Opened: October 18, 2019

Directed by: Joachim Rønning

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Ed Skrein, Harris Dickinson, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville, Robert Lindsay, Warwick Davis, Jenn Murray, David Gyasi, Judith Shekoni, Kae Alexander & Miyavi

There’s no reason a sequel to Maleficent was warranted and after watching the result, the strong performances don’t outweigh the unnecessity.

Still seen as a villain in Ulstead, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) is not welcomed well by Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) upon the engagement of Aurora (Elle Fanning) and Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson). This leads to a war between the humans and Moors creatures.

Using narration to explain how Maleficent is viewed and then easily allowing her to fall into the trap of Ingrith reverts all the character development completed in the first film. And quickly explaining Ingrith’s aversion to the Moors makes that story underdeveloped. It’s lazy storytelling.

Jolie, Fanning and Pfeiffer all give strong performances, but they don’t have enough to work with to make a lasting effect.

Final say: Making this was evil. ★★☆☆☆