* * * *
(Sleeping Beauty from another perspective)
This is not the “Sleeping Beauty” we remember. It’s a lot darker...and a lot more fun.
Angelina Jolie is terrific as the title …
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* * * *
(Sleeping Beauty from another perspective)
This is not the “Sleeping Beauty” we remember. It’s a lot darker...and a lot more fun.
Angelina Jolie is terrific as the title character, complete with horns, wings, high cheekbones and an attitude.
We first meet Maleficent as a little girl, growing up happily in a tranquil fairyland filled with fascinating creatures. She meets Stefan, a handsome prince who lives in a castle on nearby land inhabited by humans. The two friends grow older and apart.
On his deathbed, the king offers the crown to anyone who can kill Maleficent. Stefan, eager for the power, takes up the challenge. He can’t bring himself to kill her, but he cuts off her wings, brings them to the king as proof of her death, and ends up with the crown.
What’s a poor, innocent fairy to do? Get revenge, that’s what. Maleficent puts a curse on Stefan’s baby daughter. At age 16, Aurora will be pricked by a spinning needle and become a “sleeping beauty” until she receives a “true love” kiss.
Aurora (Elle Fanning) is whisked away to a cabin in the woods, where she is cared for by three fairies turned into dumb peasant women, who will protect her until her 16th birthday.
This is where the story goes off in a different direction, and to tell you more would be to spoil it.
While the tale is a bit dark, there are a few funny moments, plus a poignant look at what could make an innocent young fairy turn into a wicked, revengeful woman. Think “Wicked.” But this is a fairy tale, and fairy tales have happy endings. This one won’t disappoint.
The movie is in 3D, but we enjoyed it without the additional cost. The surround stereo is extra good and adds to the wonderful sounds and sights of the splendidly photographed movie. Jolie should get nominated for an Academy Award for this one.
Rated PG, with a few scenes that may scare the impressionable young ones.
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