My daughter and I went opening night to see Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Normally I go to the press screenings before the movie’s wide release and write up a spoiler-free review. But the screening time was a little late for my kiddos on a school night, so instead, now that it’s out, I’m going to share our review with minimal spoilers. You might be wondering is Maleficent 2 scary for kids? So I’ll go into that a little (just a little hints to parts that may be scary to some kids). Without giving away any major plot points. Ok, so let’s do this!

Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil Review

First of all, Maleficent (2014) is one of my favorite live-action Disney movies (I consider these the remakes of the original animated movies). It was probably my favorite until Aladdin came out this year. So I was really excited for this sequel. Part of me wondered how and why they’d make a sequel to the movie, but it was everything I’d hoped it would be. Completing the story about how the story of “evil Maleficent” we know of in Sleeping Beauty spread. There were a couple of great nods to the original Disney movie which I loved. And so many great new things.  

This story takes place five years after the first Maleficent story. Aurora and the Prince Phillip (yes, that’s a different actor, but just as cute) have been together for five years now and right off the top we know in true fairy tale style, a wedding is on the table. But things quickly take a turn for the worst and they keep getting worse and worse. This movie is much more action-packed than the first installment. Filled with so much cinematic beauty, and a story that will at some point almost certainly have you in tears. Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer all brought some serious girl-power to the film. As well as a Jenn Murray, who played a small part but for some reason was extremely striking to me in her bad girl role. This wasn’t your average princess flick. Not by a long shot.

I also adored all of the gorgeous costumes and the wide range of characters. There was so much diversity in this cast, and that fact was not lost on me. 

It’s hard for me to say whether or not I loved this movie more than the first one. Because I adored that one too. I will say that this movie is the perfect continuation, and much more action-packed. If I had to choose today I would say I did enjoy this movie more. I absolutely loved it and I think you will too. 

Ok now on to the scary stuff and my daughter’s review.

Is Maleficent 2 Scary for Kids? 

Right out the gate the movie starts in a dark woods (the Moores). Some thieves are looking for something to take back to their land. My skittish 9-year-old was holding on to my hand wondering what was going to happen. She will tell you over and over the movie isn’t scary, but I’ll say there were a couple of parts where she wanted to hold my hand, or try not to look. 

The movie has several dark parts, loud noises, a battle scene, and lots of suspense. There isn’t any gore, and very little blood (it’s more like scrapes). And there are some heartbreaking deaths. It’s nothing I wouldn’t bring my 6-year-old to see. If he’d been interested I would have brought him but he opted to stay home. I know he would have loved the battle scenes and been shouting with excitement through the movie. 

There is a lot of heavy dialogue though, and some of the deception may be tricky for younger kids to follow. Overall I say you know your kids best and what they can handle. If they enjoyed the first Maleficent, they are probably ready for this version that’s definitely a step up in intensity. If that one scared them, it might be best to hold off and watch it with them on your screen at home. That said, I think you will love it! And it could make for a great date night or girls night out or my favorite way to see it–Mother/Daughter date.

I would absolutely see it again, and I’m actually plotting a chance to see it with my mom.  

Maleficent 2 Kids Review

It was so good, I really want to watch it again. It was kind of intense, but there were some really funny parts, and maybe one or two scary parts. I loved when Maleficent changed her outfits. She had some really good dresses. 

I liked it more than the first Maleficent because there was a plot twist. You wonder if Maleficent is bad but then you realize the queen is. There was one part that was really sad, it made me cry. The wedding was my favorite part. I think that you should watch it too, and that you and my friends would enjoy it. I recommend the movie for ages 7 and up, because it’s intense and I don’t think little kids would understand it. 

I would say this is my second favorite live-action Disney movie. Aladdin is still my favorite.  

So there you have it! I can’t wait to see it again with the whole family, and this will be one that’s tempting to buy before it hits Disney+ (and if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about check out this post about Disney Plus). If you’re still wondering if Maleficent 2 is scary for kids take a peek at the trailer above and see what you think. Or leave us a comment with a specific question and we’ll answer ya!

Curious what we thought of other Disney movies and if we have similar taste? Here are some of our other Disney Movie Reviews:

Lion King 2019 Movie Review

Toy Story 4 Movie Review

Aladdin Live Action movie review

Beauty and the Beast live action movie review

Incredibles 2 movie review

Wreck it Ralph 2 movie review

Wrinkle in Time movie review

Coco movie review

Zootopia movie review

Cinderella movie review

Tags: Disney movie review, kid movie reviews, movie reviews