This impressively made spin on the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty may well essentially be a vehicle for the many talents of Angelina Jolie, but that doesn’t stop it from being a thoroughly entertaining fantasy romp. It may be a little too dark for the young kiddie marketplace that has lapped in classic Disney animation over the years, but as Oz The Great And Powerful has shown, there is a keen audience out there for elegantly made fantasy fare.
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Angelina Jolie has a fine old time as Maleficent. It is a great character for her, ranging from sweet natured young lover through evil revenge-driven with and on to compassionate woman trying to right wrongs. She gets to snarl and hiss but also smile and charm…perfect for Jolie’s qualities. Plus she gets to wear a big old pair of horns; have her already razor-sharp cheekbones enhanced further by make-up and do a little light flying.
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Technically the film is spot-on – the real question will be whether family audiences warm to a character who veers from evil villain to would-be hero, but there is no denying the strength of Angelina Jolie’s lead performance.
This impressively made spin on the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty may well essentially be a vehicle for the many talents of Angelina Jolie, but that doesn’t stop it from being a thoroughly entertaining fantasy romp. It may be a little too dark for the young kiddie marketplace that has lapped in classic Disney animation over the years, but as Oz The Great And Powerful has shown, there is a keen audience out there for elegantly made fantasy fare.
...
Angelina Jolie has a fine old time as Maleficent. It is a great character for her, ranging from sweet natured young lover through evil revenge-driven with and on to compassionate woman trying to right wrongs. She gets to snarl and hiss but also smile and charm…perfect for Jolie’s qualities. Plus she gets to wear a big old pair of horns; have her already razor-sharp cheekbones enhanced further by make-up and do a little light flying.
...
Technically the film is spot-on – the real question will be whether family audiences warm to a character who veers from evil villain to would-be hero, but there is no denying the strength of Angelina Jolie’s lead performance.
