Dickie reviews Judy and Maleficent

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

It is five years since the events of the first film and Maleficent has been ruling the moors peacefully.

Now, Aurora is 21. She's been proposed to and Maleficent is not happy.

Hollywood legend Michelle Pfeiffer has joined the cast as Queen Ingrid and Elle Fanning is back as Aurora.

And there's no one better to strap on the wings and fly in from the dark side as Angelina Jolie. She is magnificent and owns the film.

The cast, the music, the costumes, what could possibly go wrong? Well, nothing really. Except with all that money and talent on board, you would hope for a stronger story line. There is nothing wrong with it, there is just not much of it.

The audience deserves a bit more of a yarn coming off the back of such a rich tapestry.

It will, of course, take a bomb at the box- office.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil: Three stars

Judy

It's the biopic that follows the last year and the penultimate chapter in the legendary life of Judy Garland, who went from child star to tragic train wreck.

The year is 1969 and with money in short supply, kids to feed and nowhere to live, Judy accepts a residency at the famous London club the Talk of the Town. She struggles to do the shows with mixed results and we learn of her life in a series of flashbacks.

Here's the thing - the performance of Renee Zellweger is quite extraordinary. I believe it is the best thing she has ever done and that's saying something.

If she doesn't get at least an Oscar nomination I will eat my hat and yours.

While there, absolutely, has been some so poetic licence along the way, it is a cautionary tale about the downside of fame even when you have the talent to take you over the rainbow.

It is a four star film with a five star performance from Renee Zellweger.

Take the Kleenex along.

Judy: Four and a half stars