No need to recap my clues this week; everybody guessed it.
New: see my viewing experience notes here.
This review will consist of me asking myself 10 questions and answering them to the best of my ability…sort of. I’m still on vacation people.
1. What is this film about?
It’s an updated adaption of the Disney film Sleeping Beauty. Yes, the original story goes back centuries and crosses many cultures, but this is a Disney story.
2. What did I think of the title, poster, and or trailer?
I have this thing about not watching trailers of movies I expect to be really good, not wanting to see all good bits first. When I heard they were making this movie I wasn’t excited until the rumors started rolling out. Then when I learn Elle Fanning would play Aurora, I knew this would a special take on the story. Plus, I’d thought a while back that if anyone could play the evil fairy, it would be Angelina.
3. What did I think of the main character(s) and how the actors performed them?
I thought the movie was very well acted. Granted the role of Sleeping Beauty probably didn’t stretch Elle very much, but she did do a good job looking the part. Angelina was awesome and I not even a huge fan. The one she faltered was when she delivered the line, “I don’t like children.” I don’t think anyone could take her seriously with that one.
4. What did I think of the direction and cinematography?
Visually, this movie quite good. Yes, there was a lot of CGI, but it was all used tastefully. When I think back on it now, for the majority of this film, I imagine the sets weren’t very packed. I have a feeling most of the sets were superimposed.
5. What did I think of the soundtrack and score?
I honestly forget to think about the music in this film until the ending credits rolled, there were no beginning credits. That was the most somber rendition of “Once Upon a Dream” I’ve ever heard, but still I liked it. I just wouldn’t be playing it at any parties.
6. What did I like about the story as a whole?
There were so many cliché moments in the film, but like the twists they made to familiar fairy tale and the sense of empowerment left to the female characters.
7. What did I not like about the story?
The scenes leading up to the spinning wheel were just creepy.
8. Would I recommend this movie to others?
Yes.
9. If yes, who? What would I rate this movie?
This movie is good for most women, big or small, but even my husband appreciated it for the fantasy and action sequences. Anyone who doesn’t like happy endings or needs more brutality and vulgarity in their action will want to pass on this.
On a scale of 1 to 5 movie reels, I give this film 4 reels.
10. Was there anything in this movie that could be related to me or anything I have written?
Yes. I’m a lover of fairy tales and often slip elements of them into my writing. If I’m lucky, perhaps I’ll write something one day that ends up being adapted into a film.
Watch, rent, or buy this movie here.
Mock Squid Soup – Film Society
MOCK! and The Armchair Squid are proud to introduce Mock Squid Soup: A Film Society. Each month, on the second Friday, we shall host a bloghop devoted to movie reviews. We invite others to participate and post their reviews…Don’t be shy; come join the fun! 😀
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
15 replies on “Maleficent Review – Mock Squid Soup No.12 #cinephiles #film #review”
Do you think it’s a good starter movie for the Sleeping Beauty story? Might it be better to watch the Disney animated film first? Surely, there are other movie versions, too. That could be a fun film fest!
I do think the original Disney film should be watched first.
I think that would make a cool film fest.
We finally watched this on NetFlix and I liked it more than I thought I would. That Maleficent would be the one to save her in the end did not surprise me though.
Yeah, it wasn’t a shocking revelation, but the execution was good. I mean, this is Disney; there are so many other cheesy ways they could have gone. I liked this twist…It is kind of messed up though that her mother’s part and memory is so insignificant to the story. Thought that would play in somehow.
Wonderful review.
I Enjoy the way you have set up your questions and thoughts.
I have not seen this movie but I want to.
cheers, parsnip
Yeah, I’d say it worth seeing at least once.
I have been wanting to see this and I’m glad to read that you enjoyed it and would recommend it! Jolie looks like she’d play the part well.
I was impressed by the way Jolie was able to terrifying and lovable at different times, never coming off cheesy.
I LOVE fairy tales and have many books on Grimm and Anderson. I have yet to see this one but want to all the more with your review. I like Jolie a lot.
Yes, even though this is classic Disney in the end, I feel they did reach back and utilized the Grim influence with this film.
I have not seen it. Now I have to see it!
It was surprising how much I enjoyed it. Hope you like it too.
I took my students to see this last year as our end of the year field trip! So much fun! They loved it!
I don’t think my kiddies are old enough to watch this. They would all be crying and terrified of Maleficent, but that does sound like an awesome field trip.
Angelina Jolie really LOOKED the part; the make up was exceptional. This was a great choice, Toi! Thank you!