ALADDIN (2019) REVIEW
- Author
- May 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9, 2019
Watched in: May 2019
Didn't like ▢ Alright ▢ Liked ▢ Loved ✔︎
Did I cry?: I teared up
Would I see it again: Yes
Would I recommend?: Yes, definitely to Disney lovers
Watchability: Super easy
Watch with: Family ✔︎ Friends ▢ Self ▢
Recently I watched Disney's remake of the 1992 classic 'Aladdin', dir. by Guy Ritchie and starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott. Here's what I thought...
Plot & Story
For me, someone who ADORES Disney and who was very skeptical about all these live-action remakes they've decided to start churning out, Aladdin did exactly what remakes should do; it stayed true to the original. The story was almost the exact same as the 1992 original, with only some extra scenes sprinkled in and character arcs we hadn't previously come across. Even tiny little details were carried over from the original, like Aladdin falling back onto the carpet and saying "yes" after kissing Jasmine, and these perfect little nods to the source was what really made this film for me. In saying that, however, it was the little added extras, the new character points, that really made this film shine as its own entity. It was a gorgeous tribute to the original, while still having enough of its own little quirks to make it its very own film.
Characters & Performances
Of course, due to this being a remake, we know we're gonna recognise these characters we know and love. But let's start by addressing the elephant in the room, shall we? Now there was no way Will Smith was ever going to top the truly magical performance given by Robin Williams, and I think anyone going into this film expecting a performance anywhere near that is crazy, However, Smith, in my opinion, did a fantastic job, bringing a vibe to the Genie that only he could really bring, a vibe I'm calling 'Fresh Prince of the lamp'. His cheeky, larger than life persona worked well with the character, and his voice suited the songs beautifully, especially 'Arabian Nights', which gave me chills. I personally wasn't a huge fan of some of the lyric changes but there were so few I'm willing to overlook it.
Massoud and Scott (Aladdin and Jasmine) cannot be overlooked however. While Smith may be the star power of this feature these two young actors certainly gave him a run for his money for the spotlight at times. Massoud encapsulated the cheeky-chappy, love sick Aladdin brilliantly, and his voice had a real classic feel to it. Scott, for me, sent Jasmine up the ranks, as she portrayed the strong-willed independent princess we've wanted and needed for so long. Her song made me tear up, and while I know a lot of people may have found the 'girl power' element a bit too heavy handed, I find it so special that Jasmine was able to make such a powerful resurgence to be an idol for young girls.
Direction & Cinematography
When I first heard Guy Ritchie was directing, I was very intrigued. With films like 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' under his belt, he wouldn't be the first person I would think of to direct a Disney film. But the more I considered it, the more it made sense; Aladdin is a thief, a criminal, and Jafar is an evil figure of power who is always after something. Ritchie does films about ruffians laced with comedy, which when you consider it, is exactly what 'Aladdin' is. I don't know if 'Snatch' would have been the same as a musical but you best believe I'd watch it.
The film itself was beautifully shot, the colours of Agrabah so vibrant and the big musical numbers were spectacular. It felt like I was watching the West End musical, times 100, because they had real elephants. They managed to really capture the magic of the land and of the story, and it was all just beautiful to look at.
Personal Opinions
Overall, I really enjoyed 'Aladdin' and had decided I wanted to see it again before the first song had even finished. I was worried at first, as I hold such a candle to the original and didn't want it to be tarnished in any way, but I think everyone who worked on this film did a wonderful job of keeping the magic of the original while adding dashes of modern twists and interesting character points.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆
From a cinema worker's perspective: A lot of kids see this film so there is A LOT of mess. Good credits music though, I'm in the process of learning the 'Friend Like Me' rap.
What did you think of 'Aladdin'? Let me know!
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