Maleficent (11/4/2014)

Rated PG for sequences of fantasy action and violence, including frightening images.

Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley

Directed by Robert Stromberg

This may not be Frozen, but it is very entertaining.

A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces a battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

Let’s get one thing straight right away, the reason this film works is because of Angelina Jolie. Say what you will about her personal life, that woman can act. And she is amazing in this film.

The rest of the cast, namely Elle Fanning and Sharlto Copley are also really good.

Another “star” of the film are the visual effects. I’m not saying you need to see it in 3D, but I am saying you should try to soak in as much of the scenery and characters as possible. Between the fairies, creatures and the dragon…everything looks great.

I also really enjoyed the creative retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty. Seeing Maleficent as both the villain and the hero was an interesting twist.

That being said, I completely understand why many critics gave Maleficent mediocre (or worse) scores. This film is a mash-up of so many fantasy movies of the last decade or so. You’ll see images or characters that look like they would fit in perfectly in worlds of The Lord of the Rings, Narnia or any number of other sci-fi/fantasy worlds. But don’t let that stop you from checking out this fresh take on the Disney classic.

Maleficent is a family-friendly Disney adventure that is “theater worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This is a PG rated Disney film, but some of the scenes and themes will be too much for younger viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What did Stefan do to Maleficent? Why?


2. Stefan acted very selfishly, when was the last time you acted selfishly?


3. What was the result of his selfishness?


4. What was the result of yours?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.


5. How can you do a better job of seeking the good of your neighbors and not just your own good?