Travis Simpkins: Disney

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Maleficent (2014): Angelina Jolie and Sleeping Beauty

Directed by Robert Stromberg, based on Disney's Sleeping Beauty and La Belle au bois dormant by Charles Perrault, Maleficent (2014) spins the untold story of one of the more memorable characters… The Evil Queen. The story concerns a faerie named Maleficent, who befriends a young human boy only to have him betray her in order to become King. Maleficent curses the King's new daughter when she is born… to have eternal sleep at 16 until awakened by true love's kiss. The special effects and animation are of astounding quality. The film is pure visual splendor, with plenty of fantastical medieval-style touches. Angelina Jolie is beautiful and superb in the title role. The supporting cast is great as well, including Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley and Imelda Staunton.

: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie: Maleficent

: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie: Maleficent

: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie: Maleficent

: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie: Maleficent

: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie: Maleficent

"Maleficent"- movie trailer

Saturday, April 2, 2016

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010): Merlin's Ancient Magic in Modern New York City

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010) was the product of the same skilled teamwork that created the hit National Treasure films for Walt Disney Studios. The story concerns master sorcerer Balthazar Blake, a disciple of the wizard Merlin, who has waited over 1,000 years to find Merlin's successor to battle the dark sorceress Morgana le Fey. The bumbling 20-something apprentice he finds in modern day New York City must undergo a crash course in the art of science, magic and sorcery in order to defeat the villains Maxim Horvath and Morgana. The magic special effect are amazing, and the set design crew did wonders in rendering the antique gadgetry. The cast does a great job, including Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Monica Bellucci and Teresa Palmer.