Maleficent: Review

One of Disney’s iconic villains, Maleficent, gets her own story. From the classic 1959 story of Sleeping Beauty. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, with an idyllic life, growing up in the peaceful forest kingdom. She rises to be come the land’s protector, but is betrayed by the human boy she comes to love, the boy who will become king. Maleficent curses his first born, but as the child, Aurora grows, Maleficent comes to realise that this young girl may hold the key to peace, and happiness.

Angelina Jolie inhibits the role of Maleficent, bringing a beauty, and underlying menace to the character. However, Disney has created a new angle on a fable long told, bringing to the fore a debate on the goodness inside everyone, and showing that even this being often seen as the evil fairy, has a side of love and peace.

The betraying love, and King Stefan, is played by South African home-by Sharlto Copley, adding his own unique mix to the character, as the somewhat dishevelled king, who’s life is consumed with the impending result of that curse, bestowed all those years ago.

Elle Fanning is the lovely Aurora, always portraying beauty and poise, and is set to overtake her more famous sister Dakota, who is taking a respite from big film projects.

Maleficent is a family film, a story talking of honour, and standing up for the good in all of us. It’s a Disney film, and one for the entire family. The effects are stunning, yet do not detract from the story, choosing to add to the on-screen events, instead of dominating them.

This is a film that the young will love, and the older audiences will enjoy. It’s a new angle on the age old story, but an interesting twist, one with which some will agree, and some might feel cheated. Either way, it’s a story to be enjoyed, and one that will leave the viewer satisfied.

Maleficent hits South African screens 6 June 2014, and is bound to continue the international box office trend on our screens.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb

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