Look, this is a Disney sequel that forgot to bring the magic. It's got all the CGI budget in the world but none of the heart that made the first Maleficent work. The 40% critic score tells the real story—this is a visually impressive but narratively hollow cash grab that inexplicably decided to tackle genocide and war.

The weird thing is audiences gave it 95% on RT, which suggests that if you turn your brain off and just want to see pretty fairies and Michelle Pfeiffer being deliciously evil, you'll have a fine time. But for a movie that's trying to teach kids about prejudice, it's about as nuanced as a brick.

The violence is also surprisingly intense for Disney—characters literally turn to dust, there are mass casualties in battle scenes, and the whole 'let's exterminate an entire species' plot is DARK. Common Sense Media says 10+, and honestly that feels right. This isn't a cozy family movie night pick for younger kids.

Bottom line: If your 10-12 year old is really into the Maleficent character and wants more, fine. But don't expect the thoughtful fairy tale subversion of the original. This is a mediocre sequel that looks expensive and feels empty.