Review of Maleficent (2014) by Ray J — 09 Oct 2015

Maleficent doesn't feel like the kind of movie that has an identity of its own, relying perhaps accidentally on a formulas that have been repeatedly done and perfected in movies such as The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogy, some of the set and character designs being nearly indistinguishable from those universes.

The CGI was middling throughout the movie, only shining on occasion; the acting was likewise mediocre, the children being especially bad; and the obviously forced re-imagining of the classic story is unnecessary and often cringe-worthy.

Disney's increasing focus on appealing to modern cultural sensibilities and trends, while undeniably profitable, reflect poorly on the quality of their most recent releases.