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Never have I been guessing as to the outcome of a Disney movie more!  Maleficent is magnificent!  I took my wife and two older kids on our 4 block walk downtown to the local movie theater to see Maleficent in 3D.

Angelina Jolie is the dark and mysterious protagonist Maleficent from the beloved children’s story and Disney classic animated movie “Sleeping Beauty” in the movie by the same name as her character.

This is not the sleeping beauty from your childhood!

Maleficent begins with the story of a young fairy (Maleficent)  who lives peacefully with many different fair-creatures. She is a bright and happy fairy who is kind and loving.

When she meets Stephan (Sharlto Copley) she is smitten with affection for him. They meet many times as they grow up.  Stephan’s lust for power and to become the king is his driving force in life. Ultimately his lust for power causes Stephan to betray Maleficent to gain the kingship.

Maleficent is stricken with rage and takes it out on Stephan’s daughter, Aurora (Ellie Fanning).  As the timeless children’s tale goes, Maleficent curses Aurora to prick her finger on the needle of a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday and fall into a sleep like death only to be awoken by true love’s kiss.

King Stephan and his wife do their best to prevent the curse from coming to fruition by sending Aurora away with three fairies who raise her as their own for 16 years and 1 day.  Once the time passes, Aurora would be free to return as the threat of the curse is lifted.

At this point, the story shifts from what we all have come to know.

Maleficent is rated PG, and some younger children will be scared of certain characters and scenes.  My 7 and 11 year old kids both enjoyed it.  My son, 7, found parts to be somewhat slow and got bored about an hour into the movie.

The family-favorite character was Diaval (Sam Riley), a large crow, who was Maleficent’s right-hand bird.  Maleficent saves his life from a farmer who would have killed him.  In return Diaval pledges his life to her as a servant.  Maleficent spends much of her time and power changing Diaval into all sorts of creatures and a man to help her do her bidding.  All of the time he retains a humorous beak-like feature.

The action and storyline were plenty to keep me entertained, although I’d say the 3D was yet again unnecessary and faddish.  I can’t wait for “the man” to quit money-grabbing and go back to standard movies only.

Handy Father rates this movie a 5 out of 5 stars!  It will undoubtedly go into the must watch list of timeless Disney movies at our house.