By Aditi Dahagam, Staff Reporter
After 5 years of waiting, Maleficent lovers finally have the chance to see the continuation of the live-action, villain rendition of Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil re-emphasizes the idea of maternal love and kindness towards all seen in the first movie.
The movie begins with the engagement of Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip. Aurora, Maleficent, and Diaval (Maleficent’s crow servant) meet Prince Phillip’s parents, an act that eventually creates tension between the mythical creatures of Moors and the human world. After a few events, which have absolutely nothing to do with the original plot of Sleeping Beauty, the movie ends with the wedding of Phillip and Aurora, a classic fairy-tale ending that Disney never fails to deliver. Didn’t see that one coming.
In spite of the predictable ending and somewhat confusing plot, the action, mostly carried out by Angelina Jolie, was refreshing and intriguing. The use of magic and flight made for a unique way of fighting that isn’t commonly seen. The animation enhanced the movie and made the imaginative elements convincing. Arguably, the best part was the representation in the cast. The inclusion of many different races and ages further demonstrates Disney’s goal of broadening inclusivity in their films.
To anyone who enjoys Disney, magnificent CGI, or ridiculously high cheekbones, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil might be the right movie for you. Overall, watching this movie was an enjoyable experience that added a creative twist/extension to the original story. To all the Maleficent fans out
there: with all the live action movies Disney has been churning out these past few years, let’s hope that the Maleficent saga persists.
Aditi Dahagam can be reached at [email protected]
