Movie Review: ‘Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil’

Maleficent has been my favorite Disney villain since I was a child, so I was excited when she got her own movie. And while there were things I liked about that first movie, I didn’t exactly love it. I had hoped that Maleficent: Mistress of Evil would be better, as it was not tied to the original Sleeping Beauty material. And again, there were things that I liked. But I didn’t love it.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opens with Prince Philip (Harris Dickinson) proposing to Aurora (Elle Fanning), now Queen of the Moors. Their marriage will unite their kingdoms, bringing peace between the humans and fae. But Maleficent (Angelina Jolie). Philip’s father, King John (Robert Lindsay) is all for the marriage and peace, but Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) doesn’t seem as enthusiastic. A series of events at a dinner between families leads to Maleficent being outsted from the Kingdom and rescued by a shadowy individual.

It turns out that Maleficent is just one of many dark fairies who have been maligned by humankind for centuries. And much like the humans, the dark fae are divided on what to do about the humans. Conall (Chiwitel Ejiofor) wants to find peace with the humans, whilst the fiery Borra (Ed Skrein) wants vengeance.

As you might imagine, hostilities escalate and a fight ensues. And therein lies the main problem I have with the film: it’s far too predictable. I know it’s a movie aimed at children, but that doesn’t mean it has to be by-the-numbers. Children appreciate plot twists and deviations from formulas too. One could argue that there is a twist of sorts

As for the good: Once again, the costumes were beautiful – particularly Queen Ingrith’s gowns and Maleficent’s formal wear. And the performances were fantastic. Jolie is clearly having a good time as Maleficent, and Pfeiffer is delicious as her primary antagonist. And Diaval (Sam Riley) continues to be my favorite character. Unfortunately, this is not enough to make a good movie.

Children will probably enjoy Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and it has a good message about intolerance. But adults will likely find it hollow.