May 30, 2014
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‘Maleficent’ isn’t quite spell binding 2014 Arts Alive Banners up for auction By Noah S. Lee
Angelina Jolie provides the visually gorgeous “Maleficent” with a considerable edge due to her engaging performance as the lead, but the film’s preference for extravagant magic rather than soulful magic weakens the spell cast over the audience. In this untold story of Disney’s iconic “Sleeping Beauty” villain, forest kingdom protector Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) experiences a crushing betrayal, which hardens her heart and compels her to curse Princess Aurora, the newborn daughter of the human king (Sharlto Copley). As the child grows into a beautiful young woman (Elle Fanning), Maleficent comes to realize that Aurora could be the key to restoring peace throughout the land – and maybe to softening her vindictive edges. With two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg sitting in the director’s chair and experienced actress Angelina Jolie starring as the lead, it’s easy to see that “Maleficent” has a lot going for it. When you have a gigantic visual presentation claiming that it will impress based on its overall appearance, what could possibly go wrong? We’ve seen Stromberg demonstrate his talent for art direction in major blockbusters “Avatar” and “Alice in Wonderland”; “Maleficent” is the latest canvas he has conquered. Using a style in which the familiar is augmented by the fantastic, he succeeds in accentuating the elegance and beauty of the human and fairy worlds, whether the scene takes place inside an imposing castle or within a lush forest. Stromberg’s background enables him to use costumes to help define somebody’s traits, the most prominent example being Maleficent. From the makeup to the costumes, as well as those iconic horns, there is no denying that the black-clad fairy fixing her gaze on the audience is the notorious Disney character we remember. Angelina Jolie certainly
the minutes ticked by. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the film’s slow, tiresome pace after Aurora’s christening contributed to the problem. And why introduce a large-scale conflict between humanity and magical creatures when it isn’t the main focus of the film? Even if that guarantees massive action sequences, you shouldn’t include such a plot element if you’re not going to nurture it in a proper manner. That’s not storytelling. That’s what I call a waste of resources. Well, well…it seems as though “Maleficent” cannot quite cast the enchantment it wants to achieve the desired result. Jolie’s efforts are a saving grace, but while the artistry behind the film is undoubtedly impressive, it still causes the entire thing to fall prey to the same “spectacle over Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and Young Aurora (Vivienne Jolie-Pitt) in soul” curse that has plagued and continues to plague most Disney’s Maleficent now playing. Photo by Frank Connor big-budget films. looks and sounds like Ma- as obnoxious distractions. As leficent, and it’s obvious she for Aurora herself…well, Elle enjoyed playing the title role, Fanning’s wooden perfor- MPAA rating: PG for which also happens to be her mance is the direct result of sequences of fantasy favorite Disney character. what little material there is action and violence, In spite of her strong perfor- for her to explore. including frightening Furthermore, I think the images. mance and the artistic victory, however, “Maleficent” is so-called similarities between not invulnerable, and Strom- this film and the original 1959 Run time: 1 hour and 37 berg’s emphasis on visuals af- animated feature work only minutes fects both the story and char- on a superficial level. I underacters to a significant degree. stand this is a re-imagining of Playing: In general For starters the relation- the villain’s story, but apart release ship between Maleficent and from a few scenes that reKing Stefan isn’t well-devel- minded me of what I’d seen as oped; his reasons for doing a kid, the whole thing became what he does to the former less and less recognizable as are neither coherent nor believable, and not enough is explained to clear up these matters. Their chemistry lacks the depth needed to create a truly Play mini golf • Fun for all ages • Birthday Parties riveting who-vs.-who scenario, • Group Golf Classes • Date night and Copley’s one-dimensional • Company Team Building portrayal of Stefan does little to alleviate the damage. $ There’s not much I can say about the other cast memwith this coupon • regular priced round. Offer valid for up to 4 players bers and their characters; then again, that probably has to do with the fact that this film doesn’t really belong to them. The three pixies tasked with raising Aurora until her 16th birthday – Knotgrass (Imelda Staunton), Thistlewit (Juno Temple), and Flittle 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. (Lesley Manville) – aren’t inDel Mar • 858.481.0363 teresting and come off instead www.pellysminigolf.com
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brush with art kay colvin With summer rapidly approaching, it’s once again time for one of the art community’s most upbeat annual events. The 2014 Arts Alive Exhibit and banner auction will culminate June 8 in the Cardiff Town Center. Now in its 15th year, the Arts Alive Exhibit is all about community involvement. Each year half of the proceeds go to the organizing nonprofits in order to fund ongoing work in and around Encinitas. The other half of proceeds, which is received by the banner artists, is often generously donated to local charitable organizations. Originated in 2000 by the 101 Artists’ Colony, this year’s Arts Alive exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Artists’ Colony board member A. Paul TURN TO BANNERS ON A18
Bryan Helfand’s banner “Sol Centered” is one of 103 original Arts Alive banners to be auctioned on June 8 in the Cardiff Town Center.
Image courtesy of Stephen Whalen Photography
MoonlightSEASON34 AMphitheAtre
June 11-28 8PM
760.724.2110 moonlightstage.com
Broadway’s Best Under the Stars!