Maleficent (2014)
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Critic Consensus: Angelina Jolie's magnetic performance outshines Maleficent's dazzling special effects; unfortunately, the movie around them fails to justify all that impressive effort.
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Cast
as Maleficent
as Stefan
as Princess Aurora
as Prince Philip
as Knotgrass
as Diaval
as Thistletwit
as Flittle
as King Henry
as Narrator
as Princess Leila
as Princess Leila's Handmaiden
as Young Maleficent
as Young Stefan
as Teen Malificent
as Teen Stefan
as Advisor to King Henry
as Advisor to King Henry
as Nobleman
as Nobleman
as Nobleman
as Nobleman
as Military Nobleman
as General
as General
as General
as Soldier in Wood
as Soldier in Wood
as Aurora (5 yrs.)
as Aurora (8 yrs.)
as Captain
as Farmer
as Voice of Guard
as Servant
as King Henry's Captain
as Overseer
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Critic Reviews for Maleficent
All Critics (226) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (115) | Rotten (111) | DVD (2)
As for the screenplay, by Linda Woolverton, it treads carefully, and all too kindly, in the footsteps of "Wicked" ...
'Maleficent' is an admittedly great-looking, sometimes creepy.
It's a technological marvel starring the world's biggest celebrity: the full weight of Hollywood spectacle incarnate.
As a cameo, Jolie's performance might have proven spectacular; but as a protagonist, she doesn't give us enough to hold onto. For all her efforts, she remains yet another special effect, however spectacular.
All would be forgiven if the film had more magical feeling.
At least Disney was smart enough to cast Jolie. She has a genuinely heroic presence. If only the movie were equal to it.
Audience Reviews for Maleficent
I enjoyed Maleficent. It is easy to see how Maleficent would cast that spell on Aurora, and how she might have second thoughts later. Angelina Jolie did a bang up job playing Maleficent.
Super Reviewer
Angelina Jolie is radiant and delivers a nuanced performance in this decent retelling of the fairy tale that features dazzling visuals, a great score and a welcome modern message, even if the director tones it down to a light Disney level instead of making it more urgent and epic.
Super Reviewer
Robert Stromberg doesn't get magnificent with Maleficent. 90 minutes may seem short at first, but once the storytelling takes place, it seems fitting. There really isn't much material to indulge or amuse between the introduction and conclusion. The back story, while enough to put the pieces together, lacks sufficient background for characters. With that said, the film does have enough production value to surpass mediocrity. For the most part, the CG effects are agreeable with the film's personality. The few scenes of bright color contrast the overly dark atmosphere and tone of the picture. The film belongs to Angelina Jolie, as it should. Listening to her line delivery hits the spot. Elle Fanning has a few moments of delight herself. Maleficent never reaches the epic status, but for a family oriented fairy tale, it gets the job done.
Super Reviewer
Maleficent Quotes
| Diaval: | I can't do it without you, Diaval. Please help me, Diaval. |
| Narrator: | So you see, the story is not quite as you were told. |
| Narrator: | So you see, the story is not quite as you were told. |
| Maleficent: | No power in earth can change it. |
| Maleficent: | No power on earth can change it. |