Maleficent is an ambitious reimagining that mostly works, offering a more nuanced take on villainy than typical Disney fare. The visual spectacle is undeniable, and the central message about healing from trauma and choosing love over vengeance is genuinely valuable.

But let's be real: that wing-cutting scene is rough. It's clearly meant to evoke sexual assault, and while it's not graphic, it's emotionally brutal in a way that might catch parents off-guard if they're expecting Frozen-level lightness. The first half is genuinely dark—this is a revenge story before it becomes a redemption story.

The critical reception is mixed (54% on Rotten Tomatoes) because the plot is somewhat predictable and the pacing drags in places, but kids who are ready for more complex emotional territory will likely be engaged. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a solid choice for families ready to graduate from simpler fairy tales and tackle themes of trauma, forgiveness, and the gray areas between good and evil.

Just prep younger viewers for the scary parts, and maybe have a conversation ready about why Maleficent was so angry and how she found her way back.