Maleficent

There are few film releases that have excited me as much in recent months as Maleficent, due out on the 28th May.

Disney's classic "Sleeping Beauty" was one of my favourite childhood movies, and Aurora's nemesis Maleficent frankly absolutely terrified me.

Even from an adult perspective, not being invited to a royal christening may be disappointing, but Maleficent turns up anyway (rude), eerily polite, and points out how awkward the situation is. Well, obviously. Not only that, she bestows the worst, and also most elaborate,  christening gift ever - a curse so that before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, princess Aurora will "prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die!" - now that is incredibly rude.

So, to explain the background to Maleficent's irrational behaviour, Disney has gone through the trouble of making a film about it. Starring Angelina Jolie in the starring role - result: I literally cannot wait!

The untold story of Disney's villain from "Sleeping Beauty" goes something like this -  a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman with stunning black wings, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army of humans threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal - an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone.

Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the king of the humans and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora.

 As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom - and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.

Sounds like a Happy Ending for all? Only One way to find out!

Did I mention I can't wait?

Also, just as an aside, I can't help being reminded of Dolce & Gabbana's Autumn/Winter 2014/2015 ready-to-wear collection - all fairy-tale forests, knights and mystery:

I'll post my review of Maleficent here as soon as possible.

P.S.: My favourite quote from Sleeping Beauty (and oh so true, always):
  
Merryweather: It looks awful.
Fauna: That's because it's on you, dear. 

Ouch.