First, the good Jolie-Pitt news… Maleficent is a HUGE hit. Box office analysts were predicting something like a $60-65 million opening domestically, and Maleficent ended up making $70 million in North America and $100 million overseas for its opening weekend. This is Angelina Jolie’s best opening ever! Experts say that Disney’s marketing towards women helped a lot, and the audience was over 60% ladies, young and old. You can read THR’s analysis here – A Million Ways to Die in the West underperformed and X-Men: Days of Future Past is still chugging along.
Did you see Maleficent? I did not. I will see it though, I just didn’t feel like seeing it this weekend. I kept seeing critics say that the script was weak and that Angelina was sort of camp, but I guess it didn’t matter. I told you that the alliance of Disney Machine and the Jolie-Pitt Machine would be fruitful. Huzzah! I’m glad Angelina has a hit on her hands. Now she can sell this overseas a little bit more and then move on to her Oscar campaign for Unbroken. 2014 is The Year of La Jolie.
And now for the bad news… is anyone else genuinely disturbed by the story of Vitalii Sediuk, the Ukrainian “prankster” and assailant who attacked Brad Pitt last week? For one thing, I’ve never really thought of Sediuk’s stunts as genuine pranks – they always seemed like bizarre cries for help from a man with mental health issues (at best) or disturbingly inappropriate public assaults from a man with a lot of hate (at worst). So, Sediuk was in court on Friday and he ended up making some sort of deal – no jail time, three years of probation and “a year’s worth of psychological counseling.” He also has been ordered to stay 500 yards away from Brad at all times. The most disturbing detail in People Mag’s coverage was this:
Asked by PEOPLE why Sediuk did what he did, his attorney, Anthony Willoughby, replied: “He told me, ‘I just saw Brad Pitt and thought, ‘I’ll make Angelina Jolie jealous.’ … He hugged [Pitt] around the waist and security grabbed him. He didn’t hit him – at least not intentionally. Something may have happened in the scuffle.”
Is it enough to just call him a “freak” and move on? Sure. Let’s do that. It does feel like he’s mentally disturbed and he’s falling through the cracks – maybe being locked up in a psych ward would do him some good.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet, Disney.
Did. What a piece of crap. Angie couldn’t save the film, even her power as Maleficent couldn’t help it, but she was very entertaining to watch.
And yet audiences across America gave the film its current ‘A’ CinemaScore grade. 🙂
I saw the film twice on Friday. Both times the audience applauded at the end and left the theater in excited chatter. I was also surprised to find many ‘older’ people, dating couples in their 20′ and 30’s and some families with kids. CinemaScore’s survey lists the majority of people who saw the film on opening day were over 25 and 51% of people who saw the film were women.
The film has a great empowerment message for girls and women … instead of waiting for your ‘Prince’ to come and rescue you, save your own ass.’ I loved the film! 🙂
Never use Cinemascore. It’s a pet peeve of mine. They poll 5 theatres. 5. It is far from an “across America” sample. The movie did fine. Sadly not as well as Alice in Wonderland or Oz (both of which were dreadful) but fine.
Box Office Mojo says that 61% of the audience were women 51% over 25 and 45% families from the whole opening weekend.
I heard it has a great female empowerment message. I am down with that.
Yes!!That is how I felt too.
Haven’t seen it, may just wait for it on Neflix/Pay per View. But I like the idea of Jolie having some fun onscreen. What the hell, right? I would love to dress up and be in a fairytale for kicks. I want those horns, people!!
I watched it and I loved it. It was supposed to be simple and entertaining at the same time, and I thought it was both. It is a movie meant for children after all, a Disney movie, you know?! And for the kids that I know that watched it, it was riveting.
I saw it and loved it.Don’t listen to critics.You either like it or you don’t.Everyone that I know that saw it loved it too.Go in with a open mind.She owned that movie.
I liked it! I have to say I enjoyed the whole “no such thing as true love” thing, its keeping in line with Frozen and the whole “men are such a waste of breath” thing. I like the whole twist in the story and the reason for her being evil and her redemption etc. Very nice. Enjoyed it. She’s so beautiful! Yes the script was a bit weak (ugh, those lines recited by prince charming to Aurora, gag!) but its a fairytale, it totally exceeded my expectations. 🙂
The film actually was pretty bad, which was due to Robert Stromberg’s lack of experience as a director. However, the visuals and Angelina’s magnetic performance made it still enjoyable.
If you need proof the film wasn’t that great, just know that Jolie had problems with Stromberg and he with her…..
@Maura, who wrote: “If you need proof the film wasn’t that great, just know that Jolie had problems with Stromberg and he with her…..”
This is the first I’ve heard of any kind of disgruntlement during the two years “Maleficent” was in production. Do you have a linked source? I’d love to read about this.
I saw a number of articles mention that this weekend, mainly in connection with the budget/reshoots.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-maleficent-bewitches-1706m-708520
This article mentions tension between Jolie & Stromberg…maybe that’s what lucy and Maura were referring to.
I don’t understand – I loved the movie in full theatre yesterday and everyone was laughing. I had a great time and really enjoyed it. Fully recommend it.
I’m *still* going to see it. I love her and will see everything she does.
Angelina rocks. She kicked butt and took wallets to the box office and THAT is what counts in Hollywwod. She’s a Superstar.
You
go Ange.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Shut-up Jennifer Aniston.
Some of my friends went to see the movie and they were not pleased. I am biased now.. watch it or not watch it?
@paola
I have strange tastes, so I will go regardless of other people’s opinions… Movies are a personal experience, I was able to enjoy films that nobody liked and found very boring some films that everybody liked 😉
I found the movie to be disjointed, depressing…almost boring. Angelina MADE this movie. If it wasn’t for her presence, it would have been abysmal.
@Cecilia …
Knowing how you feel about Angelina Jolie, I have a hard time believing you’d actually go an see “Maleficent.” I’m not saying you didn’t … but, why would you?
I am a fan of the old Disney Movies. I wanted to see the direction they were taking it. Everything but AJ’s performance was pretty disappointing. And for the record, you really don’t know how I feel about AJ.
Dignified and classy as per usual, Cecilia 😉
Yes, we do know how you feel about her Cecilia. You have told us in many ways often enough.
Thanks, Amanduh. Let’s go have a glass of wine together sometime. Cheers!
I saw it and enjoyed it, Angelina was perfect for Maleficent and her performance really made the movie great.
We saw it yesterday! It *is* camp and the script *is* weak, but it’s a movie for kids. It’s really kind of perfect and felt to me like Labyrinth or the Dark Crystal. Like a great, epic kids movie. I took 5 kids with me from 4 years old to 12 and they all loved it – boys and girls alike.
Loved it!
I agree with you, this is a movie for kids and adults are over analyzing it. I read kids loved it. I saw Maleficent and loved it. Angelina was perfect as Maleficent.
+1
I am with u too! It is a movie for kids and when viewed from that lens I thought but was great. My son and daughter both liked it.
Took the kiddos the nieces and nephews to see it. They enjoyed it. I kinda wish it wasn’t a Disney movie. The potential for it to be “more” was palpable.
i’m sorry, a 4 year old?! did they love it? i can imagine that 4 year old waking up at night calling for mommy cuz there’s a freakin monster lurking in the dark. way to go!
my 7.5yo watches curious george or cat in the hat cuz that’s age appropriate imho.
(sorry, got upset because the behaviour of kids these days..unfortunately encouraged by parents and society in general ..today a random 6yo flipped a bird thru schoolbus window)
as for maleficent. haven’t seen it yet. but i’m happy for Angelina.
Yes! She loved it – and it’s all she’s talked about since – in a good way!
It’s totally dependent on the individual child. My 11 year old was a very nervous kid about movies, so I never would’ve taken her when she was little. My 4 year old is completely different, though. I was the same – I loved scarier kids movies when I was young. You just have to know your kid – hopefully most parents do and make the best choice for them.
I took my 6 year old and 9 year old to see Maleficent. They’ve both seen Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and many fantasies. They do not scare easily. I don’t take them to see rated R movies with cursing or sex. Just fantasy and the occasional Spiderman movies. If a child doesn’t scare easily, I think it’s fine to take them to see a Disney movie with a monster. Whether they watched Maleficent or Curious George isn’t indicative of how they behave. My kids love to watch and read fantasies and are very well-behaved and mannerable.
@K.A.
im not saying that kids are not well behaved if they watch maleficent or hobbit or lotr. It’s the dragons and monsters that keep them up at night cuz something is under the bed or in the closet. Kids already have rich imaginations as it is.
Oh, we do read fairy tales. Love Grimms. And not some adapted disney versions but the originals. But again it’s age appropriate. Simple ones for littlies and more complicated for older kidlets. Also i think, when it’s heard but not seen, it somehow ends up more tame in their imagination.
@GiGi
yes, it seems that firstborns are more anxious and easier to scare than younger ones. Our eldest is antsypants, middle one is a cool cucumber and baby bird knows his wants and needs at tender age of 1
I did. The theater was packed. Heard lots of people saying they liked it though.
I was not one of them. Slightly disappointed.
Sleeping Beauty was my favorite as a kid. Not sure if nostalgia is keeping me from liking it or not.
I wonder how people say that Sleeping Beauty was their favorite Disney movie as a kid (not trying to say anything against you). One of the reasons why I loved that they were making this movie was because I was SO bored with Sleeping Beauty. I think I’ve seen it once or twice, when I was a kid. And I still watch Disney movies and haven’t made an effort to rewatch it.
The story was so boring to me. The only good part, to me, was when Maleficent turned into a dragon at the end. Which was like a five minute scene–the prince fighting her as a dragon. Other than that? Beyond the beautiful animation, I don’t see the appeal of the story. It’s not like Aurora did anything other than look pretty and bat her eyelashes. Nothing of interest happened, beyond Maleficent’s part–so that’s why I wasn’t at all upset when they changed the story.
I mean… I was 5 and probably easily entertained. I also apparently danced around a lot to the music.
And Maleficent was the best part. She was dark and she didn’t apologize for it.
I have three year old triplet daughters and they LOVE Sleeping Beauty. They love the fairies and they love watching the prince ride his horse. Anything with horses makes them happy. And they like the music in it. They sing along with way wrong words: “I know you. Walked you once apart a tree!”
Did you see the same version I did? Because Diaval turns into the dragon, although Maleficent fights the king.
Sleeping Beauty is more slower paced than many Disney films apart from the ending where Phillip escapes. I think adults I actually might like it more, if you have not seen it for a while you should, it is perhaps the best looking Disney film. But I have always loved it so I am not really interested in Maleficent since it apparently changes story for (what I feel) is worse and does not offer anything new and interesting.
Maleficent turned into dragon???? Hmm, I saw her turning the crow into a dragon. Which movie did you see and most importantly what did you use before or during watching this movie? 😀
But I agree – the old story was sort of boring. Plus the new one is so much more empowering for the women. The Disney has truly changed its tune – first “Frozen” and now this.
I was more afraid it would be too scary for my 6 year old, but it wasn’t at all. She absolutely loved it. While I can’t say I will ever rewatch it, it was pleasing to the eye and I love Jolie.
Pretty sure Virgilia is referencing the original animated Disney movie, everyone.
Yeah, you are right. I have not seen the original one. Sorry, Virgilia! 🙂
@Lilacflowers …
Wow … SPOILER much????
“I have three year old triplet daughters”
That is so freaking awesome. Your life must be constant laughter around them.
I haven’t seen it yet, I’ve been having trouble convincing anyone to come to the movies with me to see this…I think the so-so reviews haven’t been helping my cause, lol.
Oh well, at least I did go and see X-Men, and I loved that (and Fassy) so I can’t complain too much.
well the review is going higher now by audience ., maybe that’s an indication for you to know what critics say is might not be totally the truth.
Yeah, I tend not to listen to the critics all that much but it’s easier for me to convince my friends to see a movie when I can also add “and it got great reviews!” My friends are fussy, lol.
@LadyMTL, who wrote: “Yeah, I tend not to listen to the critics all that much but it’s easier for me to convince my friends to see a movie when I can also add “and it got great reviews!” My friends are fussy, lol.”
Tell your friends “Maleficent” has a Cinema Scope grade of ‘A’ … which is voted on by audiences (see below)
http://www.cinemascore.com/
Again @LadyMTL …
If they ‘still’ insist on a good review, show them this positive New York Times “Maleficent” review by Manohla Dargis. She HATES Angelina Jolie with the passion of a thousand suns (you should have read her “Changeling” review … it was all negative stuff about Angelina, not the film). *Don’t let the title fool you. Maleficent didn’t seek revenge because she was scorned.*
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/30/movies/angelina-jolie-stars-in-maleficent-from-disney.html?emc=edit_fm_20140530&nl=movies&nlid=37806645&_r=0
I don’t like to read reviews before I see a movie but word of mouth from friends has helped me decide to save my money. I was in Disney World for the past week and was surprised to see that the movie merch wasn’t more prominent. It was there, but not everywhere. It is still all about Frozen.
Didn’t Frozen win an Academy Award?
YAY for Angie and Maleficient! I haven’t seen it yet and I know the critics weren’t to thrilled but the people I talked to who did see it, loved it! And especially loved Angies performance!!
This “prankster” is getting worse and worse, and I worry that he will really hurt someone.
It was worth my money.
Angie killed the movie!
She was magnificent
Yep she was.I don’t want to be a spoiler but her screams when she woke up and her wings were gone was heart wrenching .
They could have done a better job,the story in the beginning was interesting, but then everything took the “Disney route” and became predictable. I liked it it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a nice hour.
The useless Charming Prince was even useless than usual.
The 70 million debut was the 3rd highest opening weekend for a movie featuring a single star that is female…behind only the two hunger games!
Based on critics reviews, I do think if Disney is willing to give Angelina a huge push come December/January she could be nominated for an Oscar like Johnny Depp was for POTC.
Also, now that Jolie has reaffirmed her star power, I think Sony will be eager to move forward with Cleopatra, but Jolie probably will put the breaks on that unless they get an oscar winning/nominated director. She had problems with both Doug Liman and Robert Stromberg…..
speaking of Doug Liman, my twitter feed was at one point full of people talking about DL throwing shades and making digs at Angelina during his Edge of Tomorrow interviews. he wasn’t kind at all to her.
One shall wonder why he talks now when he has a movie against her?
I was wondering that too! Why now because he has a movie against hers. Very bad of him..
Why would he even be talking about her, while promoting HIS movie?
Found this:
http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/150004/Angelina-Jolie-Blasted-By-Mr-Mrs-Smith-Director-Doug-Liman-Over-On-Set-Disagreement
Basically whenever they disagreed about a scene, he’d want to shoot it both ways, and she said that he would just put his way in the movie–because he’s the director. He said there’s no ego, etc…..and Tom Cruise didn’t do that while they were filming.
I’m not understanding why he’s even mentioning her, because a quick look at IMDB says that he’s directed three films and two pilot episodes on tv since MAMS–I could see him ‘dissing’ her if MAMS had been his last project.
I guess he’s just using her for publicity? Weird. I guess it’s not newsworthy if he just says that Tom Cruise bent over backwards for him during filming. Why does there have to be a comparison?
Doug Liman was just being a spoiled brat…..I think he as a man didn’t like the fact that a woman was willing to stand up against him when he was wrong, and he didn’t want to admit the fact that he was wrong.
Their fight was actually recorded and Angelina was in the right and they did end up doing the scene the way she wanted to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtUc4zW84uU
They start fighting at 1:11
You judge who’s in the right.
Anyway, as for Stromberg, I think she was really annoyed because he was a terrible director, but she should have been more patient since it was his first time directing.
What a douche.
I guess he must hate the fact that MMS is his highest grossing film ever.
That is so weird. I remember when Mr and Mrs Smith came out (or was just about to), there were tons of stories. One in Entertainment Weekly had tons of info about shooting on the set and the camaraderie and all. Strange to hear a different tune now. If anything, he thought it was more Pitt:
[not wanting to shoot a certain scene]. it was a little too goofy for Brad and Angie.
Meaning they just wouldn’t film it?
It’s always a tricky dance with those two. I mean, [Pitt] picked me. But that didn’t mean he was going to relinquish all control. And he’s not wrong for that. I think these movie stars become movie stars because they get very involved. They’re not just pawns.
Saw it yesterday. I loved it. My 8 year old daughter immediately said, “That was a great movie,” as we walked out. Mission accomplished as far as we are concerned.
No – that’s what illegal downloads are for.
(Joke).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_h4qio7xNA
Angelina wouldn’t have too much of a problem I think….
Yes, we had birthday party for my girl in the cinema and all of us liked it! Angie was perfect x
I saw it and really enjoyed it. I was surprised how well Angelina Jolie played the character. Had it been say, Julia Roberts, it would have been a disaster, but Angelina plays the character beautifully. I also think it is absolutely visually stunning. The scenery rivals Avatar, I believe. I want to see it again in 3D, I think, though it is still very enjoyable not in 3D. It is by far my favorite Angelina Jolie movie.
Haven’t but will with the boyfriend maybe next week
I saw it. I dug it.
The special effects were distracting at first and the script was weak, but Jolie was awesome. I liked the overall theme of friendship, rather than using ‘love’ as a woman’s end game. The Jolie actually pulled off ‘funny’ very well.
First time I’ve ever watched Elle Fanning, and she was pretty terrible.
I loved that twist, too. That the love/friendship between two women of different ages was the most important. It’s not a message we see enough!
Totally agree, GiGi. It was unexpected and my 3D glasses got a little misty.
I saw it Saturday in IMAX. I enjoyed the movie, but it’s not something I’d want to go back to a theater so see again. I don’t think Elle was terrible, it’s just that she didn’t have much to do beyond smiling and saying the occasional word.
I enjoyed Elle’s performance, along with the baby and Vivi’s performance. I know that many enjoyed the Sleeping Beauty story/Disney cartoon, but for me, I never understood why Maleficent’s cursing of Aurora was enjoyable. In this movie, the curse was a way to get back at King Stefan, but he was so greedy and vampire-like, the curse was just futile. From a distance, Aurora represented the culmination of all of Stefan’s machinations, lies and betrayal, but he had no connection to Aurora, beyond being her father (read: owner) and his gestures to ‘protect’ Aurora were the continuation of Stefan trying to have the last word with Maleficent, despite the fact that he was the architect of unnecessary misery to Maleficent, his wife (the king’s daughter) and Aurora. Hell, he didn’t do the three fairies any good either by just handing over the responsibility of Aurora to them.
Is this movie a mess? Absolutely, and it was highly unnecessary, since the essence of this movie, as governed by Angelina and Elle and the younger Auroras, was wonderful and in meaning ways, healing. However, Maleficent and Aurora’s relationship and its implications to Stefan was very compelling and made me overlook some story flaws and the lack of material given to the other actors. For me, this movie was way better than American Hustle, a movie I still have a grudge against, because at least Maleficent had leads that you cared about – except Stefan. Really wished that Maleficent laid an even greater, sustained, more precise world of hurt on him, because that fcker deserved it.
I honestly thought it would be the bird guy Dival who woke Aurora up because he clearly liked her. That it was Mal was even better. This version was not very evil or scary, yet she didn’t stomp around screaming aka the Wicked Witch of the West in Oz.
Most reviews and buzz I’ve seen said that Angelina was great but the movie was weak. Generally viewers liked it a lot more than critics. I’m glad it did will because so many were claiming it was going to be a huge bomb months before the release. They keep doing this every time Brad and Angelina do a movie.
I was about to say that–I’ve read that Angelina is amazing, and that the first third of the film is crap because of pacing issues. And a different poster on the last thread posted an interview/review where she basically said that the first third of the movie was changed (from the story of how Maleficent was made fun of for being a ‘dark fairy’ when she was a child, to what is in the film now), and that Angelina didn’t seem very happy about the director–said something along the lines of they had a great script–basically didn’t mention the director at all.
(won’t let me edit my comment)
But what’s most important, I think, is that kids enjoy it. And I hope a lot of boys saw it, and weren’t put off (or their parents influencing them) to not want to see it because it has girls as the leads….
I looked on that thread and saw what you read. Yes, the backstory would have been much better. Explained why a pure hearted maiden was named Maleficent, which means evil……
Here was the question and answer. Lol I think Jolie made it way too obvious she hated stromberg.
Why was Robert Stromberg the right director for this?
JOLIE: Well, it was Disney’s choice. I think they felt strongly about hiring somebody who was very into the creation of world, even though he hadn’t directed before. The script was so strong that we felt that all of the pieces would come together. Even though he hadn’t directed before, we felt the script would help direct itself because it was so strong. And he did really have this focus on the creatures and what the world would look like and the feeling. I haven’t seen the 3D, but I’m sure his history was instrumental in making that work.
He also made it super obvious he didn’t like her either. Look at 1:05…..I kind of laughed how he realized how bad his answer was and started rambling about how great she was to cover it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4AJINVwVUc&list=UUtoMyXF4VFY3cB8fUcn7N4A
i read that comment! and i agree, i was bummed to find out that the whole of her childhood is scrapped. it would’ve been a better flow and less cliched than the “woman scorned” thing.
plus… they scrapped Miranda Richardson and Peter Capaldi!!!!!
they better be putting that scene in the DVD.
(mind i have not watched it yet, will be watching it once the film goes into general release where i am).
@Lower-case deb, who wrote: “i read that comment! and i agree, i was bummed to find out that the whole of her childhood is scrapped. it would’ve been a better flow and less cliched than the “woman scorned” thing.”
But it ‘wasn’t’ the woman scorned thing. I don’t want to spoil it, though a few people already have, but there is an incredibly emotional scene where she is mutilated and ‘that’ incites her all-consuming revenge. It was not because she was love-scorned.
it’s yet to open in my country. two more days to go. but tumblr is crazy with it, and Sam Riley has been somewhat Cumberbatched on tumblr.
after the Sibling-love of Frozen, i do welcome the adopted-Maternal-love (not-a-wicked-stepmother) theme of Maleficent. however, i’m still waiting for a film where the princess’s real biological parents are alive, present, sane, not-absentee, or pushy-stage-parents.
You have said (and less cliched than the “woman scorned” thing).
Well the movie is not about a woman scorned, when you will watch the movie you will understand more about why she was really mad. i don’t want to spoil it for you.
Saw it with friends over the weekend, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would, but I still enjoyed it a lot and might even be seeing it again this week with my sister. Angelina was definitely the best part of the movie though.
I saw it 2 times, planning on seeing it third time. It’s been long long time i enjoyed movie that way. Highly recommend it.
Kaiser i advise you to head to Facebook maleficent page and see the real people reaction. The movie has it fault but your heart will go out happy from the movie and fulfilled . Maleficent gains almost 800k fans during the last three days. it is magic and jolie emotions and her acting was opposite to Charlize Theron mad way.. in fact what made the film is her take of subtle melodramatic of the story. i will buy the dvd and i did not that since 7 years back. it is very good story and moral behind it. if you have any kids take them with you. they will enjoy it as i seen many ended up clapping for maleficent.
My daughter is 2 and saw Frozen and LOVED it.
But she wasn’t interested in Rio2 and we ended up leaving the theater early.
In you opinion, Is Malificent appropriate for a 2 year old? Or too scary?
Too scary for a 2 year old, I think. My 4.5 year old who usually isn’t scared by anything, started asking to go home toward the end. It’s not graphic, but there are some intense fight scenes that might be too much for a little one.
I agree.Loved it and will see it again.Word of mouth is going to keep this movie going.
I think this Sediuk man is going to end up killing someone.
Agree that he is NOT a prankster but a sicko. If he had stuck his head under my dress on the red carpet I don’t know what I would have done, but it would have been violent. AND full of swear words. Lock him up!
I wouldn’t be surprised. His grasp on reality seems tenuous at best. Ugh, so scary.
I agree…He is a disaster waiting to happen,,,
Why don’t they kick him out of the US? Surely his aggressive behaviour is enough to get his visa revoked.
Saw the movie. If you are thinking of bringing along your kids, no need to worry. It’s not scary. At all. (Much to my disappointment) 🙂
Very….Disney—if you get what I mean. Almost like watching a Disney princess movie only it’s from Maleficent point of view.
It’s true that the story could be more better than the one they have right now since it has so many potential. Then again I know this movie won’t be like LOTR—hence I enjoyed watching the movie. Jolie as Maleficent was really amazing!
I liked Frozen much more than I thought I would and same for Maleficent. In fact, Maleficent was even better than Frozen. Angelina was PERFECT and Elle was very sweet. My husband & I went Friday to preview for our kids (4-11) and he loved it to…so much that he sprung for the full imax 3d for all (we usually don’t do that). Of course, they all want to see it again…I know what I’ll be doing next weekend!
Awww. I liked this comment.
As an adult, I was bored by it, but the kids I took loved it.
That seems like a pretty understandable reaction from both parties. I don’t get the fascination a lot of adults have for movies aimed at kids.
Maybe adult still carry their childhood inside and still believe in good and bad in simple stories? Adult who still carry the faith in the world ,people are good after all? I felt a child again with this movie..i don’t know if i could explain it to you. why do you think adults watch super man batman or spider man, whatever-man unless they want the super hero they knew in their comic books. they look for the beautiful world of right and wrong. whats wrong with an adult watching Disney?
There are some seriously funny kid movies out there. Have you seen Shrek?
Guess I’m more into films that approximate real life, but are romanticized enough to be entertainment.
I saw the film over the weekend with a girlfriend. Maleficent scared the bejesus out of me when I was a kid so I was really looking forward to seeing what could be done with it. I think, without giving away any spoilers, when Jolie is full blown she-devil-harpy- woman, she was great! Other than that, the film fell flat for me. I was disappointed.
BF and I went Friday afternoon to avoid the crowds and kids. Loved it! Angelina and the movie were perfect! I especially liked all the twists on the story, the humor (“Beastie” ha ha!) , and underlying themes.
I saw it. Not a good movie. I was excited during the first few minutes but from there it was like one of Disney’s crappier straight to video releases, just with better effects. Really bad script, very lame plot, super kiddie friendly and very toothless for it. I thought it would have more crossover appeal but it’s very much for 5yr olds, everyone else is just an afterthought. A major disappointment for me.
Angelina was good, but she didn’t have a whole lot to work with. Maleficent is so watered down in this version. She would have been amazing as this character in a better film. As it is she saves it from being completely forgettable, but it’s not the tour de force, iconic performance I was hoping for.
Not sure how many 5 year olds you know, but the ones I’ve been around — including my own — would’ve been pretty scared in several parts.
My 6yr old was with me, she wasn’t scared, and there was no visible upset from the many other young kids in the theater. I’m not even sure what the scary parts would be, it all seemed incredibly tame to me.
Anyway the showing I went to was like 80% parents and their young children, and where I’m from it’s very much being marketed towards little ones. So Disney obviously thinks that’s their market in my country at least.
Really really enjoyed it. My daughters — 11 and 8 — also loved it. Look, I see my fair share of kids movies, and that’s that’s what this is, a kids movie. This was far and away one of the better kids movies that’s come out in awhile. It is definitely not for the very young kids, but it certainly entertained my crew. Angelina Jolie was awesome. My only complaint was with the fairly godmothers. I thought they were beyond annoying.
I thought they were annoying too.I still don’t think this was a kids movie but that is just my thoughts.People had toddlers and babies in the theater I was in and they were restless.There was a message in this movie and it will mostly connect with women.
Given the mixed reviews I’m definitely waiting for Netflix.
Nice to have another female led movie do well though.
I saw it, Jolie was great, the rest was…meh. It was disjointed and lacked great moments for anyone but Angie. I applaud the message but the movie was unfortunately weak.
I think I saw Zahara in it as well….
And Pax!
Really? I didn’t notice him. Splendid
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rJ7dlarl7s/U2gsagbElTI/AAAAAAABdSI/0wMypxVBc9k/s1600/MALEFICENT_PRODUCTION_NOTES_Hi-Res_4-30-14_Page_14_Image_0001.jpg
They were onscreen for roughly 1.5 seconds. As Jolie passes by them, the two of them withdraw and shoot her a nasty look.
I smiled really big when I saw them. I wondered if the other people in the theater noticed.
Maura, thanks for posting that still photo. I looked for that shot specifically when I saw the movie. If you hadn’t posted that pic, I might have missed them. I remembered not to blink my eyes during that split second, so I saw them onscreen.
I saw it, and just thought that the movie was ok, but I still enjoyed it.
Love Angelina! She’s the best.
The movie had its flaws but Angelina was great in it and did some excellent work in giving Maleficent layers. But what I loved was the relationship between Maleficent and Aurora and the message that friendship matters, it can change people for the better and true love isn’t necessarily just romantic love. Considering the beating feminism is taking in real life these days, it’s refreshing to see a movie with interesting female characters forming a true bond.
I didn’t love the movie, but I hope the kids do.
Saw it. Love it. I knew, from the promos that I wanted to see this movie. I thought the movie would be too scary for my niece. I’m taking her to see it.
Had a group of 14-15 year old girls with me (I’m one of the moms they let tag along, lol) and they actually clapped at the end. They ate it up, they loved it, and so did I. Given the absolute garbage that is doled out to teens these days, it was refreshing. It’s another person’s point of view of a fairy tale, so I was certainly expecting stark changes in the storyline, camp, and a generic script. However, it all fell together very well and, in the meantime gave a very strong message of strength in love among women.
Totally agree. Great message for both girls & boys. I can’t stand those rom com/fairytale tropes that life begins only when you snag a dude and have always steered my kids away from that stuff and/or used it as a spring board to larger talks about what is happiness, a well lived life. Not to be too deep, but movies like Maleficent, Frozen, Kung Fu Panda have some really important messages that need to keep being broadcast.
Haven’t seen it yet, but planning to and looking forward to it. I don’t pay much mind to critics and their reviews, rarely do I agree with them.
I thought Angelina carried the film. She was terrific. I went in thinking the worst and was genuinely surprised at how much I liked the film.
I thought the movie was okay with good points and bad. The 85 year old woman I took to the theater with me (who hates Angelina Jolie) loved every second of it.
Will see it this Friday. My friends were underwhelmed but some of my colleagues loved it.
That dress makes her boobs look astonishingly powerful. I think I need that dress. I think everyone needs that dress!
Seriously. That’s some ready, aim, fire power right there.
I will see it this week.The JPs are in China for the premier.I just saw a pic of Brad,Angie and the twins at a Toys R Us in Shanghai. I guess that rumor about Brad being banned from Chinawas not true.
Never heard such rumor. If anything, I would’ve thought it would be Christian Bale (after his public support to a Chinese political dissident).
I can’t remember if the Chinese government these days has banned any actor. They can ban or censor a movie if they think China is badly portrayed in it, though 😀
Wasn’t be banned from Tibet? For doing ‘Seven Years in Tibet’???
On a different note, I just watched a documentary about people having abortions in China because of the one child policy–forced or otherwise. In China, if you have a second or third child illegally, that child is born without being a Chinese citizen. That means that they don’t have a birth certificate, and cannot go to school OR get a real job. And then I looked at the adoption requirements of those kids–who are all in orphanages for the most part–you have to be over thirty, married, and can’t have over a certain amount of kids. That’s screwed up.
Really? I would think China would probably ban Richard Gere, who’s been openly supporting Dalai Lama.
Regarding the one child policy, IIRC it is applied with various degree of strictness. In areas considered overpopulated, it will be strictly applied. They are much more flexible towards the ethnic minorities. They also tend to be more loose to those who are deemed having the ability (and financial resources) to support more than one child.
Many Tibetans hope they could be free and be an independent country—but at the moment they are still under the rule of China. I could see China giving the ban to him for doing Seven Years In Tibet. But if he’s there then obviously no such thing.
I Wiki’ed that. The Chinese government shat a brick after the film was released. They were so furious at how the Chinese were portrayed that Jean-Jacques Annaud (the director), Brad Pitt and David Thewlis were banned from ever entering China again. Annaud was welcomed back with open arms 2 years ago to chair the judging committee of the Shanghai international film festival. I would imagine they lifted the ban on Pitt and Thewlis around the same time.
@Virgilia: China changed the rules on international adoptions a few years ago. My neighbor, a single woman, adopted a little girl from China 11 or 12 years ago. Now you have to be married to adopt, with no more than two other children in the family under the age of 13. The rules may be relaxed if you are willing to adopt a handicapped child.
Who was the source of that documentary on China? You have to be careful of some Christian groups who have a proselytizing and fundraising ulterior motive.
The one child/two children rules are enforced by financial consequences. If parents choose to not register the birth (which is why the problem with later social benefits), that really is their decision. A difficult decision and sympathies, but they have another option hard though it would be. They probably are just hopeful that other options will become available. Economics is a common pressure everywhere – I know people here in the US who have reluctantly aborted because they couldn’t afford medical insurance or the father just lost his job. Abortion is also very commonly used as birth control in places with limited access to contraceptives, not just in China. The numbers come down when effective contraception becomes more widely available. But contraception can fail, even when multiple methods are used.
The rules started because of famines. It worked, but now they have a problem with too many more males than females since so many parents want boys rather than girls and will selectively abort or abandon girls. An ancient problem everywhere, I’m afraid. Women are coming from other countries to be wives in China as a result… Another ancient solution!
I’m sure the Chinese will come up with better solutions, but the population problem was very real and had disastrous consequences. Not at all surprising that they tried a drastic approach.
Even if it had stellar reviews, I’d pass. Genre doesn’t interest me.
I saw it with 2 friends (we’re all 40+) and we really enjoyed it. We actually sat next to a couple of ladies who were seniors who loved it as well. Most of the 2D shows at our cinema were sold out. We saw it in 3D and that was almost sold out as well. What surprised me was how much the kids and teenagers loved it. I normally sit in the back row because I can’t stand kids/teens kicking my chair, texting, being general pains. Not a single problem in this movie even though there were several girl birthday parties attending our showing. They were into the movie that much. Most stayed all the way through the end of the credits then there was a ton of chatter about how much they loved the film.
Maleficent was my favorite Disney character so I was really looking forward to this and I loved Jolie’s take on it – it was funny and camp but not way OTT like Julia Roberts in that horrible Snow White movie. I too was surprised at how funny she was in the film as I really didn’t like her previous “comedies” (“Life or Something Like It” and “Pushing Tin”). I’ll probably see it a second time as some friends who couldn’t go this weekend really want to see it. I even bought the Lana del Rey cover of “Once Upon A Dream” from iTunes.
So overall – money well spent.
The other dee, how was the movie empowering to women?
Yeah her star power is so unique that they first had to pull it from the competitive 4th of July weekend and then have it open around the world at the same time to make it look like such a huge opening weekend. This paired with all the marketing they did and it still could not beat Oz and Alice?
Also, it is strange that all these positive articles do not mention that it opened in almost all its markets, but rather credits Jolie for driving up the numbers and yet admitting that it’s not really the best movie. I suspect some heavy PR going on behind the scenes.
Awww boo hoo, so bitter.
She she opened it to 70 million, 170 million worldwide on her name. That is starpower no matter how you try to spin it.
Also May is much more packed than March when those other films opened.
Reaction is very positive on twitter & instragram, along with an A cinescore.
“Awww boo hoo,”
Really ?
How old are you to have such a childish reaction ?
I saw the movie and found it really really bad and, before you jump at my throat, I am a AJ fan since “Gia”. The only scene I liked was the one with her daughter (when she grabs her horns), it was a cute scene, but that’s it.
Alice was the second live action 3D film after Avatar so its not comparable in any way to subsequent films. It go huge box office due to novelty of 3D.
Oz opened in March which is a less crowded corridor with much less competition. Oz opened in the same number of international territories as MAleficent and only grossed 70 million internationally while Maleficent opened to 100 million internationally.
Finally Maleficent’s 70 million opening weekend is the 3rd highest of all time for a sole lead that is female movie. Only the two hunger games have beat it.
Any way you look at it, Angelina was a huge star power as the Disney VP of distribution has said.
Jolie had no competition. Going up against a lame rated R comedy western?
There is a reason Jolie was PULLED from the 4th of July weekend. You can’t spin that.
X-Men was competition, Godzilla was still competition. Not just the films released in the same week are competition.
She won the weekend, live with it,
Maleficent was pulled from July because Disney’s Dinosaur movie had delay problems lol…….
The film is an enormous hit. You’ll just have to live with that.
Yes. It’s a hit. If they moved the release date, to a less crowded weekend for strategic reasons, well, hooray for them. And I doubt that the market for A Million Ways to Die in the West overlaps with Maleficient.
I think it’s made the film available for the school holidays early and there will likey be 2 and third visits. BTW, don’t Disney films make their money in the long haul, anyway? Like 10-20 years and more kind of long haul.
Thank you.The movie made $100 million overseas to AJ being an international draw it broke records in Latin America despite the fact she didn’t even promote the film.Besides the movies already mentioned it was also up against the Cruise film in a few markets.
You have a serious problem with Angelina Jolie.
I saw it yesterday and I loved it. So did my two cousins and my niece
I will be seeing it again this weekend if I have the time.
@ heigl
Maleficent was originally set to open in March 2014. Then it was moved to July and finally May. A lot of movies play musical chairs with their release dates. By your reasoning, the powers that be should never have moved it from March where there was less competition if they were afraid of dismal box office returns. Maleficent succeeded primarily because ANGELINA JOLIE was playing the title character. I know I saw it because of Jolie even after knowing the reviews were weak.
I don’t know why you have such a hard time giving credit where it’s due. If this movie had flopped, you can bet your a$$ Jolie would have been the only one to blame, not Disney or the director. I understood not liking a person, but this finding fault with everything they do is a tad much.
Angelina proved she’s worth the hype she gets. Lady put arses in the seats, as in $70million plus in ticket sales so far. She’s awesome.
I’m surprised it’s doing so well with children. It doesn’t look like a movie for kids. It looks a little scary.
Kids don’t scare as easily nowadays as we did when we were children. I remember watching “The Wizard of Oz” when I was 5 and being terrified by the bad witch. My son saw it when he was 5 and thought it was hilarious.
Nothing scares me after I saw the Exorcist at nine.It isn’t scary but I still don’t think it is a movie for children.They had to get the Disney brand to use the name.
Watched it yesterday with son and we both loved it. He’s 7, he never read this fairy-tale – likes other type of stories – but I loved hearing him explaining to me afterwards why Maleficent was both good and evil, who and what was to blame for her becoming angry and vengeful, and how she overcame the evil in her to become really good and kind again.
The story feels fresh, I absolutely loved how the writers changed the whole True Love Kiss arch, so it was a very satisfying experience!
I took my 7 year old Step Daughter and 8 year old Niece. We loved this movie and my partner did too. It was an interesting new take on a tired Sleeping Beauty story. It was well acted and entertaining which is exactly what I was expecting.
All of my friends said the movie was blah, but Angelina was captivating in it. That her parts were the only good ones. I’m bummed; was looking forward to seeing it.
From 1959 to 1989 there were only three “Princesses.” Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White. Which is why many of us identify one of the three as a favorite.
I went knowing the story would be different and I enjoyed it for what it was. Then I went out and bought the MAC “True Love’s Kiss” lipstick.
I think people were hoping for a dark horror movie – and that is NOT what this was.
I also see why it had to be Viv in that role. I can’t imagine another child reacting positively to that scene…
Right?! Viv was such a little cutie pie!! I also loved seeing Empress Z in the crowd scene on the Aurora christening day!!
I enjoyed it, but I did feel the script was problematic. Angelina Jolie was amazing, though. The character called for camp! Her costumes and make up were superb and I loved how wickedly funny she was at some points. King Stefan was a psycho, which was weird and the three fairies were the worst (I wanted to choke them, I was happy any time Maleficent messed with them). I have to agree with others that plot holes in children’s movies aren’t always a big deal (Frozen, Beauty and the Beast etc are full of them). One thing I did notice was that there was a lot of complaining and grumbling by people in my theater as they left. I heard people call it cheesy, boring and stupid and one young guy said he felt it was marketed to follow the original story and he didn’t like that they changed it so drastically. I would recommend it, but I have seen a very mixed reaction (although I think everyone would agree Angelina was awesome).
I loved it. Saw it twice.
I’ve said this before, but I’m astonished at the number of people who thought this would be something besides a children’s movie? As for it seeming too scary, isn’t that precisely the frisson that makes Disney movies work? Snow White’s stepmother, Bambi’s mother dying in the fire, Scar, Cruella de Ville?
It seem their might be some pent up demand for a Jolie pic.
Yes,but there is a difference between live action and animation. Also, no one knows Bambi’s mother dies while watching the trailer. Malficent’s trailer doesn’t seem to be aimed at little kids.
Well, people see thing differently. While I enjoyed the campy edge in the trailers, I never though they had the complexity that signalled that this was an adult film.
They remade 102 Dalmations in live action with Glen Close. We’re talking someone who skins puppies. But seriously, isn’t that part of the Disney formula? Some sort of scary unpredictable element that the little protagonist is able to endure and overcome, making the ending all that much more satisfyingly happy?
I have no problems with the changes to the story but I thought the pacing was a little too slow and I found myself wanting more action, more badassery from Maleficent. Angelina though was completely mesmerizing. I enjoyed every single frame she was in and I actually felt tears prick my eyes at her grief when she SPOILERS
lost her wings and realized how she’d been betrayed. All in all she was a magnificent Maleficent. I think I’d actually pay money to have her arch one supercilious eyebrow at me and call me ‘curious beastie.’
I saw it with a co-worker, loved it. We had been waiting to see it since the release date was announced.
Since it is Disney and geared for everyone, yes there are plot holes and yes it could have had stronger writing. Who cares? It was a great escape for an hour and a half.
I took my 4 year old niece. I thought the movie was okay. It’s not bad, but it’s not great. Anyway, my niece loved it! For months, she wants us to call her princess Elsa (from frozen) but now she wants to be called fairy Maleficent which i thought is funny and cute.
I saw it over the weekend and really liked it. One of the people we saw it with took exception to the big change to the story that they made (toward the end). She feels that Disney is trying too hard to jump on the girl power/we don’t need a man bandwagon. I guess I can’t say much more because…..spoilers.
I didn’t mind it. It is just a movie. I can watch the animated version if I want to. 🙂
I hope the messages delivered in Frozen and Maleficent aren’t just a girl power bandwagon/fad. I still marvel at myself for being shocked at what happened between Anna and Hans in Frozen. I’m a realist in life, but I fully expected the conventions endemic in princess movies and was glad that Frozen didn’t go the quick, true love route. I loved that Frozen and Maleficent are portraying the importance of female characters not only growing up/getting older before they fall deeply in love and marry, but also the importance of having female support, even if there are radical differences (age, species), mutual give and take, and facing your conscience and consequences for choices and mistakes made.
This is what I can get behind, not the superficial ‘girl’s girl’ cr@p that has been plied onto us for the last few years.
My husband and I saw it saturday and loved it, as did most people in the theater. I was very happy about “true love’s kiss” not being from a prince.
Haven’t seen it yet, but the husband and I are planning to take his nieces and nephews to see it in a few weeks when the buzz has died down a bit. I really don’t like going to the theater in general, but this is one movie I DO want to see on the big screen.
Question for anyone who has seen it with kids:
My girls are 3 and 5 years old- is it too scary for kids that young? My three year old actually likes “scary” stories, but the tree monsters look pretty terrifying.
There are some intense battle scenes – they enthralled the boys I was with (ages ranging from 7-9) but I could definitely see the tree monsters being scary to younger kids, they’re meant to be menacing (basically Maleficent’s guard dogs that she sicks on the king’s soldiers). The scary parts are few and far between though, so it’s not like the kids would be covering their eyes through the whole movie or anything.
Haven’t seen it yet; waiting till the crowds thin out some. I’ll probably see it during the week. But the feedback I’ve gotten from people who have seen it is very positive and they all say Jolie is marvelous in it.
Nah. It’s not the kind of thing I’d see in the theater unless someone I knew really wanted to go, but I’m sure I’ll see it on DVD at some point. From what I can tell, it’s not all that good but is giving the audience what they want. There are always a bunch of films like that, especially in summer, and I suppose it’s nice to see one headlined by a woman doing well.
LOVED IT!!! I thought angelina was electric. The story was actually better than what I expected.
Regarding Chinese adoption, that’s not exactly correct (and I have a daughter who was born in China). Firstly, the term you are looking for is “waiting child” or “special needs” – and those needs can range from relatively minor to more serious. Basically, the only children who are coming out of China now are waiting children. The number of so-called healthy children is so small that it is not really relevant. Single parents can adopt – multiple children at once, actually. Part of the reason that the number of adoptions has gone down is that the economy has improved – families can have multiple children if they fit into a few different groups: members of minority groups, families where both parents went overseas to get a PhD and returned to China and parents who are willing and able to pay the fine. The fine used to be prohibitively ecoexpensive for the average Chinese citizen, but with the rising middle class, more Chinese can afford multiple kids.
Thanks for explanation!
Oh – I should have clarified – the number of “healthy” kids is so small and the wait is so long (6+ years last time I checked) that it’s not really an option. For those of you who kids who were adopted from China who don’t appear to have special needs, keep in mind that the Chinese define special needs a bit differently than we do in the US. Club foot, cleft palate, heart murmur – all correctable, but still special needs.
I can’t wait to see it.
Go Angelina, huge box office. She’s a major Superstar. Awesome opening.
I wonder does it bother Jen A? Angelina’s stunning success.
Saw it Friday because I always go to a Brad/Angie movie opening day.. then took my nieces and a couple of friend to see it Sunday afternoon. They all love it. Want to be Maleficent.. I liked it a lot..
I think we are so use to Animated films and live action remakes and such being geared toward adults more than kids. I like that this was for CHILDREN.. not adults. It did have some subtle messages and kids learn a lot through what the see. It was about the Women being strong and not about the man saving the day. Something we need more of and our girls need to see that too.
So I give is a BIG B+ and will so buy the dvd.. Angie is Maleficent and she and Elle were very sweet together. I like that a lot; because Angie doesn’t usually have many female co Stars.. you can see how well she and Elle got along and how great she is with women. Something she gets a unfair rap about..
Saw it and loved it. Angelina was perfection itself. Her face, even with the added features, was lovely and showed her emotions wonderfully understated but still obvious.
I’m a little surprised people brought their kids, I thought it would be too dark for them. How young is too young? My niece is a mature 4 year old who is extremely sharp…any one recommend this for her or is 4 too young?
She will be fine. There isn’t anything in it that would be too traumatic for a mature 4 year old. The ending is a happy one. She’ll love it.
I saw it this afternoon. I’d give the movie a B, and Angie an A+. After watching her, I can’t imagine anyone else in that part. She totally tore it up.
H and I saw it and loved it. In some ways it reminded me of a classic movie (40’s or so) in that a lot of the emotion was underplayed and you could form your own impressions.
Haven’t seen it yet, but I will be going soon! Can’t wait :).
I won’t see it. AJ isn’t that great of an actress, imo, and her accents make me cringe. I thought she was great in Girl, Interrupted and Gia, but I haven’t really enjoyed her in anything else. I don’t understand the hype and fascination with her.
I loved it!! I will go see it again, to see what I might have missed. It’s a good movie for kids to see.
Saw it on Sunday and loved it. Very entertaining film and I loved the twist at the end with the kiss. Jolie is the heart and soul of the movie and she carries it brilliantly. She nailed her performance. Her British accent is spot on and she’s incredibly funny! It’s a side of Angie moviegoers rarely get to see, and she rocks it. You can tell she had so much fun playing Maleficent because it really comes through in the performance. I will definitely see it again and invite my niece and her friend. They’ll enjoy it.
I saw the movie on sunday (in Germany) and i LOVED IT!
My Husband was with me and he liked the movie too. And im probably going to see it again with my girlfriends
We did! And we loved every minute of it! She’s truly a movie star and the film was original and spectacular. We also saw MacFarlane’s film but we didn’t like it and we left in the middle of it.
I loved the film.
Lots of holes in it, but it was I expected it to be.
People above mentioned that they reshot the opening and completely got rid of the background which answered a lot of the holes.
Saw it and LOVED it. Sleeping Beauty was always my fave Disney movie and this re-do did it justice. Was great.
Also, it’s nice to see female leads. It’s good.
I saw it Friday in glorious 3D IMAX. Yes there were flaws but the movie was AMAZING!! The Jolie is magnificent~I cried, I laughed, I cheered, I LOVED it. My niece and 60 year old friend also throughly enjoyed it!! Don’t pay attention to naysayers or critics, GO SEE IT and make your own mind up!! Totally worth both the time AND the money~
Totally agree.Critics are sort of bullies anyway.Either you like it or you don’t.She was awesome .
Nope, didn’t see it.
I haven’t seen it yet either but I plan to.
I’m only watching cause she’s in it LOL.
I’m also not surprised that this movie is a success at the box office. I mean having a big actress like Angie attached to this movie obviously has a part to play in SOME OF the success the movie has already garnered.
I’ve never seen her opening, but I always assumed it was pretty big.