MALEFICENT

Maleficent is SO good! The visuals are stunning, the story is magical, and Angelina Jolie is absolutely unforgettable in the role. It has that nostalgic fairy-tale feeling while still bringing a fresh and exciting twist to a classic story. Beautiful, emotional, and completely captivating from beginning to end. A must watch for anyone who loves fantasy movies!

TITLE: "Malificent" SEEN ON: Amazon Prime - Rental RELEASE: 2014 REVIEW DATE: 01/01/15 MY OPINION: DPW = Definitely Popcorn Worthy, so it is worth watching!! •••• WARNING: SPOILER ALERT ••• I often include SPOILERS in my reviews, some much more than others. If you read my reviews, you take the chance of learning more than you expect to about the story, plot, key events, and it could potentially take away the anticipation, Fun, or your desire to see the moview, out of watching the movie. So, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! If you read on, it is your choice!! *** Definitely Popcorn Worthy! I would wager that this is one of those movies you (and/or the kids), do not mind watching multiple times over time, just to make sure that you didn't miss anything! And, because you still can't believe that you really enjoyed watching, what you thought was just going to be, yet another same old/classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. While it remains true to its original Sleeping Beauty fairytale roots, "Maleficent", is 'magnificent' enough of a movie to stand out from the crowd of past SB versions, and with very little work, it could stand alone as a 'boy meets girl' movie plot in and of itself. Not surprising (especially, if you have even glanced at a single critic's review of this movie by any magazine, newspaper, or cinema genre website, etc.) Angelina Jolie once more gives audiences an incredible performance as the main fantasy character, "Maleficent", who is initially a fairy child, but who grows into a Fairy territory guardian force more than able to hold her own. Fairy and Human relations are tense to begin with, and only grow more dire over the course of this Fairy's tale. Particularly, once a still innocent & trusting, but now fully grown Maleficent gets betrayed by the only human (a male - go figure!), whom she first befriends when they are both children, and he is caught trying to pilfer fairy "gems". As a villainous hero with a good heart (even if that goodness temporarily gets buried DEEP inside under all of the evil intentions produced by the physical & emotional scars of being betrayed), "Maleficent", is the star that shines through out this newly crafted retelling of the classic tale of, 'Sleeping Beauty' (SB). You will undoubtedly recognize many of the Actor/Actress's faces seen through out this film from a wide variety of popular previous film and television credits. In example, Harry Potter Fans will quickly spot a, still very bossy, blast from Harry's past at Hogworts in the guise of actress, Imelda Staunton, who played the character, Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge, in Harry Potter, and who appears in "Malificent" as the leader of a trio of woodland fairies, charged by the Human King with keeping the adorable and innocent Princess (SB) safe until after her 16th birthday, at which time, in theory SB would then be safe from her pending SB curse. The other undeniable star through out this film is Princess Aurora (played by Elle Fanning), and is this Fairytale's version of Sleeping Beauty. I really enjoyed this updated version of Sleeping Beauty's Fairytale. The fact that the story focused more on a completely unexpected, and surprisingly in-depth alternate main character in the form of "Maleficent", really only served to flesh out the behind the scene motivations driving the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, and not detract in any way from the timeless original story. I am not certain how this movie coincides with (or even if it does), Angelina Jolie's previous health issues, and I admit to not having seen a movie with Jolie in it for a few years, but the initial shocker for me, was Jolie's (I'm sure intentional) gaunt facial appearance and unmissable thin frame. Gone are the youthful vitality, softly squared jawed, and large full lipped model of Angelina Jolie's, younger Tomb Raiders past. This Jolie has an air of aged maturity, wrapped in the mantle of shocking thinness, but she still has no less, of a commanding on screen presence. I can't imagine another actress who could have pulled off this role both so effectively, or so ultimately unforgettably. I have to also mention that Elle Fanning may initially strike one as playing Sleeping Beauty, in this movie, Princess Aurora, as a bit over the top innocent, except I once saw a daytime interview featuring Elle Fanning and she is either so dedicated to her craft as to always be "in character" or she is just that seemingly naively innocent in real life. Though difficult to believe, I kind of think that's just how sweet and innocent she really is. I just hope that time, hollywood's influence, and the greed of others, doesn't change her too much or too soon, and it spares her the type of fate it typically holds for those with good souls. "Maleficent" is Definitely Popcorn Worthy. As a matter of fact, make lots of popcorn, because you will want to see this movie multiple times, just to make sure you didn't miss any of the cool visual effects, or cool characters. It is certainly a movie for the entire family, and if you have kids, you will definitely be watching this more than once. I'm not one to say this often, but "Maleficent" is worth purchasing and keeping in your video library to watch again later, or in case you need a movie that will temporarily entertain the kids from start to finish, all over again.

The cast and character acting brought this film to near reality for me. It was one of the best movies I've ever seen. I love High Fantasy fiction. It's what hooked me as a young kid. Wizards, Witches, dragons, all of it was my first passion. And it's all in this video. I've already watched the new DVD twice, and the third (or first time) was at the box office the instant it came to the screen. The world that was created for this film was...Heaven. Beautiful creatures of all shapes and sizes; every myth, every legend came to life before my eyes. The glorious views of beautiful unspoiled nature, and purity. The land so vibrant and glowing with the presence of fairy light... The huge displays of powerful magic, the steel of the Kings men, the thunder of war chargers (where did they get the majestic animals for this film!?) the mystery and grandeur was made solid by the costumes...the actors, the setting, everything was SO WELL DONE, so high quality. So real. . And Maleficent's eyes....peering from the shadows gave me chills. The directing was SPOT ON with shots like those. A fairy queen, a creature of beauty and joy, hacked Into a monster by treachery and greed. The minds of man were so alien to a pure creature like Maleficent, that when she was bereft of her wings the pain in her heart were far greater than the painful nubs left by the butchering traitor who would be king. His deed got him the crown, but it drove him mad from the quilt....and in the end...well, let's just say he got much better than he deserved. Angelina said that this was her most favorite roll ever. She said that she associated, connected, with the character Maleficent more than any other. And it was obvious that she was telling the truth. All the cast played their parts with a depth of true passion; a believability, that is hard to find in the "Reality TV" sh$$ on the screen in these modern times...the magic is nearly gone. But the Princess, the Crow man, even the innocent boy that turned into the ruthless king ...ALL played their parts as if they were truly living in this realm. Living this life that only the young at heart could ever find as breathtaking and wondrous as I did.

Excellent, very good movie,

You can watch this for free on Disney channel very good movie part one and two

Great movie, great actors, and never a boring scene. Would watch again.

This new movie version of "Maleficient" by Disney is well worth the purchase price! I was pleasantly surprised that I liked it so much. Angelina Jolie is excellent in the title role ( she is not only one of the most beautiful women ever--her acting enhances the movies that she is in ). I had been very eager to see this movie from the first time I knew it was being produced. Yes, I would have really liked to have seen it first on the large movie theater screen ( my back issues make going to a theater too uncomfortable ) :( As other reviewers have pointed out, they thought they knew what to expect of the story line but found that this is a refreshing and very entertaining new concept. This production really draws you into the whole adventure. It was sort of funny how very inept those 3 "good" fairies were. I also liked how Maleficient's raven is portrayed--another pleasant and surprising twist from the animated version. The movie flowed smoothly along and seemed to be finished in a very short time---it just was soooo entertaining that I wanted it to continue. One of my favorite scenes is the one between the toddler, Aurora( Anglina's own daughter) and Maleficient. The interaction between mother and daughter is so precious. I feel that you can see her daughter's love for her mom thru those sparkling eyes and adorable smile. It was also interesting that this movie demonstrates that it takes more to being a good "parent" than just being the biological factor involved. There are so many "blended " families now----this movie portrays that love can be even deeper and more meaningful from a non-blood related person. That not all people are as they have projected themselves to be. I enjoyed this movie a lot and believe many others will too. As a book can be very good from "cover to cover", so is this movie: from the beginning to the end.

I think this is turning out to be one of my favorite movies. Spoiler Alerts Ahead: Indeed it is a twist on the original Sleeping Beauty, but all stories have two sides to them. I found the back story on Maleficent in this movie very compelling as to why a woman would want to curse an innocent baby. The concept makes all the characters "realistic" with real motives instead of just relying on pure good and evil to carry the story. It's a story with three very serious morals in it, if you can find them. The costumes, settings, special effects and sound track are classical Disney. The sound track, cinematography, and costumes in particular are Oscar worthy. While I'm not normally a fan of Angelina Jolie, she is probably the only one who I could think of who could pull off a real life version of Maleficient so well. Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley also give very commanding performances, but I would have liked to see a little more screen time and character development with both of them in this movie. The use of Diaval as a "conscience" is ingenious and fits into the story so well that it even elevates a lowly crow that is only a snitch in the original story to a character that greatly adds to context of the story. While many people will decry that's it is not the same story as the original, I really think it's far better, even if Maleficent doesn't turn into the dragon at the end...again all stories have two sides and it's just the story teller who gets to pick the way events really might have happened. This story is certainly from Maleficent's point of view. While by the end of the movie, she is not "good" by any means, as she does some really horrible things to Aurora, the three pixies, the soldiers, King Stefan and ultimately breaks the heart of Aurora's mother the Queen, this side of the story makes her a very real and likable individual. It becomes very clear that it is far better keep her on your side because she is certainly capable of being very dangerous if she's not your friend.. Two thumbs up for this realistic twist on an old fairytale.

Jammer dat het niet beschreven staat, pas bij levering achter gekomen dat er geen NL ondertiteling op zit. Wel Pools, Zweeds, Noors.

Excellent produit , merci!

Ho acquistato questo Blu-ray 3D edizione (Regno Unito) per un regalo; diversamente dalla descrizione non è presente la lingua italiana e l'articolo è stato consegnato con un ritardo rilevante! Ovviamente non è un commento sul film, che volevo regalare in 3D proprio perché mi era piaciuto molto; chiaramente i disservizi non dipendono da Amazon, dato che è fornito da un venditore terzo, ma sarebbe opportuno far variare la descrizione!!

went to see this in the cinema lastnight and i honestly smiled all the way through it, exept for one little part that was very sad. This is a really good for kids and adults. Jolie, again delivers a masters performance and is such a joy to watch. Her character has been tweaked in this movie so she is not the horrible evil witch that everyone thinks she is. The truth is she is a fairy with huge black wings (looove those wings), and defender of her land. She is betrayed by someone she trusted because some idiot had his ego bruised and said his avenger will be the next successor to the thrown. Her betrayl is very hard to watch, she is in so much pain and sorry, screaming it out. when she learns to truth she gets REALLY mad. should she have just let them get away with it? plenty of good lessons here for kids. always watch your actions when you get really mad or angry at someone. some things you do are extremely hard to undo. people get caught in the crossfire and get badly effected. there are a few moments that really got me in the movie. One is when baby Aurora starts to grow up and starts to nag malificent to pick her up. it was just the most adorable scenes iv seen in a long time. The cliff scene was brillant too. The whole movie is fantastic but i just love the way Malificent interects and watches over Aurora in her early years its so cute and quite funny at times. the mud fight was awsome i cant wait to see that again. I would recommend this movie to anyone really its funny, charming, magical, sad at times and can be very surprising too. She watches over Aurora as she is growing up and would do anything to protect her. there is nothing evil about this woman, sure she curses a child and all but she did so because she was blinded by hate and revenge. i dont think that makes her evil really. she almost turns into her mother at one point. Naturaly she realises her mistake and regrets cursing her but when she tries to undo it she is reminded that only a true loves kiss can break it. a true loves kiss has to be pure, so what happens if there is no such thing? this movie had a twist like the movie frozen did. The prince, though he is lovely looking and charms the pants off Aurora he is useless and so is his kiss, the king is just pure nuts and hates Maleficent for reasons i have no idea, I think she just scares him. He is the one that did the evil in the first place. Disney has this thing going on at the moment where men seem to be more the villians or are just plain useless. The women in these movies seem to be given all the power and are the heros. its a nice change now these days where all the powers of the world seem to be men. we need some maleficents in politics i think. Oh and by the way for all of you people out there that seem to be slamming Ellen fanning you are wrong about her. She has such a wonderful spirit and it shines in every scene in this movie. I loved her and I am so happy she got a shot at her dream role. Some of you forget that she was co staring with one of the biggest female actors on this planet, Christ give the girl a bit of slack. I found myself being under her spell to be honest. She really did have one of the most genuine loving smiles I have seen on set. I think she was truly wonderful in this movie and will be keeping an eye out for her later movies if she is given the chance. Some of you said horrible things about her saying she was average looking - Aurora is supposed to be 15 years old, what the hell were you looking for? The 23 something looking year old in the original cartoon? Some reviewers can be extremely harsh and don't realise how much they can hurt with their opinions. Ellen if you are reading this you were fantastic in this role and I am glad they picked you. this movie is very good for kids, the story is told through a narator throuout the movie. some parts will have you in stitches laughing. i never realised how good a sense of humour Maleficent actually has, she is actually quite funny. finaly i do believe that this movie is worth buying on bluray, its a really good journey that i want to go through again some day when it comes out. so many scenes i want to see again. 5/5 stars

Der Film entwickelt eine ganz eigene Fantasy-Geschichte um Aurora (aka "Dornröschen") und die Fee "Malificent", die sie als Baby verfluchte. Dabei gefällt mir gut, dass etliche (leider nicht alle) Figuren ambivalente Charaktere besitzen und sich im Film auch wandeln können, und das oft auch ihre Beweggründe dafür klar werden. Das ist erfrischend anders gegenüber typischen Superheldenfilmen, wo die Guten gut und die Bösen von Anfang bis Ende abgrundtief Böse sind, weil ... ja, weil man halt einen Bösewicht im Film braucht. Die Schauspieler können mich größtenteils überzeugen, vor allem Angelina Jolie als dunkle Fee, Elle Fanning als Aurora und Sam Riley als Diaval. Die drei guten Feen haben in diesem Film leider nur undankbare Rollen als "Lachnummern" abbekommen und bleiben blass. Auch die Figur von "König Stefan" hätte mehr Potential gehabt und verfällt zu sehr in Klischees. (Spoiler: Sein Ende etwa erinnert zu sehr an das von Gaston aus "Die Schöne und das Biest" und andere Disney-Filme) Vieles im Film erinnert an den 3D-Film "Die fantastische Welt von Oz", die Schauplätze in den Mooren sind genauso farbenfroh-kindlich-märchenhaft, der 3D-Effekt genauso gut, wenngleich man bei diesem Film zum Glück auf kitschige Popout-3D-Effekte verzichtet hat. Sprich: Die 3D-Gestaltung wird gut eingesetzt, drängt sich aber nie in den Vordergrund. Typisch Disney kann ich bezüglich Bild- und Tonqualität nicht meckern und es gibt etliche sehenswerte Extras, etwa entfallene Szenen, mehrere kurze "Making-Of"- Dokus und eine Bildergallerie. Typisch Disney kommt die 3D-Blu-Ray in einem unnötig komplizierten, dickeren Jevel-Case ohne Wendecover. Die FSK-Einschätzung von "ab 12" teile ich. Es fließt zwar (sogut wie) kein Blut, aber gekämpft und gestorben wird in den Schlachten sowie beim "Showdown" am Ende viel. Zwar erschien mir der Film nicht so düster, wie ich befürchtet hatte, aber ein Kinderfilm ist es sicher nicht. Trotzdem einer der besseren Disney-Fantasyfilme.