By Allie Pino ‘15

Forget “Sleeping Beauty.” Though the 1959 Disney animated film introduced the character that’s now featured in her own live-action movie, “Maleficent” does not perfectly retell the exact same tale. Instead, the new film starring Angelina Jolie in its title role sets its own path, closely and consistently walking alongside the classic Disney storyline but managing to stray at every available opportunity to create its own narrative.

The film starts off rather weak, a cutesy introduction that’s tough to get through for those seeking the darker side of the menacing villain. Soon thereafter, there is war and a power struggle that finally explains just why Maleficent is so famously offended by not receiving an invitation to Aurora’s christening.

From there, audiences are meant to grow fond of Maleficent, feeling bad when she is wronged and laughing along as she frequently uses her mystical powers in surprisingly comedic ways. But as the evil inside her grows, the more conflicted the audience becomes, not sure who exactly to root for in the end.

Jolie’s mesmerizing stillness makes us pay closer attention to Maleficent’s every word and gesture more than the film’s screenplay deserves. We feel close to Maleficent even when she’s doing the ice-mask-of-death expression showcased in trailers. We feel her conflicted feelings as she pretends to be the young Aurora’s godmother. Maleficent plays a role and then slowly becomes that role. Her desire to make the human kingdom pay for what was done to her defines her motives in the film.

The film overall is visually stunning, with many shots deserving of a freeze frame to fully appreciate their beauty. The whole of “Maleficent” is better than its parts. There are definitely dark moments where Maleficent comes across as truly evil.  The action is big and exciting.