Great costumes, colorful art direction and a duel between two of Hollywood’s screen queens — Jolie and Pfeiffer — save this from being another uneven, unnecessary sequel. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is even darker and more violent than its predecessor. The way the Moorfolk kill each other is as terrifying as the moments are disturbing Avengers: Infinity War or War of the Worlds. But the short scenes in the Moors, with various fairy creatures, are still enchanting for younger audiences. The romance, already established, isn’t swoon-worthy here, but at least future in-law troubles propel the paper-thin story.

Pfeiffer excels as Ingrith, who is unwilling to accept the possibility of peace with Maleficent and the fairies. She is at her best as the ice queen mother-in-law with a penchant for war. Jolie is always a treat, but the subplot involving her natives is underwhelming, even with the always wonderful Chiwetel Ejiofor as one of two dark fairies vying for Maleficent’s attention (the other, played by Ed Skrein, is a hot-headed warmonger). The cast is stronger than the script, so — considering (spoiler alert) which is supposed to be a happily ever after ending — the audience may be left thinking/hoping that this is the last of Maleficent films, but not the last in which Jolie and Pfeiffer work together.