Best New Movie Bets: May 31 | Disney's 'Maleficent' Tops Anticipated Releases
"Maleficent" starring Angelina Jolie
The latest in the fairy tale revival sweeping Hollywood is this retelling of Sleeping Beauty as told through the perspective of Maleficent, the horn-headed villainess of the story. Disney has purposefully crafted the film to resemble the original 1959’s cartoon version. So unlike ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” there is an effort being made to tie the legendary animation and this live-action version together. “Maleficent” comes on the heels of two Snow White films (“Snow White and the Huntsmen” and “Mirror”), a Jack and the beanstalk attempt (“Jack the Giant Slayer”) and a Cinderella remake which is set for release next year.
With the success of the computer-generated “Frozen”, the
flurry for enchanted excitement is at its peak. For those seeking a
princess-centric escape this might be a disappointment. Angelina Jolie’s
Maleficent is the star of this fantasy and the trailer hints that the
previously told story might be turned on its head. Spinning a different take on
the mythos could give a refreshing angle to the story and a point to rehashing
it once more.