AC11: Random Movie Review - Aladdin (2019)

Now its time to review the second of the Disney remakes released this year and this one is probably the most controversial of the four. Controversial due to casting choices and the look of Genie (this time played by the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith) which honestly is going to happen in any remake or reboot you come across. But here we are with a whole new take on the story that is either going to divide fans or much worse. Let's look at this film and see if its a whole new world or just a waste of three wishes:

The film has the same story as the animated film. But this time, its told as a feature length flashback from someone that looks suspiciously like Genie. So Aladdin (this time played by Mena Massoud) is a street rat who is wanting to get off the street to find a better life. Meanwhile, princess Jasmine (this time played by Naomi Scott) wants to be the next sultan but can't due to very sexist laws and hates being trapped inside the palace. Both come into contact where Aladdin confuses her of being the handmaid to the princess. Meanwhile, the sultan (this time played by Navid Negahban) seeks advice from his seemingly loyal vizier Jafar (this time played by Marwan Kenzari) who uses his staff to manipulate him. And you know of the story, the hero finds the lamp and is given three wishes and blah blah blah.

Lots to like and lots to hate. Aladdin's actor is fine (though a bit awkward at times), but the costume choice makes him out to be able to afford clothes despite living on the streets (at least with the animated one, he wore no shows, his trousers looked ripped and his chest was on full display for most of the film making female fans and those of the LGBTQ+ community very happy). Jafar is not great this time as he sounds too winy, too sexist and doesn't have as much joy coming out of him compared to his animated counterpart who was one of the best things about the original film. And the climax at the end is just not as good as the snake battle and the palace being lifted that were seen in the animated film. But as for the things I liked, I like the genie and Jasmine and thought Will Smith did a great performance and made it his own without overthrowing the late Robin Williams. I like the newer takes on the music and the original songs as well. But I think my biggest like of them all is that Genie has a love interest this time too. Plus Abu and the magic carpet are as funny as always. So yeah a pretty decent take on the original film, but obviously inferior to it in almost every way. 8/10