"Maleficent" Review

I don't think it's uncommon opinion to call Sleeping Beauty the most boring of the Disney Princesses. I mean, if Princess Aurora is passed out for a good chunk of the film, there's not much development one can have, right? By far, the most dynamic character in the 1959 film is the villain, Maleficent. She's powerful, majestic, enjoys every second of her villainy. Who else will condemn an infant to sleep-like death for being snubbed from a party? You may see it as a pathetic motivation for evil, but I'm fascinated at the kind of temper and rage that lies under the surface in order for her to snap. 55 years later, we finally have an answer.

The movie takes place during the events of "Sleeping Beauty"; this is pretty much a remake. But the benefit comes from understanding the backstory; Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) comes of age in the Moors, a land full to the brim with fairies and other magical creatures. With her powerful wings and magic, she assumes the role of protector, leading a defense force of tree-like creatures against the neighboring human kingdom.

Jolie is a powerhouse; I don't think any other actress would able to command such a presence. I could feel my breath cut off as she strides into a palace hall, drawing every eye. No matter what situation, Maleficent is in control, gleefully shutting down anyone who dare stand in her way. Jolie gives her the lifeblood, regality, and menace to not only scare, but fascinate. She can be playful, silly, but never in a way that satirizes or feels over-the-top. It's just another side of glee.

The production oozes atmosphere; it's an organism, reacting and adapting to the forces around it, mainly Maleficent. Light and shadow dance back and forth: obscuring profiles, draping Maleficent in shadow except for her eyes, always piercing. When furious, green flashes of light surround her, the orchestra swelling to a chaotic climax. The forest, at its darkest, writhes with a wall of thorns, uninhabitable. However, the Moors can be breathtakingly beautiful with its crystal blue skies; dragon-like fish swim through the air while goblin dwarfs go about their merry cheer below. The swamp glows with calming multi-colored lights at night, and Maleficent walks through the Moors like Adam through the Garden of Eden, completely at peace.

Careful writing integrates the mythos into the story; this is a solid script tying together all the little details. For a fairytale so enveloped in its suspension of disbelief, the movie takes its logic seriously and cleverly enough to bring the audience in. Each character is integrated well, especially Aurora (Elle Fanning) whose cheerful naivete is delivered with charm by Fanning.

"Maleficent" is proof that sometimes, a different point of view can completely change a story for the better. The original "Sleeping Beauty" never carried much weight in my eyes, outside of Maleficent. Here, she's the focus of a film that's not only marvelous, dark, and clever, but heartfelt and emotionally enrapturing. I love this new take on the fairytale; go see it if you haven't already. I'm the Man Without A Plan, signing off.

                                                                                 "Maleficent" trailer: