May 31, 2014
"There is evil in this world; hatred and revenge," Maleficent tells the young Princess Aurora. There is, however, also holiness, love, and forgiveness. Directed by Robert Stromberg and starring Angelina Jolie in the title role, this is the unexpected message one takes from the Disney film Maleficent, a dazzling presentation of “the true story behind the story you thought you knew.” Based on the tale of Sleeping Beauty, the director takes us into the world of one of literature’s favorite villains. It is a world of castles and fairies, evil men and wood-creatures, and magic and curses. It is also, however, a world in which we find a very Catholic message.
This movie successfully symbolizes what others such as the Narnia series fail to achieve. I have been preaching from the pulpit for many years that no matter how greatly we have sinned, no matter how far we have fallen, we are forgiven if we are truly contrite and receive the forgiveness of God in the Sacrament of Penance. No, the Sacrament of Penance is not overtly presented within this film; that is for the Catholic to see with a Catholic eye. But the message of a fall from grace, repentance, and redemption are at the heart of what the writers and director convey to the audience.
The acting is sufficiently good. It is a story moved along by the action and message, yet I cannot imagine anyone but Jolie playing Maleficent. She is graceful to the point of leaving me somewhat awestruck, even when she is performing her evil deeds. The role of Aurora could have been played by any number of young actors, yet Elle Fanning portrays the sweet innocence that is required of her without turning Aurora into a simple caricature.
Like many, I've grown tired of the use of CGI in movies, but it is used to good effect here. It is, after all, a fantasy. I watched this in 2-D because I wanted to see if it worked without things “flying” in my face. It does, and for that I am grateful. The beautiful score by James Newton Howard also enhances, rather than distracts from, the action and emotion. It carries your heart as high as Maleficent can fly.
Despite its PG rating for fantasy action and violence, I would maintain this is a movie for all ages, except sensitive young children. It truly can be enjoyed by adults and young people. It is not a Catholic movie, nor is it filled with Catholic images, but it has a message that Catholics will recognize as an age-old tale of sin and vengeance and—in the plot’s denouement—contrition, love, and redemption. I highly recommend it.
