[Movie Review] Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Plot Summary: Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play.
Director: Joachim Rønning
Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue (screenplay by), Noah Harpster (screenplay by)
Runtime: 1 hour 58 min
Main Cast:- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
- Elle Fanning as Aurora
- Harris Dickinson as Prince Philip
- Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith
- Sam Riley as Diaval
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Conall
- Ed Skrein as Borra
- Robert Lindsay as King John
Review by: Heidi H
I liked the original Maleficent.... well I remember that I didn't hate it, I actually didn't remember much about it. So, I decided to re-watch it before going to see this next chapter in the story. I was excited to see what had happened with Maleficent, I mean from the previews I knew her cold heart hadn't been completely melted. But she did good in the last movie, how had the world reacted? Why does Maleficent still seem to be so feared?
We pick up four years after the first movie. Aurora is Queen of the moors, and has been asked by Prince Phillip to be his wife. Maleficent is not excited, but neither is Phillips mother. Begrudgingly Maleficent accompanies Aurora to the castle in order to meet Prince Phillips parents. As one would guess it doesn’t go so well and Maleficent leaves framed for a crime, leaving Aurora behind, who is not sure who to believe. Aurora & Phillip want peace for their kingdoms but many others believe this to be a foolish fantasy. But like in most stories, before peace comes war.
What I Liked:
The film quality was amazing. The colors, the movement, the animations, top tier. In the opening scene I almost felt like I was in a 4D theater flying through the sky (I did see it in IMAX, also seems like it would be good in 3D). I also enjoyed that the movie was fairly funny. There were many many cute scenes but also a good deal of chuckling, and I even got a little teary eyed at the end. I liked Angelina Jolie’s acting, I think she continued to play Maleficent’s character extremely well. We get to learn a lot more about who Maleficent Is and where she comes from in this movie, which I thought was pretty cool.
What I Didn’t Like:
It was corny and predictable. I also feel as though there were a lot of holes in the story or things that just weren’t explained very well. For example like I mentioned earlier we learn more about Maleficent… but at the same time we don’t… they say who she comes from but they don’t really explain what that means, what happened to the others like her? Also I really don’t like when the evil villain in a movie has a very shallow story that leads them into being a crazy “I’m going to kill everyone” person. I need more depth behind the evil of a villain. Either that or go the normal route, you stole my man, or I hate you just because I love my son. Some of the plot in this film just seemed forced.
Summary
It was a good movie. I never felt bored, it moved quickly. There was a good amount of action, and enough fairy-tale enchantment to keep any child enthralled. The acting was good for the most part. There were holes in the plot but it wouldn’t keep me from watching it again.
Images Courtesy of IMDB
