Maleficent Teaser Trailer (2014)

Teaser trailer for Maleficent.

"Maleficent," the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty," reveals the events that hardened Maleficent's heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

Angelina Jolie says Maleficent is her favorite Disney character because she is terrified of her but she can also identify with her.

Her daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt plays a young Aurora/Sleeping Beauty in the film.

Jolie personally chose Paloma Faith to sing "Once Upon A Dream" for the film's soundtrack.

Maleficent's magic changes color; when she is angry her magic is green, when she is happy her magic is gold.

Somewhat like Tomb Raider, Jolie did all her own stunts for the movie.

We all know the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. Most of us will probably know the Disney Animated Classic version best, having grown up watching it. Maleficent is one of Disney's most compelling and evil villains; her willingness to kill a newborn baby, and her unbridled rage toward the infant mean that she easily ranks up there in a lot of top film villain polls, even if she is only animated.

But is there more to her story? What caused Maleficent to act as she did and why is she so fixated on Aurora and her family? Well, Disney have decided to tell Maleficent's story, and in live-action form, too. Taking the central role is Angelina Jolie, who seems to be born to play the bad fairy. Opposite, Elle Fanning takes on the role of Aurora, a young princess who is curious to know what (or who) is lurking in the shadows.

As the Maleficent teaser trailer shows, this film relies heavily on CG animation to bring the tale to life, but there's a simple, child-like delight in Fanning's portrayal of Aurora that is a joy to see on screen. Jolie is heavily invested in this story, and clearly relishing the chance to play her favorite character. The trailer holds a lot of aesthetic beauty and I'm happy to say that's present throughout the film, too. Costumes, CG animation, cinematography all combine for a real visual feast to enjoy.

Maleficent's story unfolds well in the movie, leaving audiences with conflicting emotions surrounding her actions. There is a massive plot twist, not hinted at in the trailer but it really gives the film an edge. Maleficent is a good, solid film, very enjoyable, but lacking a certain something; which possibly comes of it being aimed at children instead of adults.