“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (PG)

The classic, horned Disney villainess is back in a different light with “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” a wickedly entertaining sequel to the 2015 smash hit starring Angelina Jolie in the title role.

“Maleficent,” of course, told the story of Sleeping Beauty from evil fairy godmother’s point of view, a point of view that changed from bad to good by the end of the film. In “Mistress of Evil,” we find out that Maleficent raised Aurora (Elle Fanning), the Sleeping Beauty, and she’s not quite ready to let her go when Prince Philip (Harris Dickinson) asks for her hand in marriage.

Interview flashback: Angelina Jolie in 1999

But the pending nuptials is the least of Maleficent’s worries – Prince Philip’s mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer), has fabricated the ceremony as a trap to destroy all fairies – including Maleficent.

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is spectacular on all levels, from the stunning visual effects, a sensible expansion of Maleficent’s storyline and another majestic performance by Jolie. Adding to the fun is the smart addition of Pfeiffer, who delightfully chews the scenery with her deliciously evil performance. Fanning is once again radiant as Aurora and Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ed Skrein make for wonderful additions to the film’s already impressive cast.

While “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’s” storyline follows a tried-and-true good vs. evil storyline, in this case the basic storyline is a good thing. After all, the film’s PG rating makes “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” a highly accessible family film that’s every bit as informative as it is entertaining.

Lammometer 9 (out of 10)

Tim Lammers reviews movies weekly for “The KQ92 Morning Show” on KQRS-FM,  “Paul and Jordana” on WCCO Radio, “It Matters with Kelly Cordes on WJON-AM, KLZZ-FM, “The Tom Barnard Podcast” and “The BS Show” with Bob Sansevere. ALSO Tim reviews streaming programming weekly on WCCO Radio’s “Paul and Jordana.” On TV, Tim has made hundreds of guest appearances on “KARE 11 News at 11.”

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