HOLLYWOOD-Angelina Jolie is one hell of actress, but what she does in the Disney flick “Maleficent” is stunning. She oozes evil in a way that is not just frightening for children, but for adults also. For nearly a year, audiences have been teased about the wickedly dark fantasy film “Maleficent” which provides a back story to the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.

The character from the 1959 film is scary, but Jolie is downright the thing nightmares are made of. I’ll be honest I had trepidations about allowing my niece to see the picture because it’s not your typical fantasy film as one expects. It reminded me a bit of “A Christmas Carol” starring Jim Carrey. Carrey played a villain that was much scarier to children than many expected, the same applies here. Guessing that is the point of a good villain; one has to be frightened by what they see, well Jolie earns an Oscar in that department.

 

There are some redemption qualities to our villain as the narrative presents a compelling story that explains why our villainess behaves the way that she behaves. As most know, Maleficent (Jolie) places a curse on Princess Aurora that has unexpected consequences, where our evil one comes to discover that her actions may leave her world in shambles. Without a doubt, Elle Fanning is perfect casting as the precocious, lovable, naive youth.

 

The film is more of a tale of forbidden love between two youngsters who are at odds as adults. Maleficent (Jolie) in one corner and King Stefan (Sharlto Copley) on the other end, and what transpires between the two brews bad blood. The quest for power forces some people to do things that only one can imagine and that ignites a rivalry between the two friends who become foes.

 

The chemistry between Fanning and Jolie just makes watching the film more entertaining, but it’s important to note this movie is not all about villainy. It has a bevy of special effects and visual spectacle to astonish not just the little ones watching the picture, but the adults who have been dragged along the way as well.

 

You feel so immersed in this movie, not just because of the visual glory that is presented to the audience, but because of the acting exhibited by Jolie. I cannot recall the last time I literally felt mesmerized by an actor portraying a villain with such intensity, craft and patience. This is Angelina Jolie’s movie from start to finish. She simply heightens the dramatics of those who surround her.

 

“Maleficent” is a movie that surprisingly brings more to the table than one suspects. While I think most youngsters will enjoy the movie, I expect adults to be thoroughly entertained more than the children.