Maleficent

I know this movie sort of ruins Sleeping Beauty for some. I, on the other hand, thought it makes the story much better. "Evil witch curses girl; girl is saved by handsome prince" is a lame story compared to what the new movie presents.
Making Maleficent more complex and giving her a good reason for her wicked act provides space for the original films lessons about being good hearted and that love conquers. In addition, it provides space for lessons about honor, rage, and forgiveness.
Angelina Jolie does a great job chewing up the scenery. She also does a good job showing the conflicting emotions in Maleficent. Her turn to darkness and willingness to see it through are not a surprise given her earlier passion and willingness to use violence to defend the Moors. Her eventual redemption also feels part and parcel of the character. Her earlier self was a lover of beauty and honor and love.
I personally liked how the movie turned all of the fairy tale tropes on their heads. The good King is a small, fearful, greedy madman. The handsome Prince is a bit dopey. The good fairies can barely help themselves.
I am a big fan of Disney's new live action reinventions of classic properties. Maleficent is more radical than the Cinderella live action film, but still in the same spirit. It gives me hope that the new Beauty and the Beast film will also be something that I would want my daughter to see.