MMT Quick Review of MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL

Happy Saturday MMT Fam! I wanted to share some thoughts on MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL, the sequel to Disney’s 2014 hit MALEFICENT starring Angelina Jolie. In this follow-up, along with the titular character, we see several major players returning including Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), Diaval (Sam Riley), and Prince Phillip (now portrayed by Trust‘s Harris Dickinson).

Phillip and Aurora decide to official wed and unite their respective kingdoms, but only one or shall I say two major things stand in their way – their mothers Maleficent (Jolie) and Queen Ingrith (the incomparable Michelle Pfeiffer). A great addition to the story, the Queen is a formidable opponent to Maleficent and they effectively create tension that may keep the kingdoms, and the lovebirds, separated forever.

Also new to the story are the Dark Fey – a group led by Conall (Chiwetel Ejiofor) that are banned from residing with humans, and in hiding for fear of going extinct. Even as a mythical creature, Ejiofor rules and emotes a compassionate authority with a simple glance.

A gorgeous cinematic display, with magnificent costuming to boot, this sequel is a beautiful gem to witness on the big screen. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the casting, and thought that the story allowed Jolie to flourish even more than the first film.

And although there are prominent themes of love, unity, and forgiveness, it is a darker Disney story. I was distraught with some of the losses in the film, and believe it is too much for smaller kiddos – there is a PG rating, so be mindful. 😉

My biggest critique of the story is there were some discrepancies that left me feeling similar to what I felt about Maleficent’s power in the first film. I’ll try not to spoil, but did question her limitations to morphing others. One character states she’s needed to help or he’s stuck, but then there’s a transformation without her? I don’t know, I was confused.

I also thought Queen Ingrith’s soldiers were conveniently prepared for a battle they could not have expected – again, no spoilers so I’ll simply state there wasn’t enough exposition to justify it.

All-in-all, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a proper, female-driven sequel that has great casting and beautiful visuals. Despite those areas that I thought needed further explaining, I would gladly re-watch and even own – the diversity and themes were that good. I would rate it 3 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL opened October 18 in theaters nationwide.

Until next thought, Thomasena