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'Aladdin' - A Movie Review

You have to experience 'Aladdin' in theaters!

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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The genie has a surprise for you after this review! He’s going to take you on a magic carpet ride around the world!

Aladdin is a 2019 live-action remake of the animated classic from 1992. A poor boy, Aladdin, crosses paths with a beautiful princess named Jasmine. Due to their social structures, they are forbidden to be together unless Aladdin is a prince. Meeting a magical genie, Aladdin takes full advantage of his three wishes. These wishes come at a risky price.

I was most excited for a live-action remake of Aladdin compared to others I have seen recently. The live-action remake of Aladdin took advantage of making creative changes, casting actors of ethnicity, and making stunning sets, costumes, and lifelike CGI. One critique is that the film felt a little long and tried too hard in some places.

As Aladdin, Mena Massoud ran through the alleys, made impressive somersaults, and even tried a hand at breakdancing. Massoud did a fantastic job as Aladdin, except I feel that he copied too much of the original character, instead of creating his own traits and mannerisms.

For example, if you watched the two films side by side in comparison, you’ll notice that Massoud copies most of the animated character’s surprised or bug-eyed expressions. Although funny, you should really create your own performance.

You are going to love Naomi Scott’s bold version of Princess Jasmine! Unlike Massoud, Scott turned her character into a new and bolder Jasmine. The princess already made a powerful statement in the animated classic, but in the live-action remake, Jasmine takes control rather than becoming the damsel in distress.

Okay, now for Will Smith. Will Smith as the Genie was the best part of the movie! Smith made the role his own after the late Robin Williams performed as the Genie in the animated film. I was laughing out loud so many times. I enjoyed his version of "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali."

Since Williams was memorable for hamming up his scenes, I could tell that Smith was trying to mirror that and did a little too much. Still, he was my favorite part of the movie!

Portraying the evil Jafar, I wasn’t impressed with Marwan Kenzari. He wasn’t sinister or menacing enough. Jafar is one of those Disney villains who is hard to dislike because he created such a fun and evil character. Kenzari is not memorable and is easily forgotten after seeing the film.

There were a few other added characters, too. Dahlia (Nasim Pedrad), Jasmine’s lady in waiting, was a fun addition to the story.

The CGI effects were great! Rajah the tiger, Abu the monkey, and Iago the parrot were all so genuine in their appearance. Nobody upstaged anyone. Except Iago should have had more of a prominent role in the live-action.

The costumes, sets, and cinematography were breathtaking. The dresses were beautiful, along with the jewelry.

The songs were all great, too. "A Whole New World" was sung beautifully by Messaud and Scott. I really felt as if I was flying on a magic carpet through the night skies. My favorite song of all was "Speechless," a newly written number sung powerfully by Scott.

Admittedly, the dancing was a little too much. It took away from the pacing of the film.

I really don’t understand why critics have been so harsh. Yes, the live-action remake has its flaws, but it tries harder than other live-action remakes to be different.

Don’t skip out on this film! You really have to experience it in theaters, especially in 3D! I enjoyed Aladdin and I was smiling from ear to ear during "Friend Like Me" (and, of course, bopping my head). Take a trip back down memory lane and go see Aladdin.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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