With names like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Elle Fanning headlining the film, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil was subject to high expectations. The movie, a sequel to 2014’s Maleficent, takes full advantage of the fantasy world established in the first film, capitalizing on rich, breathtaking visuals. And while the movie honors its predecessors well -including a few, well-placed homages to the original, animated version- it manages to hold its own as an independent endeavor with a magic of its own.

The relationship between Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), and her goddaughter Aurora, (Elle Fanning), is foundational to the film. Aurora, now Queen of the Moors, is poised to marry Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) of the neighboring kingdom of Olstad. But it soon becomes clear that Maleficent and Phillip’s mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) are less than friends, and their conflict becomes the basis of the plot. Jolie, Pfeiffer, and Fanning bring an impressive presence to the screen, pulling together a dynamic female cast that is both compelling and inspiring.

Yet even with such enchanting visuals and an empowering cast, the mark was missed. The movie, just like the previous film, had potential to create a unique story and spread a powerful message. 

But with a plot reminiscent of so many other princess movies, the story lost its effectiveness, becoming predictable and uninspiring. At times, the attention to detail was impressive, but it did not entirely make up for the inconsistencies and occasionally unrealistic sequences.

 And when the prince -not one of the three powerful queens- was the one to finally bring about peace, the point of having multiple strong female heroines was severely undermined. 

There were plenty of touching moments and positive messages promoting peace, love, kindness -all the good stuff. Maleficent finally discovers more about herself -although her background story remains unclear- and her role as a mother, protector, and even as an individual was conveyed well and eventually promotes how peace and kindness can be powerful. 

Maleficent and Aurora’s mother-daughter relationship is touched on extensively in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, demonstrating the power of love. And though the relationship between Maleficent and Aurora is unique and beautiful, it does not make up for the lack of ingenuity regarding the plot.

In the first movie, the line between good and evil was blurred, which made it stand apart from most Disney movies. But in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, this was not the case. Good and evil were clear and separate, locked in conflict solved only by war and the triumph of “good”. 

Lives were lost, friendships were made, and eventually, happily ever after was attained. Just like so many other movies, the tale became uninteresting without a new perspective or unique conflict. 

The film may not be perfect, therefore, but it still deserves to be regarded as a step in the right direction. With a formidable female presence and a transportive fantasy world, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil was not a flop. Its elaborate costumes, beautiful landscapes, and talented cast -male and female- almost compensate for the uninspiring plot and missed messages. It is a film worth seeing -as long as one’s expectations aren’t held high.