For a girl who grew up on Disney films, I was ecstatic when I heard that a live action remake of Sleeping Beauty was going to come out, but that excitement turned to dread when I heard the title- Maleficent. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a cool remake or two, but I had no idea what to expect from a movie named after the story’s antagonist. I only hoped that traces of the original would be in there, and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed in the least; the film was everything I expected and more.

I was enchanted from the start, drawn into the magically dark world of the Mistress of All Evil. The movie manages to stay along the basic story line of the original 1959 animated film while keeping the audience guessing and more surprised with every twist and turn, a feat that is nothing short of magical.

It reveals the origin story of the Maleficent (Angelina Jolie), a fallen fairy who places an irrevocable curse upon the babe Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) that can only be lifted by True Love’s Kiss. This is the most evil enchantment that this sorceress could bestow, since Maleficent believes that there is no such thing as true love. King Stefan (Sharlto Copley) desperately does what he can to save his daughter by sending her off to be raised by three good fairies in an effort to avoid her fate. Back at the castle, he stops at nothing to try and defeat the malevolent sorceress.

Although the film explores the more sinister side of the classic tale, it is laced with light-hearted moments that kept me smiling throughout it. The ending gives hope to everyone, showing that true love can come from the most unlikely of hearts. The actors breathed life into each character, the scripting was excellent, the directing was absolutely amazing, and the graphics were realistic and took my breath away.

Maleficent is certainly a tale in keeping with the Disney tradition that good has always and will continue to triumph over evil. It’s a movie for anyone who loves an excellently spun tale, even if there are a few finger pricks along way.