Do you think you know the tale of Sleeping Beauty? Well, think again.

Bound to be one of the summer’s biggest blockbusters, Angelina Jolie stars as the eponymous character of “Maleficent,” the villainess whose side of the story is finally told to audiences.

Maleficent’s story begins as a young fairy, living in a magical land called The Moors. Her primary duty is to defend her homeland. However, she falls for a young man who breaks her heart and betrays her trust. The young man is later crowned king and she enacts her famous revenge by cursing his newborn daughter, Aurora.

Eventually, Maleficent comes to care for Aurora and sees her as the key to bringing peace to the kingdom. Rounding out the cast are Sharlto Copley as King Stefan, Elle Fanning as Aurora and Sam Riley as Maleficent’s right-hand man Diaval –– but their performances pale in comparison to the intensity Jolie delivers as the film’s anti-heroine.

Stunning visual effects are another standout aspect of the film. CGI brings the magical landscape of The Moors to the violent, “Lord of the Rings”-esque battle scene early in the film to life.

However, the film runs only 97 minutes. This often sacrifices crucial character development opportunities and at times makes the film feel rushed.

Overall, “Maleficent” is a visually captivating film and with Jolie carrying the film, it’s worth paying an overpriced ticket to see in theaters.

_MOVE gives “Maleficent” 4 out of 5 stars._