Maleficent

I freely confess that as a child, Maleficent was the one Disney villain I was afraid of. I was greatly intrigued when I heard that her story was going to be the latest in a long line of classic Disney "reboots". Yet, I worried whether or not this truly iconic and demonic 1950s cartoon villain could be given her due in a twenty first century retelling.

Well, although the film itself was good, there were flaws. Yet thankfully, any flaws were magnificently dwarfed by Angelina Jolie as the titular character Maleficent.

Initially I assumed that this would be just a live-action re-hash of Sleeping Beauty, where we originally saw Maleficent. But no. This truly is a revamp if ever there was one - keeping the core characters of Sleeping Beauty but giving the tale from beginning to end a whole new direction. We focus on Maleficent, and her astonishing and quite intricate character development and evolution from idyllic fairy to villain of nightmare to unlikely hero.

OK, I will admit the overall feel of the film was a good one. Stunning effects, interesting character dynamic, and a bit of airy (if  a little cheesey and convoluted) humour. However distinctly lacking was the  depth and the flow to the story that a revamp like this needs in my opinion. In terms of the actual plot, it all felt a bit rushed and cobbled together. Attempts at drama, action and power were made surely but it just did not come off most of the time. It was not a new Sleeping Beauty, nor  was it a thoroughly thought out new Maleficent tale; not really. And as a consequence, one could not really believe in the plot and most of the characters were badly presented; bitty and unfinished often - as if they were trying to subtly hint at characters from the original cartoon and then leave it at that.

The performances had the potential to be good, and the cast list was impressive. British staunch talents like Imelda Staunton featured, and whilst Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley and Elle Fanning were solid enough and had a couple of good moments, they were nowhere near enough.

No, when it all boils down to it, the power and in my view the success of this film comes from the conception and execution of the titular character and the stunning performance behind her.

Not only does Angelina Jolie's Maleficent equal the original in terms of iconic status, complexity, story and power...I'd say she surpasses the original. The original cartoon Maleficent was portrayed simply as the "mistress of all evil". And oh boy she was. Jolie's Maleficent is so much more. In a performance that almost hinges on reluctance, second choices and changes of mind, Angelina Jolie is simply stunning from the first moment to the last.

Not only does she excel in portraying the insanity and the evil of Maleficent, but so too does she effortlessly capture the new back story and driving force of her character (which is the whole point of the movie). Thus we also get to see the conflict, sincerity, beauty, goodness and the love of Maleficent. 

From being terrified as a child, I have gone on to smile at this version of Maleficent - all because of the perfect performance of Angelina Jolie.

To my mind Angelina Jolie carries this film, but she carries it superbly. Not merely a cheap trick or imitation, this version of Maleficent truly belongs in the Disney canon, and can go on to provide a massive portion of the story of the character we thought we knew. I was terrified of Maleficent, but now thanks to Angelina Jolie, I completely admire and even adore the character. Who would have thought it?