Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Maleficent- Movie Review

I have been waiting for this movie for a long long time.   When I heard about it I was blown away that this movie was being made.  Maleficent is my all time favorite villain. As some of you know who follow the blog, I love Disney and have already done a Project Disney on Sleeping Beauty.  Angelina Jolie cast as Maleficent was so spot on.  I couldn't imagine another actress playing Maleficent in a movie.   The movie though.. kind of fell flat though. 

My first problem with the movie is Maleficent is evil.  She is evil people!! The movie let's her be evil for only a short time.  Then she is all nice and you feel bad for her. It reminded me a little of Wicked by Gregory Maguire where the Wicked Witch of the West is just misunderstood. The movie does follow the Disney scene where Maleficent enters the party for Aurora practically spot on.  I loved this scene.  They do change the line from "Prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die" to "Prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep like sleep."  I read that this just fits the film better.  I think it could've been fine with the original version but that's just me.


The CGI in the film was beautiful.  I loved to see the magical world that Maleficent lived in. It was neat. But to me ... making Maleficent good changed the dynamic of the film.  Otherwise ... I love the retelling.  I liked the parts about Sleeping Beauty. The film shows Maleficent as a young girl who meets a human boy and falls in love.  He eventually abandons her for the human world and leaves her in the dust. He betrays her and becomes King Stephan.  The three fairies (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather whose names are changed in the film) are supposed to be comic relief and I didn't find any humor in them.  They were kind of annoying. 

In the end I had high high hopes for the film.  I liked the story and it is a movie I would watch again on HBO.   But to be honest it was just missing that umph.  I didn't feel connected to the movie.  I did enjoy when Maleficent was on camera.  I could barley take my eyes away from her beauty.  But the story itself was just a little dull.  C+

Oh and how fabulous was Angelina Jolie's outfit for the opening of the movie???

 

59 comments:

  1. Nooo!!!! I wanted this to be amazing! I had a few fears about this one and it looks like all of them were realized. I do love Angelina Jolie as Maleficent. I can't think of anyone else who could have been cast. I think I'll wait for this to show up on HBO or the library.

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  2. I also thought it was amazing. I loved it. It made me cry and I adored how they are going with a more family bonds of love direction with their recent big films instead of romantic love. I agree they could have left that line the same but then they wouldn't have been able to do her attempt at the retraction of the curse you know?

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  3. That's too bad. I have heard that it made her too weaksauce, and that she doesn't turn into a dragon? I'll probably still watch it since I'm not terribly familiar with the source material.

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  4. Maleficient should be evil! Why does everyone have to have deep feelings? Ugh. I still want to see it though.

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  5. What a bummer!!! I've been really curious about this one but I don't think I'll end up seeing in the theater. I did wonder if it would be along the lines of Wicked where we see a totally different side to Maleficent. So, do you like Aurora's pink or blue dress better? LOL! This is a constant debate with my little sister. ;)

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  6. I'm really glad that I read your review, Angela, because 1. it was really good, and 2. I actually hadn't been all that taken in by the movie, hadn't really thought about seeing it at any point (despite the fact I really do love the new version of Once Upon a Dream- also, Ursula is my favourite disney villian, so...) but from the mention of the perfect casting and storyline, it makes me want to see what I make of it. I do really like the sound of her backstory, but it's frustrating if it leaves you feeling like it's altering a perfectly good character for worse.

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  7. I think I'm still going to see this, but I'll temper my expectations - it's interesting to give a backstory to Maleficient that shows she's not really evil, but you are right, I don't want to sympathize too much. I was really hoping this would be great but at least I know I will enjoy how the film looks!

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  8. I am a huge Sleeping Beauty fan and really looking forward to this movie. Defintely going to wait to see it in the local second run theatre.


    Thanks for sharing your review, Angela.

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  9. I hope to see this one this weekend. I'm saddened by the fact that she's not a big bad through the movie though. Also, how could they change Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather? They are my fav's of the original film. Angelina seems like she rocks Maleficent well so I'm glad you thought she fit the character. Thanks so much for the review :D Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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  10. I am so torn about this movie. It was good.. yet it wasn't. I just thought that I didn't ever really connect to the characters. There were times when Maleficent made me sad for her... I did love the ending too. Just sometimes the middle was a little slow.

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  11. I did get a little teary eyed at the ending when we saw what wakes Sleeping Beauty. I love that (spoiler) they make it to where a man's kiss isn't true love. It can be the kiss of a mother/sister/friend/ love can be in any form. Yeah you are right about the line now that I think about it!

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  12. Yes she does not turn into a dragon. But there is still a dragon in the movie. I didn't think that part was too bad actually. I don't think you need to know much about the source material because the movie really goes off onto it's own story. Which I did enjoy. I like the new spin on it... just wish she would've been evil a little longer then what she was.

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  13. It was like they didn't think little kids could take a good villain. Let's take one of the most evil Disney characters and make her all nice and neat. I liked what they did I just wish though she could've been evil longer.. we really don't see what makes her want to be nice to Sleeping Beauty in my opinion.

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  14. I was so excited about this movie as well because Maleficent is my all time favorite villain. I agree with you that Maleficent was not evil enough! However it was extremely pretty to look at and overall on a purely superficial level I enjoyed it. I do want to read the book that Disney published to tie in with the movie though!

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  15. Oh well... I have always like the blue dress! Pink! Blue! The dress does not make an appearance in the film but the cake does. I did kind of want to hear one of the classic songs in the film but there is a remake of the song Once Upon a Dream. I just think it is a fabulous remake of the original song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8waJ7W3QcJc&feature=kp

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  16. I love that version of Once Upon a Dream too (see comment above). I would recommend everyone see it. It wasn't so bad that I would say don't bother going. I will say it was so beautiful on the big screen and that would be the only reason to see it in the theater. You will lose that look on a small screen at home. Just wish she had kept her evil ways.

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  17. Yeah... I have always loved Maleficent because she is evil. She has minions.. she turns into a dragon... she tries to kill Aurora... she is pure evil. Muah!! But this does change things up a bit. I suppose it makes it more appropriate for children. Not even sure what the rating is for it.

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  18. I know that some people really really loved this movie. I thought it was average and am glad I went and saw it for the matinee price.

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  19. I don't know why they changed the names of the fairies! It is clear who is who too. I was like... um... really they can't keep their original names?? That bothered me a little. My cat's name is Merry (after the hobbit in LOTR) but I always call him Merryweather !!

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  20. I didn't realize there was a book tied into the movie and this really peaks my interest. Is this the book?? http://www.amazon.com/The-Curse-Maleficent-Sleeping-Beauty/dp/1423197518 It looks neat and even has illustrations in it. So glad you stopped by the blog Alisa!

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  21. My sister was a big fan of the blue dress too. ;) Thanks for sharing the link--Lana Del Ray is everywhere these days!

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  22. I would probably give it the same rating, I was pretty underwhelmed by the storyline, although the special effects and such were very pretty. I'm so torn on Maleficent because I somewhat liked how she had a friendship with Aurora growing up but I expected her to go back to being evil because that's kind of what the story is all about. I was really surprised at the HEA ending. I thought some parts were a but cheesy, and thought Prince Philip was overall unnecessary, he seemed almost like a joke. If they had planned to go that route with True Love's Kiss in the beginning I didn't get his part in the movie. Awesome, awesome review!

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  23. Sorry this wasn't that great, since you were so excited. That's the worst. I don't really care to see the film, to be honest.

    Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com

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  24. I think it's interesting they changed that line! I don't think it really has the same impact and considering it was originally a Diseny film for kids anyway, why did they think a line from it wouldn't be appropriate for the live action?? I had mixed feelings about this one before but even more so now. I'll probably still go and see it but I don't have high hopes!

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  25. I've read mixed reviews about this movie-I really want to see it, but it will be a Redbox rental down the road :)

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  26. ah I want to see this! I was hoping it would rock. I am sad to hear that it was a bit dull... (From what I hear they are doing Cinderella next)

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  27. I only skimmed your review because I'm hoping to see this one this weekend in spite of your C+ rating. I LOVE Angelina Jolie, so I can't not watch one of her movies. LOL

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  28. I did enjoy Maleficent but you do make good point about the story. Would have I enjoyed it as much if someone other than Jolie was in the role? Doubt it. She was great and certainly the highlight of the movie.

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  29. uh the fact she can turn into a dragon is one of the best parts! too bad they left that out.

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  30. OMG I want to watch this so bad!! Angelina Jolie is perfect for the role though

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  31. I don't really know how I feel about Prince Philip in the film myself. He really surprised me when he showed up. To be honest... I thought the raven (forgot his name) was going to end up being the True Love's kiss. Then Philip pops up. I think the film could've done without him.. I wonder if Disney thought that would add some suspense at the kiss scene???

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  32. It is worth watching once if you like Disney and the tale of Sleeping Beauty.

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  33. I don't know.. it was odd a little. So the three fairies are there at the party like in the book... but the third fairy never gets to give her wish, even after Maleficent leaves. So they could've used the whole "prick finger and die" line and then still had the last fairy give her blessing. I don't know.

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  34. I would watch it again.. but on TV or from the library. It wasn't like soooo good that I would tell people to go to theater and spend money to watch it.

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  35. I saw the Cinderella trailer at the theater. It is just the glass slipper.. but it did get me really excited for it. Here I go again with big hopes.

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  36. There are no spoilers in the review ( I never post spoilers without marking them) though I do understand skimming. Angelina Jolie was the best part of the film. She is just spot on and does a good job. It's just the story that isn't that great.

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  37. I can't think of anyone else to play the role of Maleficent. She is what made the film tolerable for me. I loved her costumes and makeup and CGI! Perfect.

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  38. I would still recommend seeing this film, despite me not loving it. Others do like it and I think it has about an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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  39. To be honest, I haven't been excited about this film. I don't really care to see it. It just doesn't interest me for some reason.

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  40. OH MY GOSH ME TOO. It was so weird because the camera like focused in on him and his face was all strange and I even told my friend "I have a theory that he'll be the one to wake her up." because his expressions and the camera angles... But I guess he was kinda more like a father figure. Yep yep!

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  41. I think I was mainly interested in it because Maleficent has always been my most favorite Disney villain since I was a little girl. Oh well... at least it wasn't terrible.

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  42. I don't mind a evil character going good as long as there is a reason for it, doesn't sound that way though.

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  43. Katherine @ Neon Yeti ReadsJune 7, 2014 at 7:58 AM

    Yes, I felt the exact same way! I really wished they had kept Maleficent as evil and not misunderstood. I'm a huge Wicked fan, but I liked how she developed more than this version of Maleficent. The CGI was my favorite part of the movie, as was Angelina Jolie's acting. However, I just felt like the story fell flat when there was so much more that could have been done with it.

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  44. is lit like the other disney live actions (alice and wonderland, snow white etc) .I hope not!! I really want to see this.



    However, it does not come out in Tokyo until July T_T

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  45. I was just sooo ticked. Maleficent is the ultimate evil. She is just the coolest. I liked to see her be a little human... falling in love.. being betrayed... but then there was no reason why she ended up liking Aurora in the film. She just started helping her out when she was a baby and that was that. Ughhh.. such a bummer.

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  46. I agree. Wicked does a better job of making the Wicked Witch who she is. Where this film really doesn't do that with Maleficent. I will say though I am glad that Disney had this film at 1 1/2 hours. There is no way this story could've been 2 hours or more. Angelina saves this film... if it weren't for her it would be a total flop.

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  47. Well... yes I would say it is like those films. I was so excited about that Alice film and that too didn't work for me. It was cool to look at and Johny Depp is amazing in it. This film is similar to that kind of feeling.

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  48. We'll I'm definitely going to skip this one now. I didn't have much interest but my wife can't wait to rent this one. I'm not a fan of Sleeping Beauty myself and I can't stand Angelina Jolie as an actress.

    I really enjoyed your review

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  49. Yes, it was a tad cheesey and I didn't like the tiny fairies, they were especially not funny!

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  50. I knew it was going to happen but I was disappointed that Maleficent was good -- her name literary means evil. The scene with Maleficent's baby gift was by far the best part, and after that I thought it all went down hill. I was wishing it would get better but when she and Aurora became friends I knew it was all over. Ugh.

    I actually posted a review for it which describes my feelings much better than ugh

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  51. I've been wanting to see this one since I even heard it was being made. After not seeing it the first day it released in theaters, I've heard a lot of people talking, who had the same opinion as you. That she just isn't as evil, as people hoped and expected her to be. I will still be watching this one though, because just like you, I want to see the world this story takes place in! (:


    Lisa
    www.turningpages94.blogspot.com

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  52. I am glad I swayed you... I went to see Xmen after this and it made my hopes for that one lower and it was pretty good. I try not to go into films expecting a lot but I just couldn't help it with Maleficent.

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  53. I didn't think the small fairies were funny either. They were a little annoying actually. I like in the Disney cartoon where they just wanted to use their magic to do everyday things. In this movie it's like they didn't know how to do one thing.

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  54. ugh is perfect!!! LOL! I agree... when the gift part was going on I thought to myself this is going to be an EPIC film. Then ... well then she started telling the King to beg and I was like...ok... ok... I can handle that though it was odd. Then she just started protecting that baby and I was like... um... NO!!! About to check out your review!

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  55. I think that it is good to at least watch it. As a big movie watcher I have loved films that others have totally disliked. So you might just love it. Also... by having reviews before you go in you can have your high hopes for the film lowered so it would probably make it better too. I was just sad that it felt so mediocre.

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  56. I always loved the villains in the Disney movies, they're so great and unrepentant and enjoying themselves ! Making them likeable is... well, it's making us miss out on the fun :)

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  57. I love villains. In fact.. I was thinking about doing a post on villains and why we love them so much! That will be coming up soon!

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  58. I absolutely loved the movie, mainly because I think that people are never simple evil. Not only is nothing ever just black and white, but people are essentially good because they want people to love them and care about them. I think it was a great story and although it may have taken severe liberties from 'Sleeping Beauty', I think it shows really well how good people can be bad but how there is redemption for everyone! Great review though and I agree on the CGI!
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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  59. I know a lot of people who enjoyed this movie. I do like the whole idea of evil is not truly evil. I think the message behind it is that there is always a reason people are evil. Hence why Wicked is so popular. I do believe that people become bitter in life for some sort of reason. Usually no one is just evil.

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