by SOPHIA D’ADAMO Staff Writer
“Maleficent”, released in theaters on Friday, May 30 and directed by Robert Stromberg, is a great movie for anyone who loves Disney.
The movie stars Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, and Brenton Thwaites.
“Maleficent” is an untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty”. The movie explains how she became evil and her reasons for cursing baby Princess Aurora.
It starts with a beautiful, pure-hearted woman with remarkable black wings. Maleficent had an tranquil life growing up in a peaceful forest kingdom until one day an invading army of humans threatens to destroy all magical creatures.
Maleficent rises as the land’s fiercest protector while suffering a betrayal when the one who sealed his love for her with true love’s kiss abuses her to become king. Since Maleficent was betrayed and abused by King Stefan when he took her wings to become king, she became very evil. She never accepts that true love’s kiss is possible, and believes that it does not exist.
It is only until the time that Aurora pricks her finger and is under a deep death-like sleep that she realizes true love is real.
Before Maleficent leaves Stefan’s castle, she tells Aurora that she was the last part of love and happiness that she felt, and after kissing Aurora on her forehead, Aurora wakes up.
One of the greatest parts about the movie was how the characters were developed. The actors were fantastic and the wardrobe was believable and stayed true to the Disney classic.
Jolie’s long, black, leather dress with big wings and curved, black horns instantly captured our attention and gave us the true image of Maleficent. Her bright red lips, fluorescent green eyes and her mischievous grin and laugh complete the villain look.
The way that she takes charge, carefully selects the way she speaks, and chooses certain gestures makes her seem like a very protective leader of the fairy world, along with an evil villain.
Freshman Gabby Orpen said, “I thought that this movie was amazing. I love Angelina Jolie and thought that she was amazing for the role of Maleficent. She deserves a big thumbs up.”
Fanning was another great actress who incorporated emotion and fear into her acting, while still acting like a shy and curious princess. Her simple and elegant blue dress was modest and perfect for the role of Princess Aurora.
Copley was able to portray himself wonderfully as the king of the castle with his heavy fur, embroidered coats and gold crown. His acting was exemplary and made the audience feel his anger, confusion and sense of violent revenge.
Riley was able to convince the audience that he was Deaval, Maleficent’s black crow, through his dark clothing, black hair, narrow face, and pointed nose. He had marks on the sides of his face and neck that gave the costume a bird-like look.
Staunton, Temple and Manville were exceptional as the three good fairies. They were amusing to watch as they continuously played small pranks on each other and bickered over nothing. Their humble peasant women costumes were a key part in make them look realistic.
Thwaites played Prince Philip very well by showing his loving and affectionate side. His costume fit the description of a young prince riding through the forest.
Another great part of the movie were the incredible sets, special effects, and stunt men.
At the opening of the movie, you are introduced to a beautiful fairy world with magical creatures and walking trees. During the night, you can see the creatures glow in the dark as they fly by Aurora, who is exploring the land.
Not only are the backgrounds produced by green screen interesting, but also the animated fairies. They looked like tiny real people.
When Maleficent puts Aurora and Prince Philip to sleep and makes them float beside her as she walks due to her magic, it seems so real.
Another interesting part to watch were the stunt men who were fighting the epic battle against the fairy world. They were able to make it look as if the trees and Maleficent’s wings were truly life-like.
Freshman Olivia Tucker said, “I absolutely loved all of the graphics and special effects that were added to the movie. Since I love Disney, watching this film was very exciting for me.”
I liked how Stromberg kept all of the unforgettable moments in “Sleeping Beauty”, including the christening scene, wall of thorns, Aurora pricking her finger, and the scene where Maleficent turns into a dragon.
The movie constantly left the audience in suspense by making it both scary, magical and enjoyable. “Maleficent” was an amazing film that captured all of the crucial pieces that make “Sleeping Beauty” a classic.
What was your favorite part of the Maleficent movie?