Maleficent: Mistress of Evil picks up five years after the events from the first film, now with Aurora as the Queen of the Moors. During the opening credits of the film, we're told how the towns people continue to look at Maleficent as the villain, forgetting the elements that should have left her justified. However, staying on par with any Disney fairytale, the story kicks into drive within the first couple minutes as Prince Phillips professes his dying love for Aurora ending in a proposal.
After the engagement, we are finally shown Maleficent in all her glory as she is overlooking the Moors. Although Maleficent disagrees with the nuptials, she agrees to go to dinner with the Royals due to her undying love for Aurora. Throughout the first half of the film, we are continuously shown how deep Maleficent and Aurora’s relationship is, which was a great component to heighten in the film. It is shown pretty early on who is the villain of the story, Prince Phillips mother Queen Ingrith played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Although, that does not get learned until later in the film, adding a good level of mystery to the film.
Things continue to go left at dinner as Queen Ingrith continues to insult Maleficent every chance she gets, even going as far to set her up and forcing Aurora to go against her. This leads to the overall roll out of Queen Ingriths plan to kill off all magic from the Moors and blame Maleficent.
Regardless, Maleficent's chance of self discovery begins as well. Maleficent gets introduced to a whole new world she never thought she would, which makes for some pretty stunning scenes. We get introduced to Conall, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who introduces Maleficent to this world after he saves her from being shot down in the sky after a brief battle with Queen Ingrith.
The film was interesting and compelling, from the storyline to the magical world. It’s often times hard for a sequel to elicit the same emotions it did from the first one but I am comfortable saying this one did that and more. It brought out unexpected twists and surprises that made it just different enough form the original that it was an amazing sequel. Not to mention amazing acting from the beautiful Angelina Jolie as she proves no one else could have played the role of Maleficent but her. The vulnerability she brings to the character while also being so vividly vicious is masterful to say the least. Elle Fanning and Jolie have magnetic chemistry that brought the story together as a whole. Not to mention the interacting between Maleficent and villian Queen Ingrith was incredible.
With a great supporting cast that overall film brought the whole Disney vibe and charm. Magical creatures such as Juno Temple, Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville as Knotgrass, Flittle and Thistlewit, as well as Same Riley as Diaval, were perfectly casted. Ed Skrein played his role well as the newly introduced Fay, who has his faith on Maleficent helping bring an end to their people hiding. Harris Dickinson stars as Prince Phillip, who captured the charming essence flawlessly. Although there was a little bit of a messy story development, the film makes up for it in other departments that overall make it good. Check it out and find out for yourself why Maleficent is truly the Mistress of Evil.
Echo Grade: B+
