and the Huntsman.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

dharmaJun 6, 2014

Maleficent works because of Angelina Jolie's amazing performance as the main character. Other than that, the movie has this weird pacing that feels off. The Director, while an Oscar winner for numerous Technical categories, is definitely aMaleficent works because of Angelina Jolie's amazing performance as the main character. Other than that, the movie has this weird pacing that feels off. The Director, while an Oscar winner for numerous Technical categories, is definitely a first timer. Sure it has great effects and this great matte painting quality to the visuals, but it sort of remind me of Joseph Kosinski's work, (of Oblivion's). Visually great but felt cobbled together.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

lasttimeisawJun 7, 2014

A quite long absence from big screen, since THE TOURIST (2010, 7/10), Angelina Jolie is back with this unorthodox adaption of Grimm Brothers Sleeping Beauty fairytale, parades her overpowering belligerence and devilish look, retells the storyA quite long absence from big screen, since THE TOURIST (2010, 7/10), Angelina Jolie is back with this unorthodox adaption of Grimm Brothers Sleeping Beauty fairytale, parades her overpowering belligerence and devilish look, retells the story from the angle of the villain Maleficent, an evil fairy (with two giant horns) who puts the sleeping spell on princess Aurora (Fanning) in order to pay back to her father King Stefan (Copley) for his brutal betrayal.
continue to read my review on my blog: google cinema omnivore.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

Rob7309Jun 1, 2014

An overall enjoyable time at the movies. Jolie was really good and there are some cool set pieces as well as creature designs. The movie was fairly predictable and the rest of the performances were just ok, but all in all the movie was solid.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

nicholasbertAug 21, 2014

The twisting of a classic fairy-tale is never easy - and it definitely shows how Disney is running out of original ideas, but the film in itself is not that bad, although completely dependent on Angelina Jolie's acting.

Indeed the otherThe twisting of a classic fairy-tale is never easy - and it definitely shows how Disney is running out of original ideas, but the film in itself is not that bad, although completely dependent on Angelina Jolie's acting.

Indeed the other actors are not quite up to the task, with the weird accent changes (I suppose the growingly Scottish accent of Stephan symbolizes his embitterment) and the exaggerated facial expressions... but if you have in mind it's a fairy-tale, it's all quite forgivable and forgettable. And Angelina looks like she could get a couple more pounds on her legs and neck, to be fair.

This film has a grand plot hole - I'm sure some have noticed. In my opinion, 10 to 20 minutes more of duration added to the ending could have fixed it, and would have probably made Maleficent a much better movie, but as we know, Disney don't like their movies to be more than 100 minutes long.

I wasn't expecting intelligent writing, big plot twists, witty dialogue, so I wasn't disappointed when I found none of those: again, the perspective is that of a fairy-tale, and it is, after all, a film meant for children. I just hope they have watched the animated Sleeping Beauty, or even better read the fairy-tale, before they watch Maleficent.… Expand

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6

SEROJJun 3, 2014

Disney combined story aspects from Frozen,Beauty and the beast and Pocahontas .. and this is the result.. decent movie with great acting...6/10 , just because of Jolie's outstanding performance!

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

RemJun 2, 2014

When I first saw the "Dream Trailer" for Maleficent a couple months back, I was instantly hyped for the movie. Disney was on a roll recently, and it seemed they could continue bombarding us with great films, however, Maleficent is anythingWhen I first saw the "Dream Trailer" for Maleficent a couple months back, I was instantly hyped for the movie. Disney was on a roll recently, and it seemed they could continue bombarding us with great films, however, Maleficent is anything but great. To start off, the movie is painstakingly predictable, and the movie even pulls a "Frozen" twist near the end. IT doesn't help that the humor falls between forced and empty. That doesn't deny the fact that the effects of the movie were indeed impressive. But the one thing I had gripes with was Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, she simply does not deliver as she seems like she's holding back from what seems to be a fantastic villain. People will certainly enjoy this movie, but for others like me who had big expectations from this movie, it just doesn't save it from the fact that Ella Fanning plays a terrible Aurora. Just go and rewatch Frozen, you'll love that one more.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

RedOwlReviewsJun 2, 2014

There is one word that can be used to sufficiently describe Robert Stromberg’s directorial efforts in his debut Maleficent, and that word is amateurish. He starts off with a spin on a classic childhood movie that places the focus on theThere is one word that can be used to sufficiently describe Robert Stromberg’s directorial efforts in his debut Maleficent, and that word is amateurish. He starts off with a spin on a classic childhood movie that places the focus on the original supposed antagonist – a concept that is both clever and somewhat uninspired (refer to Wicked and more recently, Oz the Great and Powerful). He then employs a plot so painfully simple and straightforward, it even manages to make 97 minutes feel like a stretch. He tosses in some straight-from-the-source dialogue and a few awkwardly fitting characters – Maleficent’s crow, who also doubles as her eternally indebted shape-shifting cohort; an irrelevant generic Prince Charming who occupies roughly five minutes of screen time; and the three pixies who more closely resemble the klutzy comical witches of Hocus Pocus than their original counterparts. Finally, he blends everything together, applies a fantastical, Alice In Wonderland-esque visual aesthetic filter, and slaps the Disney logo on top to create an expensive blockbuster that never feels even remotely unique. The only aspect of this movie that stands out ¬¬(and makes you wonder whose movie this truly is) is the riveting, spot on performance from Angelina Jolie.
There is no doubt that Jolie’s performance – heck, even her presence – enhances Maleficent. However, I would take it one step further and argue that, without Jolie, Maleficent would be nothing (sorry, Stromberg). Maleficent works for Jolie in two ways. Firstly, it serves as a safe and reliable investment for an executive producer who also happens to be the lead actress. I concede that Maleficent isn’t a flat-out bomb; it would really take a lot to screw up such a straightforward and tasty (if not fresh) film. Jolie hopped onto this film with the assurance that it would not scar her reputation in the financial world of film. Secondly, Maleficent works as a steadfast vehicle for a prominent actress who hasn’t flaunted her fabulous lips and cheekbones on the big screen for almost four years. This title role allows her to slip back into theaters without having to devote herself to a heavy and overly involving dramatic role, while at the same time not scarring her reputation in the acting world of film. Simply put, Jolie is a beautiful genius, and while Maleficent surely isn’t her “best” work, it does what it needs to without shedding any blood.
While Maleficent fails to succeed on many fronts, it is necessary to discuss one of the largest aspects the film miraculously manages to get just right. Maleficent looks just as glorious as it should – and I am referring to both the film and its powerful protagonist. It is actually not too much of a surprise to find that Stromberg gets the visual effects right. Before Maleficent, Stromberg worked in the visual effects departments of such films as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Golden Compass, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, as well as a production designer for Avatar, Alice in Wonderland, and Oz the Great and Powerful. In Maleficent, Stromberg achieves clean equilibriums in his visual aesthetic between dark and light, somber and wonderful, and dynamic and static. He expresses emotion best not through dialogue and acting, but through color and atmosphere, a laudable feat for a man who worked so long in the visual department. Maleficent the fairy also represents the epitome of bringing fiction to life through exceptional production design and costume and makeup. In the film, Jolie is never masked or dressed up to be someone else. Instead, her accessories enhance her being and elevate her persona into the most intimidating fairy I’ve seen on the big screen in quite some time. In fantasy film, little is more important that ensuring that the larger-than-life characters still resemble reality and humanity, and Maleficent pulls this off flawlessly.
In the end, Maleficent will undoubtedly appeal to its target audience, as well as garner Jolie some new (probably younger) fans. It will also make Jolie a mountain of money. So while Maleficent may not be a cinematic success (on almost all levels), it does effectively serve its two main purposes; it allows Stromberg to take more control of his artistic visions with his own film, and it acts as a sufficient vehicle for Angelina Jolie to show her gorgeous face on the big screen after almost four years.

FINAL SCORE: 2½ out of 5 stars (raw score: 52.5, between “OK” and “a decent watch”)… Expand

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5

MovieGuysJun 7, 2014

Maleficent serves as a great return back to the screen for Angelina Jolie, but it doesn't go much farther than that. The story does nothing interesting to adapt the original tale, and the movie never moves past average. The special effectsMaleficent serves as a great return back to the screen for Angelina Jolie, but it doesn't go much farther than that. The story does nothing interesting to adapt the original tale, and the movie never moves past average. The special effects are good, and the musical score is on par, but the real reason to see this movie is Jolie. She plays a great Maleficent.… Expand

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6

sammurphy66Jul 14, 2014

Whilst Jolie’s performance is noteworthy, Maleficent is a wholly unnecessarily expensive affair offering little more than great spectacle and vivid action.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

KaleBishopMay 31, 2014

From the start of the movie it was very nice and all but up until the preclimax of the movie did it reach its peak of the mountain. Something tells me that the director held back because the rating of this movie is G (Suitable for all) andFrom the start of the movie it was very nice and all but up until the preclimax of the movie did it reach its peak of the mountain. Something tells me that the director held back because the rating of this movie is G (Suitable for all) and not PG (Parantel Guidance is advised). I was greatly disapointed with how this movie ended but it seems that that was the only flaw I found in this movie.
Overall, it's an okay movie. Not very good or good sadly. It could've been better if the current writer gave a little more time to write it then it would've been thrilling.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

WJSFeb 21, 2015

This film looks fantastic, with amazing effects and spectacular production design. However, if not for Angelina Jolie's mesmerizing performance it would lose a lot of its charm (or potential for charm). It gets dragged down in its own storyThis film looks fantastic, with amazing effects and spectacular production design. However, if not for Angelina Jolie's mesmerizing performance it would lose a lot of its charm (or potential for charm). It gets dragged down in its own story and proves to be a lot darker than it really needs to be.… Expand

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6

robertoiglesiasApr 19, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think this film is okay. On the one hand, the performances are great, especially Jolie as Maleficent. The story starts out interesting and has a good first act and the third act is decent.
But the second act is where it fails. There are points in this film where Maleficent could be evil, but instead she becomes the actual mother of Aurora because the 3 fairies are so irresponsible, annoying, and carress. So Maleficent is the hero. UGH! There's also suspense for when the fairies move baby Aurora into a new cottage. Maleficent immediately finds them, removing all suspense, and THE BABY IS LEFT OUTSIDE AND NEARLY DIES! WTF!
I hate the fairies in this. They are so irritating, they are so careless, they are awful at raising Aurora, they get into fights, and are useless.

I wish this film kept the first act, but had Maleficent do a bunch of evil things, like burn down the castle, causing Stefan to move (adding suspense to when Maleficent finds his castle after she is taken to his new castle in the third act), kill soldiers who try to attack her, and more.

About the part of Maleficent finding Aurora, I would rewrite it to a soldier sent to bring her back the day before her 16th birthday, and Maleficent finds him about to approach the cottage before she makes Diaval kill him. I think it would've been better.

So Maleficent is an ok film imo. I do find it better if you see how this leads into the sequel. As a standalone film, it needed some improvements, but as a film leading up to an epic sequel, it's better than I make it out to be.… Expand

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5

TheFrogApr 13, 2019

I should have loved this movie. Angelina Jolie is simply perfect as Maleficent, both in appearance and in demeanor. She conveys a complex character with absolute mastery. I liked a lot Sharlto Copley too. Well, there's not really much else,I should have loved this movie. Angelina Jolie is simply perfect as Maleficent, both in appearance and in demeanor. She conveys a complex character with absolute mastery. I liked a lot Sharlto Copley too. Well, there's not really much else, secondary characters are almost non existent.
So, what is the problem? The usual Disney fare: there *is* an absolute evil, and that is male nature, as exemplified by not one but two kings, plus a number of soldiers who are depicted as little more than bullies: arrogant when they think they have the upper hand, frightened as chickens as soon as danger makes an appearance. Man is greedy, weak and treacherous. He won't hesitate to betray the most sacred ties, and is chronically unable to show even a tiny bit of love (see king towards daughter).
Yes, of course the writer behind this is a woman; unfortunately she started to enjoy her misandrist tirades too much to remember that the best villains are the ones that seduce the audience. How many of Shakespeare's villains were more interesting than the heroes? In Maleficent the main villain has absolutely no redeeming qualities, no personality, no feelings and not even the least bit of strength, he never surprises and is overpowered at every step. Remember by contrast the original Disney Maleficent: would you describe her as helpless? Not at all, and that was an important part of her sinister charm.
I understand that this idea of masculinity is now considered trendy and in fact drives many a successful production, but in this case it has produced one of the most boring villains ever. In my opinion, not a good thing for the movie.… Expand

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DukeJonJul 12, 2020

An ok watch. Jolie keeps this movie together, all the supporting characters just aren't that interesting. However as a character I failed to warm to her. This movie had plenty of villains, a simple minded princess and not much else.