‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ is a wicked fairy tale

BY Ron and Leigh

This is another sequel, but not to “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” (sorry guys). This is Disney’s sequel to the background story of “Sleeping Beauty” (1959), which was released by Disney 60 years ago. The original “Maleficent” (2014) explained why she was the way she was and why she cast an evil spell on poor innocent Aurora.

This current picture builds on the relationships in their lives for the good and bad. It is a visually stunning masterpiece where it seems Disney challenged its Imagineers to outdo themselves with a pallet of state-of-the-art computer renderings. The breathtaking visuals of flowers, critters, streams and pixies are worth the price of admission alone.

The casting is even more brilliant. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning return in this very wicked fairy tale and add Michelle Pfeiffer. They strut around in a plethora of elaborately designed gowns yet thankfully take this silly story as seriously as if Academy Awards were on the line. Better yet, they are ready to rumble on a moment’s notice.

The story by Disney favorite Linda Woolverton (“Maleficent,” “Beauty and the Beast,” etc.), gives Jolie ample time in the title role of the big-horned Batwoman. She is mesmerizing as expected, but just in case anyone needed reminding, begins the movie by “soaring” over her land of enchantment in a breathtaking “Avatar-esque” fashion.

Instead of Jolie dominating every scene, Fanning and Pfeiffer make the best of their ample screen time. Fanning is more grown up and ready to marry Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson). Ready to introduce the parents, Maleficent will need to meet good King John (Robert Lindsay) and evil Queen Ingrith (Pfeiffer).

The royal dinner is not unlike something seen on “Downton Abbey,” but the situation is as uncomfortable as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (ask your grandparents). Much of the magic is between Maleficent and the Queen. The Queen asks, “If I didn’t know better I’d say you were making a threat.” Maleficent responds, “Well, do you know better?”

Phillip and Aurora want nothing more than to unite their kingdoms and the species (human and non-human), but the divisive power-mongering Queen has other ideas. This unhinged narcissist believes a great leader should instill fear in the people. There is no gray area in Disney villains. Kids understand that good is good and evil is evil.

Director Joachim Ronning (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”) creates an impressive fantasy world that might be a little light on content for adults and a little too intense for small fry, but overall, is bedazzling and filled with Disney magic. Jolie and Pfeiffer provide wonderfully worthy adversaries while Fanning exudes a youthful innocence with a strong enough character to lead a rally against fear and intolerance.

As far as we know, this is not part of a formal feminist movement, but it’s a nice growing trend to see strong and charismatic female actors carry a major blockbuster. Pfeiffer is credible as the villain, but the Academy Award-winning Jolie is dazzling as she seamlessly toggles between menacing mistress of evil, “Humans are hilarious” and compassionate fairy god-mother to the Princess Aurora (Beastie).

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is 118 minutes and rated PG for intense sequences of fantasy action, violence and brief scary images. It is not on the same level as most of the Disney classics, but Jolie and/or Disney fans should not be disappointed, even if the Disney conglomerate is releasing ten movies this year alone.

For good reason, stay tuned for a return of Maleficent Halloween costumes. The character is original, dark and commanding. It is bright, stunning and a lot of fun, but there is a simple message that should never be a political statement. We are not defined by where we come from but who we are.

Ron’s Rating: B+ Leigh’s Rating: A