Maleficent shows real promise right from the start. It's sweet and endearing. That should have been a direct contrast to when Maleficent becomes the evil person we know from Sleeping Beauty (1959). However here is where the biggest problem of this film gets exposed. Angelina's version of Maleficent is not really evil. The Disney version was even more evil than Angelina. Here she is actually just justifiably angry and a good person through and through. And believe it or not that is exactly what has ruined the viewing experience for me. They changed the personality so much that you begin to wonder what the point is. Angelina Jolie can do evil and creepy very easily. So why did they make her out to be so nice. Sure she looks like she could bite your head of any minute but the most evil she does is put a spell on Aurora. Her further actions will contradict this spell so in the grand scheme of things it makes no sense. The real villain is King Stefan played by Sharlto Copley. It clearly shows that he is asked to hold back as we know he can do much better. Again this hurts the viewing experience. I understand that this version is aimed at children. Still it shows that the film makers don't really know what kids can handle. Actually they are insulting their intelligence. Just take a look at the Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent is evil personified in there. She is not someone to mess with it. Angelina Jolie's Maleficent is basically a pushover. Most of the action is cute and looks good but it could not hold my interest because it never really dazzles or surprises you. For me this was very disappointing. Not bad, but not one I can recommend.
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