Maleficent

Maleficent

Rated PG and Released in Grand Rapids 5/30/14

Reviewed 6/15/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary and Leigh

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Angelina Jolie is perfectly cast as the title character. This film is the story of what is behind the wicked fairy that curses Aurora, aka Sleeping Beauty, to fall into the fateful slumber. Although it's a little dark for a PG rating, it kept our interest and we thought overall it was worth the trip.

Maleficent lives in a forest full of peaceful winged creatures and some unusual animals. They are protected from outsiders by a forest barrier. The cheery fairy encounters a male human named Stefan that crosses accidentally into the forest. They strike up a friendship that seems to be everlasting. Nevertheless Stefan is faced with a choice and he chooses greed that causes him to betray Maleficent. The result is he inherits the kingdom and becomes king. When Princess Aurora is born to the happy king and queen, no one can protect the baby from the revenge of Maleficent. The monarchs send Aurora away to protect her from the curse.

Jolie's daughter is darling while briefly playing young Aurora and if she was on screen longer she could have easily stolen the show. Elle Fanning is remarkable as the older Aurora who has most of the interaction with Maleficent in the forest as they grow very fond of each other. Their curious relationship hits a major bump when the truth trickles out and then circles back when all the facts come to light. Maleficent's sidekick Diaval (Sam Riley) is a hoot toggling between a bird and human, adding some needed humor now and then. While I would say young children beware, for the most part anyone can see this anything-but-boring family movie.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2  Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJ