If those of us who have girls plan to continue perpetuating the idea of the fairytale, we should do our daughters a favor and require them to watch Disney's Maleficent around age 11. My husband and I took our 'tween daughter to see it last week and I'm glad we did. Not only was it free popcorn Thursday, but Angelina Jolie's wonderfully wicked character taught my daughter a few things about life... in 3D. Any kid knows that 3D is cooler than a parent's rambling talk about life.
Image: Walt Disney Pictures
So here's a list I like to call:
Everything I Want to Teach My Daughter about Life, She Can Learn from Maleficent
1. You will get your heart broken. Even the fairy with the most power -- Maleficent -- got her heart broken. It's a matter of when it will happen, not if it will.
2. If a guy comes in and out of your life at his will without regard for your feelings, he is definitely not committed to you. Move on, girl!
3. People will tell you what you want to hear to get what they want.
4. Greed is a powerful thing.
5. An act of revenge may feel good at the time, but you will regret it later.
6. Choose your words carefully. You may be stuck with them for an eternity.
7. Everyone needs a loyal best friend -- even if it's a crow/man/dragon.
8. A scorned woman can drive a man mad.
9. If you've soared high before, you will soar high again.
10. True love does not have to be romantic in nature. True love is what comes from your family and friends, not some cute young prince on a horse that you've met once near the enchanted forest.
It's ironic that movie reviewers are calling this movie a "dark" look at the classic Sleeping Beauty story because Maleficent is more like real-life than Princess Aurora (aka Sleeping Beauty) ever thought about being. Take out the pixies, the magic and the medieval dragon and the same basic story could be told in present-day corporate America or on the Jerry Springer stage.
Despite the lukewarm reception the movie has received from professional reviewers, I think this movie is one that moms and daughters should see together. In addition to seeing a few valuable lessons unfold, you'll get a chance for some mother/daughter time that begins to slip away as they get older.
Ronna