Review: Maleficent

I've been meaning to do a review of this for a while as its such an interesting story and concept of a Villain who has a complicated past, and a reason as to why she's is who she is in the Original classic. I've also never spoken about Angelina Jolie before, so that needs to change. 

I'm sure many of you will know the story if not, here's a brief synopsis. Its set from the point of view of Maleficent, and her story as to what happen to her leading up to Princess Aurora and what we see in Sleeping Beauty.  Maleficent actually was in love with King Stefan growing up, but as they got older and were from different backgrounds, they couldn't be together as it was inevitable. As Stefan wanted to be king, and Maleficent was ruler of the Moors, Stefan wanted to rule and injured Maleficent leaving her wingless. So she gets revenge at Stefan partly from a broken heart but also completely destroying her.

I love Angelina Jolie already but she played this part with such gusto and gave the character so much more depth. I love Diavial her friend who was a Raven but in human form, he is brilliant as he gives her a humanity side to her. She is this very alienistic and has feelings like all humans, but sometimes she can be too proud. Little fact about this film, when they were casting toddler Aurora, they could only choose Angelina Jolie's daughter as most toddlers were too scared of her in her costume! 

The costumes in this film are the best, I love Maleficent's costume I thought they gave it a modern makeover but still remaining true to the Original Animation. Aurora, Prince Phillip and the fairies all have amazing costumes all so fitting with the period but remaining true to character. The three fairies, Knotgrass, Thistlewit and Fittle (played by Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville) were all so brilliant and funny, loved the dynamic between them all. The chemistry between Prince Phillip and Aurora (played by Elle Fanning and Brenton Thwaites) is just adorable, as Aurora is a teenager and very sweet. 

Elle Fanning was just brilliant, as she is so young it was perfect that she played a teenager princess. If she was played by a 30 year old actress who does and could pull of being a 16 year old perfectly yeah it would've worked, but not as well. Sam Riley and Sharito Copley who played Diaval and King Stefan, were just brilliant I liked that you got to know the characters much more than in the Original one. I'm not even a big fan of Sleeping Beauty but this has made me love it loads, I think the Original is still amazing as it has the music in, and I think if Disney changed the music for this film, you'd have a riot on your hands. Although I think everyone liked Lana Del Rey's version of 'Once Upon A Dream'.

This film is just beautiful, whether you're a fan of Sleeping Beauty or not, its a beautiful story with an amazing character development. The costumes are beautiful, as well as the script and characters, regardless of the amount of remakes/reboots/prequels are happening this is one that is worth watching.