REVIEW: Disney’s Aladdin is a Fun Time for All
Walt Disney Studios was in the midst of their iconic Renaissance Era with the release of Aladdin in 1992, another massive success for the company. Based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights, a street rat named Aladdin falls for the Princess of Agrabah, Jasmine. After getting caught with the princess, Aladdin is forced to help the Grand vizier, Jafar capture a magic lamp hidden in the Cave of Wonders. When Aladdin’s journey in the cave goes wrong, he ends up releasing the Genie of the Lamp and finds he is Genie’s new master. Aladdin, with the help of the Genie and his trusted monkey Abu, begins a journey of love, adventure, and self-discovery.
The animated film was an immediate hit, the beautiful music, written and scored by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and Robin Williams’ performance as the Genie thrilled audiences. Walt Disney Studios is now releasing their live version and, although it features a number of minor changes, this live action is still a fun time for all.
Directed by Guy Ritchie, this iteration is just as beautiful as the animated classic. All but one song from the original story are featured, and Alan Menken once again comes through with a new, original song to take its place. Performed by Naomi Scott (Princess Jasmine), “Speechless” is a moving and powerful song that will have many listening to it on repeat after they leave the theater.
When it comes to the acting, fans going into this ready to compare Smith’s performance of the Genie to Robin Williams’ performance will leave disappointed. Williams’ performance is such an iconic performance trying to replicate his magic is useless. Give Will Smith a fresh slate and his Genie is great. Smith made the character his own adding his style and flair to the character. His singing could have been a bit better but he succeeds in not trying to mirror Williams’ performance. Smith brings his natural charm and charisma to a beloved character. He and Mena Massoud’s (Aladdin) relationship was one of the many shining parts of this movie. The two play off one another so well, almost as though they had worked with one another before. Smith and Massoud’s may have had more chemistry together than Massoud and Scott which says something as Massoud and Scott were also fantastic together.
Massoud leads the cast as Aladdin and did a fantastic job bringing everyone’s favorite street rat to life. He was the embodiment of the lovable, funny rascal and a great partner to Naomi Scott’s Princess Jasmine. Scott was a force to be reckoned with in this movie. Her combination of sass and grace made her performance extremely enjoyable to behold. Plus, her performance of the new song written for her character, “Speechless” was amazing.
This new version of Aladdin is enchanting and stunning. From the costumes to the sets used by Guy Ritchie, fans of the original movie will refall in love with the story all over again. Fans who have never seen the original will be captivated by a fun, charming story.
Grade: A-