Quickie Movie Review: "Maleficent"

Rated: PG for sequences of fantasy action and violence, including frightening images
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Imelda Staunton
Released: 2014

Synopsis: Once upon a time, Maleficent lived in a peaceful, magical realm that became threatened by the neighboring kingdom.  Maleficent herself vows to protect her land, but she is unthinkably betrayed, and wants nothing more than revenge against the people who did her wrong.  When the king and queen of the nearby kingdom have a daughter, Maleficent puts a curse on the new baby...only for the child to grow up and win Maleficent's heart.  When the curse takes hold, it seems like Maleficent's spell is irreversible.  Can anyone undo it?
Based on the classic Disney movie Sleeping Beauty.

My Review: What a crazy movie! I've been watching it over the past few days, and, it was definitely insane.  It reminded me of the recent ABC series Once Upon a Time, of which I watched the entire first season earlier this year.  Still, it's a treat to see screen legend Angelina Jolie in a Disney movie, as most of her films are too "adult" for my tastes.  The ending is a bit of a surprise--which I won't give away here--and the movie itself is enthralling.  Still, despite its "PG" rating, it may be too much for some kids.

Content Concerns:

Sex: Kissing. 4.5/5
Nudity: A guy is seen shirtless; some cleavage. 4/5
Language: Slight name-calling. 4.5/5
Violence: Plenty of battle scenes; soldiers and magical creatures relentlessly fight against one another.  People are burned by a dragon, and other fantasy weapons are used.  None of that is graphic, though a scene where a girl's finger gets pricked is a bit bloody.  A woman's wings are removed (implied, not shown). 2.5/5
Drugs: None. 5/5
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with what was mentioned under "Violence," the title character can be a bit frightening, and some of the magical characters are hideous. 3/5
Other: Fantasy-style magic is used throughout the film. 4/5

Score: 4/5