Angelina Jolie has made quite a splash in her work of art from Girl, Interrupted, which actually shot her to stardum, and let’s not forget Salt. In between she was busy being Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. We now are seeing her reprising her Maleficent role in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
The sequel takes up five years after it’s predecessor and lacks some punch as this go-around Jolie’s character has less screen time with the supporting cast getting more attention and as great of an actress she is I was surprised. As you recall from the first the Queen wound up with her wings being sliced off as a sexual symbol. It certainly doesn’t fit the style of Disney especially for the younger viewing audience.
I give credit to the new director, Joachim Ronning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) and I enjoyed her high cheek bones and she still comes equipped with horns and wings. Aurora (Ellie Fanning) is awaiting to accept Prince Phillip’s (Harris Dickinson), standing in for Brenton Thwaites this time, hand in marriage without the approval of Maleficent as she isn’t ready to give her away yet. If you’ve seen Sleeping Beauty you can follow the story easier.
The acts of genocide that takes half of a short portion of the film is geared more toward adults that kids as this movie is only rated PG. And a near 15 minute organ solo that continues the violent acts with red smoke (I will say no more on that) why? Why did the writers carry it on so long? In all the battles that take place, all sides are after each other, then at the end all was at piece. How did the soldiers get the cease-fire message so quick? I even thought I seen a knockoff of an Avengers scene but that’s up to you to decide.
There was just too much happening that made this two hour film questionable in parts. I will give kudos to costume designer Ellen Mirojnick who did a fantastic job along with music director Geoff Zanelli. This film will make lots of $$ at the box office until it is bumped by something new such as Hollywood goes. 3 stars (out of 5). It opens in wide release October 18.
