I have been posting about the coming of Maleficent on my blog for quite a while now. In the beginning I feel like Disney did an excellent job of making the movie seem really scary. In fact, I thought it looked a little too scary for me and I would wait until it came to Redbox to see it. As the advertising for Maleficent continued I think Disney realized that people were nervous about the film and taking their children to see it so they stepped off the scary. They emphasized the PG aspect of the movie and that it really is suitable for children. After having seen the movie early I can say from my point of view that it is in fact not scary. My oldest is 8 and she is a little sensitive, so I don’t think I will let her see the movie this year, but probably next year when she’s 9. My friend Melanie from Giveaway Bandit was there last night and brought her 8-year-old son and he was fine. He didn’t think it was scary at all. So my recommendation is 8+, on a case by case basis.
Please be advised the following review may contain spoilers or important information from the film. I have tried my best to not give away too much of the film, but there might be pieces here and there that would lead you to figure out the storyline.
The film begins with a young Maleficent, who has a very happy heart and loves the forest and the creatures she has grown up with. During her morning flight we are introduced to several different creatures and the beautiful scenery of the moorland. Early in the film she is introduced to young Stefan. He was caught stealing and she took it upon herself to fix the situation. Through this chance meeting a relationship developed. As the kids grow to teenagers their bond is strengthened. Unfortunately, Stefan decides that power is more important than Maleficent and he doesn’t continue to return to the moorland but instead does what he must to becoming king.
Just as in the tale we are familiar with, King Stefan becomes a Father to a little Aurora. Everyone in the Kingdom comes to the Christening and offers a gift, including the 3 fairies. Maleficent, with her previous ties to King Stefan, also comes. Events from their tragic past lead her to curse the baby that on her 16th birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep that will only be broken with true loves kiss.
King Stefan and the Queen put the girl in the care of the three fairies. She is raised as their niece. Her growing up years are a funny part of the film as the fairies, who have turned themselves human sized, are very clumsy and obviously have no idea how to raise a child.
During these growing up years the film begins to be a break away from the original story we are familiar with (besides that fact that Maleficent and King Stefan were friends). Check out this Disney released clip to see what I mean.
The movie begins to be intense and action packed. King Stefan seems to go crazy with plans of revenge on Maleficent. There is a dragon as we know from the animated version. It seems that this story has a twist on the original. There is a war, there are fighting scenes, there are funny scenes and even a mud ball fight. I love how it was done, it was done well. I love movies that leave me feeling happy and inspired and that is what Maleficent did. It is also very clean. There is never any horrible language or questionable scenes. The movie is pure and clean and appropriate for all viewers (though some of the fighting at the end, or even the dragon may be scary for little ones).
Angelina Jolie was phenomenal in the role of Maleficent. She was amazing. She truly became Maleficent and captured a side to her I don’t think we realized existed. Elle Fanning was darling. She was funny and whitty and was a beautiful Aurora.
The movie as a whole has the full range of emotions. There is humor, love, action, intensity, hope, sadness and more. I laughed and cried. It is tender and heroic!
I recommend the film. It is lovely – the scenery, the story, the characters and the actors. The whole piece put together is wonderful. This will win awards people!!
I know this is a little vague, but I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. Just know the twist is fun, it was interesting to talk to people after the movie last night and see at one point everyone figured it out. Hind sight being 20/20 I should have have known it going into the film. Perhaps I’ll write a post discussing what I mean in the coming weeks once you all have a chance to see the film!
Maleficent is in theaters everywhere May 30!
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Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
I couldn’t wait for this movie to come out so I could watch it with my family! Such a great movie! I’ll admit, like you, in the beginning I did think it was going to be a scary movie and relieved to see that some parts were intense, but not scary. I think Angelina Jolie did a phenomenal job in this movie. Especially in the one part. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for anyone. 😉