Aladdin

By Quinn Marcus

(2019)

AGE: 9+

75% SWEET

So What’s the Story?

Based off of the 1992 Disney animated tale of Aladdin comes the story of a street rat, a princess and a lamp. Jafar, an advisor to the Sultan, seeks the power to take over countries, and make Agrabah the strongest that there is. Meanwhile, a street rat named Aladdin meets princess Jasmine and after forming an unquestionable connection, Aladdin decides that he must meet her again. Which he almost does. Jafar then realizes that to only get true power, you must get the lamp, but the cave of wonders will only let “the diamond in the rough” go through. That’s when Jafar meets Aladdin, well kidnaps actually. He makes aladdin get the lamp throwing him into an adventure that he never asked for.

Is It Worth Your While?

This is a rare Disney live action remake that actually works, providing enough magic and fun to keep you watching, but it’s not perfect. Now here are my reasons. First of all, the directing by Guy Ritchie, director of the Robert Downey Jr. adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. Was clunky at times, but was overall smooth and fun. There is one scene where Aladdin (now prince Ali) wants to impress the princess his way at a party, but the Genie using some hand work makes him do the most over the top dance moves of all time. The way it’s done is genius and hysterical. So for the directing, I give an A. Next I thought that the special effects were dazzling, energetic and full of life. The ending may have gone a bit overboard with that, but it still worked out to be a visual treat for all ages. So for that, I give the visuals a B+. Third I thought that the story was handled with care, however it didn’t change much from the animated version which did not have a great story. Making it seem like a story that you should care about, but ultimately was just okay. So for the story, I give a C+. Next I thought that the script was over the top at times, but overall funny and written with skill and passion. Giving the film a certain flair that not many disney films have. So for the script, I give a B. Overall, Aladdin’s dazzling visuals, skillful directing and a passionate script can’t cloud out the story’s flaw’s, but are enough to keep you thoroughly entertained, even in the two hour run time.

How Was the Cast?

The cast in Aladdin did a great job with everything in the movie, and seemed to have fun with it to. First we have Will Smith as Genie/Mariner. Will Smith is probably the most amazing of the movie. He really gets into character and is just really fun to watch, so anything you’ve read or heard about a blue Will Smith, don’t pay attention to it, because he will give you the time of your life. Next we have Mena Massoud as Aladdin. Being the main role of the movie, I thought that he could do much better, but he still brings the character to life with those epic dance moves. Third we have Naomi Scott as Jasmine. She has an amazing singing voice and was perfect for the role of Jasmine, and going from playing the Pink Ranger in the 2017 Power Rangers movie (30% sour) I have to say, that was a big improvement. Fourth and finally we have Marwan Kenzari as Jafar. He could have had a more devious and cunning performance whilst playing the villain. Making him one of the weaker actors, but was fine for the amount of screen time he had.

Aging ‘The Lamp’

Like all Disney live action remakes, Aladdin has amped up visuals, that include nothing but colors the whole way through, the ending might be a little frightening for younger children. There is occasional flirting, and kissing. There is a message to be learned in the film about having your voice heard. Overall, aladdin is pretty much just a visual treat for fans of the original and newcomer’s alike.