The sequal to the 2014 box office smash hit, flies into theaters Friday, October 18, 2019. Focused around everyone’s favorite villain with a dark past, parents are asking if Maleficent 2 is kid friendly. Find the answers you seek with this spoiler free parent review to Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
Is Maleficent 2 kid-friendly?
I really enjoyed the first Maleficent film. It was a surprising twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. But it took away that dark, mysterious aura that surrounds her. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil gives that back.
The film is markedly darker than the first one. But kept the PG rating which of course recommends parental guidance, but also suggests that it is appropriate for a wider age range for viewers. Find out if I think Maleficent 2 is kid-friendly and if you should see it in theaters.
Is there violence in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil?
Yes. But that is the simple answer. There isn’t a lot of blood and gore. I’m not saying you won’t see any blood, but it’s not everywhere.
The opening scene is dark and cringe-worthy. And it gives you a good idea of the overall feel of the film.
There are scenes of war with swords, crossbows and other items of destruction. And characters are killed. But the deaths are not overly violent and they do not dwell upon them in the film. Because of how subtle most of them are, the younger audience may not even process how much death is actually in the movie.
Does the film have any swear words?
I had my pen and paper ready and waiting to write them down. But there wasn’t a single cursie in the whole movie!
AT HOME FUN: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil printable activity packet
Emotional triggers in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
They do mention the death of Aurora’s dad which of course can cause some feelings to bubble to the surface for anyone who has recently lost a parent.
Along the same lines are the deaths of the little creatures. Which can be hard for kids who have lost pets.
Maleficent content that can spark conversations
Difficult parent/child relationships
The trailer shows us that Maleficent isn’t 100% sold on the marriage of Aurora and Prince Phillip. This leads to some strain on her relationship with her daughter. Which is made worse by some outside characters and leaves Maleficent defensive.
As the mother of a daughter, I could relate to Maleficent. Those feelings of inadequacy, fear of being forgotten and regret for words spoken in anger.
Another parent/child relationship suffers during the movie when the characters don’t see eye to eye on things. And the parent holds a secret that destroys her life.
Both of these give us, as parents, the perfect opening for talking to our teens. Letting them know that even though we may not always agree – we love them and are always there to pick up the pieces. And that we understand they need to be live their lives but that we want to always be apart of it.
Is it appropriate for kids under 6?
Due to the dark nature of the film – I’d suggest you view it in the theater first. I wouldn’t have taken my youngest when he was that age because he would have been scared. And I’d probably have to take him out of the theater, so not worth it for me.
The adult content in the film that would more than likely go over their heads. Difficult parent/ child relationships and some political unrest between kingdoms. But the unprovoked attacks against the adorable creatures could be upsetting to little kids. I know I was cringing and tearing up at points because it was just so unfair.
Should you take your kids 7 and up to see Maleficent 2?
You know your kids best, so if you have a child that is a little bit of a scaredy-cat or sensitive towards animals and cute creatures – I’d keep them home.
But if they enjoyed the first Maleficent and did ok with the scenes of them cutting Maleficent’s wings, I say take them. Because this is one of those rare instances that the sequel is better than the first film!
So did I like Maleficent: Mistress of Evil?
I loved it. Hands down one of the best films of the year. And I wasn’t sold on having a second film. Before seeing the movie, I was satisfied with just the first one. But we needed Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
We got to learn more about the origins of our beloved villain which I didn’t even know I needed. But I did!
The creatures of the moors were absolutely adorable. And I want them all.
Without giving anything away – I felt the emotions the writers wanted to invoke. I was angry at the injustice, hated those that deserved my hatred and felt the anxiety of what was to come. But I also cried tears for those lives lost and teared up at the happy moments.
I left the theater singing the praises of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. And can’t wait to see it again this weekend!
Do you plan on seeing Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in the theaters this weekend? I want to know what you think, so share your thoughts in the comments below!
Loved this review Renee! The critics are bashing it, and others are loving it, I can’t wait to see it this weekend as well! Thanks for your insight and careful consideration of an audience of many ages!