Rotten
As for the screenplay, by Linda Woolverton, it treads carefully, and all too kindly, in the footsteps of "Wicked" ...
Anthony Lane, New Yorker
Maleficent
Don't believe the fairy tale.
2014 · 1h 37m · PG
Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Directed by
Robert Stromberg
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Maleficent
Overview
A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. She rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her heart into stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.
Director and cast
- Robert Stromberg Director
- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
- Elle Fanning as Aurora
- Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass
- Sharlto Copley as Stefan
- Lesley Manville as Flittle
- Juno Temple as Thistletwit
- Sam Riley as Diaval
- Brenton Thwaites as Prince Phillip
- Kenneth Cranham as King Henry
- Sarah Flind as Princess Leila's Handmaiden
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
54%
Tomatometer
Rotten
'Maleficent' is an admittedly great-looking, sometimes creepy.
Richard Roeper, Richard Roeper.com
Rotten
As a cameo, Jolie's performance might have proven spectacular; but as a protagonist, she doesn't give us enough to hold onto. For all her efforts, she remains yet another special effect, however spectacular.
Christopher Orr, The Atlantic
Rotten
All would be forgiven if the film had more magical feeling.
Michael Sragow, Orange County Register
Rotten
At least Disney was smart enough to cast Jolie. She has a genuinely heroic presence. If only the movie were equal to it.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
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