Maleficent is Magnificent!

The new Disney movie Maleficent is out!  There is lots of buzz about the movie and with good reason.  We saw an adcance screening for it, and loved it! The movie is set to be told from the viewpoint of Maleficent, the one we know as the evil witch in the story "Sleeping Beauty".  Personally I love this because it really reminds us that there are two sides to every story.
The film itself is amazing: the colors the staging, the 3D aspect is phenomenal as you have fairies flying about you when you are watching the idyllic fairyland side.  The make up and special effects are impressive.  
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As a simple movie goer, I was very entertained and interested in the movie.  I truly enjoyed it.  Something that really caught my eye is how the 3D aspects wer handled.  This movie is filled with action but unlike most 3D movies I have watched, there is not a constant flurry of items or characters flying constantly at your face.  I did appreciate it this very much.  Instead most of the time, you are being pulled into the world of the movie.  You get surrounded by the landscape of the Moor (fairyland); for example.

Here is the official synopsis of the movie:
"Maleficent" explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever. 
   
The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Michael Vieira, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.

A couple of points that I do want to share with you as many have been asking us:
Is this a good movie for children?
To us it is a good family friendly movie.  Not only does it have great value teaching moments parents can take up, but also the film itself was survived by a 4 and 6 year old.  We had no problem with the kids watching, it isn't a scary movie.  There is a fighting scene, but nothing gory is shown.  Towardsthe end, there is a dragon scene that could be pretty intense.  The movie is rated PG, so prepare the smaller and more sensitive kids, that's all.
Is it the Sleeping Beauty story all over again?
It tells the story from a different angle.  Yes, you will hear about the fairy godmother, and about prince charming, but its the classic story with a twist, from a different perspective.

I hope when you watch the movie you get to enjoy it as much as we have.
We liked it so much we are hoping for a sequel!

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