Disney Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Rated PG | Movie Review
In Cinemas 17 October 2019
While you may have thought that the 2014 Maleficent movie had everyone living happily ever after, we get to see what happens five years later in this sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Angelina Jolie is striking once again with piercing green eyes, impossibly chiselled cheekbones, black horns and the most fantastic gothic inspired outfits. Her intriguing visual presence says a lot without many words, but she does have some good one-liners. The film begins in the magical fairy land of the Moors where Aurora (Elle Fanning) is now the Queen of the Moors, with Godmother Maleficent, the protector over the realm. When Aurora accepts Prince Phillips’ (Harris Dickinson) proposal of marriage, it is a union between two kingdoms – one magical fairytale and one human. However let’s just say, things don’t go well, beginning with a rather awkward engagement dinner between the two families where we meet Phillip’s parents, the kind King John (Robert Lindsay) and his mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) who becomes the would be mother-in-law from hell, that you really don’t want to have at your wedding.
The rivalry between Jolie and Pfeiffer’s characters is fierce and icy, and so much fun to watch. Mistress of Evil is brilliant in creating these meaty roles for women. There are misunderstandings, revelations and sub-plots that ensue.
The enchanting land of the Moors is spectacular in every detail with gorgeous glowing flowers and multi-coloured butterflies, and all sorts of wonderful creatures, including an adorable hedgehog like whimsical character, Pinto. The fairy kind living in harmony amongst a magical backdrop of nature in full bloom – it’s a spectacular visual feast that we have come to expect from Disney. This is juxtaposed with the dark parts of the movie, especially the surroundings of those that have been outcast – the fellow Dark Fae creatures (a couple of the leaders played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ed Skein).
It’s a change from the usual Disney princess movie, as the story sees an epic war of the Queens with the females dominating the screen. The king is sleeping half the time and Aurora doesn’t need the Prince to help her escape. Even the evil Queen’s sidekick is a henchwoman, Gerda (Jenn Murray) who is cold and sinister in her murderous attempts. The culminating epic battle on the castle grounds (which is by the way one of the most amazing castles we’ve seen) is like Disney does Game of Thrones, but without the blood and gore. Pfeiffer is strong in her depiction of an evil Queen, and is just as unwavering and deranged as any of the powerful ladies from the Seven Kingdoms. Director Joachim Ronning (‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’) doesn’t hold back with the fire and fighting during the battle of good vs evil. This war in the Kingdom of Ulstead is quite dramatic and violent for a PG film so bear this in mind for younger children.
While the first movie had Maleficent’s wings horrifyingly ripped off, ‘Mistress of Evil’ has themes of genocide likened to the Nazi gas chambers; a mad scientist goblin creating a weapon of death for fairy folk; and makes a political statement with its depiction of intolerance and hatred. These aspects of the film and the fantasy violence make it very borderline on the PG rating and would not be suitable for younger kids. However there is plenty of humour and acts of goodness as well to counteract the dark. A clear moral of the story is to not be an evil Queen – something we should all aspire to.
Maleficent is an action packed fantasy unlike any other recent Disney movie. With so many live remakes of animated classics recently, it’s refreshing to be presented with originality, and Disney reminds us of its power in making mesmerising movies.
Don’t watch the trailer if you want to get the most impact with the visually stunning scenes.
See the trailer below if you want to have a peek:
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Maleficent Facebook page.
What: Disney Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
When: In Cinemas Thursday 17 October 2019
Where: Selected Cinemas (check your local guide)
Who: Rated PG
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Maleficent Facebook page
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