Disneys re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty presents the dark fairy, played by Angelina Jolie, as a complicated villain with a conscience.
Yes, horned curse-caster Maleficent is sometimes malevolent, but shes a whole lot more besides.
Jolies extraordinary appearance (exaggerated by severe cheekbone prosthetics and blood-red lipstick), her general scene-stealing presence (punctuated by on-point comedic one-liners) and booming British-ish voice mean she's mesmerising in the role.
Maleficent is lumpy in parts but ultimately delivers thanks to Jolie and Elle Fanning (who plays the brimming-with-zeal Princess Aurora). Together they are formidable female leads fans of Frozen will appreciate.
The film is an entertaining reminder that the fairy tale ending isnt all about the prince.
Angelina Jolie talks Maleficent
