5 Reasons 20-Somethings Should See Maleficent

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I’m a 20-something that saw Maleficent. I didn’t go see it with a child, preteen, or teen. I just wanted to see it and here’s why you should too.

1. Maleficent is far from all sun, rainbows, and beautiful waterfalls. Disney’s Maleficent has various deep, mature-minded, well thought out themes running throughout the movie. Angelina Jolie brings depth to the character, Maleficent without saying a lot.

2. The images and fantasy world of “creatures” versus “humans” say a lot. It’s been ages since I watched the animated classic, Sleeping Beauty, but in 2014, to watch a non-animated movie do such a great job of featuring humans and fairies and huge tree like creatures was a lot of fun. This movie represented how far cinematography has come.

3. The heart of the movie makes you question what it means to be a hero and what it means to be a villain. Maleficent does not fit either mold. The character, Aurora is playful, fun, and loving, but she is also the product of a king who was more villain than hero. Unlike most PG rated movies, this movie makes it clear that most people are not “all good or all bad”.

4. There are issues of feminism, sexuality, and violence running throughout the movie that could be a part of any college classroom, especially a Women & Gender Studies class. Maleficent’s power (wings) are taken away from her by a power-hungry human man. He drugs her so she falls asleep and cuts off her wings.  Also, the idea of “true love conquering all” gets a new definition in this film from most animated classic-child friendly movies.  *I’m sorry for the spoilers*

5. Angelina Jolie goes way into the role. You can tell she walked around with the staff and costume on for weeks preparing for the role. She nails it. Even if you’re not a fan of her work, you’ll respect her in this movie.