Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

In this sequel to the 2014 film, Angelina Jolie reprises her role as Maleficent, the enigmatic queen from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.” The movie takes a fresh perspective, portraying Maleficent as a volatile antihero rather than a straightforward villain. Jolie’s performance, complete with razor-sharp prosthetic cheekbones and velvety wings, reminds us of her electrifying presence.

The plot revolves around a clash between Maleficent and Queen Ingrith (played by Michelle Pfeiffer), the mother of Prince Phillip. Aurora (Elle Fanning), Maleficent’s goddaughter, becomes the bridge between the human kingdom and magical creatures. Unfortunately, Ingrith is a genocidal hatemonger, and the animosity between the two sides echoes real-world tensions.

While the film expands the fantasy world, it lacks the primal power and deep understanding of human nature found in the original. Despite its flaws, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” remains an enjoyable ride, but it falls short of its potential. 

Lots of pink, fluffy stuff, odiously sweet and totally lacking in substance. I don’t know why Angelina Jolie is in the movie because either she can’t act, or she did not feel like acting, or she did not think acting was required, just floating around in a variety of fantasy dresses and weird headgear, pouting, smiling (she has a lot of teeth!), staring, winking, et al. Thank heavens Michelle Pfeiffer, who is not only a beautiful but talented actress with a knack for comedy, was around to actually keep the movie going. The young leads were predictable, anguished, boring and eminently forgettable. The Moors’ fantasy creatures were adorable. The winged creatures were incredible and made Jolie look like a chump. A lot of fighting going on which I thought was too much for a children’s movie or is it? Same old oft-repeated tropes from other movies, especially the death scene taking moments from Avatar. I am a Disney fan (loved Aladdin) but this was almost an homage to Jolie who just wants to look beautiful and ethereal…unlike Pfeiffer who doesn’t mind falling face down in the dirt. Favourites in order of appearance: Michelle Pfeiffer as the wicked queen, the elf in the dungeon, the goat at the end… 3/6