ALADDIN (2019)

So here’s the thing with remakes and reboots – you go in thinking that it will either be completely different (for better or worse) or it will be just a carbon copy of the original. In the case of Disney’s reboot of ALADDIN, going from fully animated to live action/CGI, there is a little bit of both going on. Taking such a beloved and successful classic, giving it to a less than obvious director not known for family films (Guy Ritchie) and trying to match the spectacle created by the original star (the iconic Robin Williams) is a huge risk, and one that just might pay off for Disney.

In this new version, A-lister Will Smith has taken on the role of the Genie, and while still honoring the Robin Williams comedic-stream-of-consciousness aspect, Smith brings a certain swagger and comfort to the role. He walks the line between goofy and cocky with precision and restraint – not an easy thing, given the shoes he has to fill. Smith’s charm and personality serve him best in the musical numbers, “Friend like Me” and “Prince Ali.” While the actual singing is just ok, Smith shines when he’s talk-singing and rapping, which brings a modern pop vibe to the almost 30-year old songs. The Fresh Prince of Agrabah, if you will. Ritchie shows his lack of musical experience in these numbers, with not the greatest framing. The camera jumps around a lot and the numbers just don’t feel as big and bombastic as they should. There’s also a weird feeling when you watch the dancer’s feet that it has been sped up and it looks a bit unnatural. For “One Jump Ahead,” Ritchie has Aladdin being chased through the streets of Agrabah like a scene from one of his frenetic action flicks, but it’s just a bit off here because it doesn’t match the pacing of the song. It sort of loses it’s fun.

The choice to go with Smith as the Genie also meant that Aladdin and Jasmine could easily be swallowed up by his big personality. Fortunately this was not the case here. New-comers Mena Massoud (Aladdin) and Naomi Scott (Jasmine) both have theater backgrounds and are more than capable of holding their own against Smith’s Genie. A nice additional update to the story has Jasmine not just wanting to marry whomever she chooses, but has her sights set on succeeding her father as Sultan to lead her people. The chemistry between Scott and Massoud is pleasantly undeniable, not always an easy thing to accomplish. Scott has a beautiful voice and shines the brightest in “Speechless”, the one new song written for the film by Oscar and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen). Alan Menken’s classic score is intact and fits seamlessly with the additional pieces he collaborated on with Pasek and Paul.

Thankfully, this isn’t a “love it or hate it” kind of remake because there are definitely aspects that will appeal to fans old and new. ALADDIN is completely entertaining, a great film for the whole family, and most importantly a nostalgic heart tug. So load up the family and hit the theaters this Memorial Day Weekend for a quick trip to Agrabah. You won’t be disappointed.

Three out of Four stars.

ALADDIN opens in theaters nationwide on May 24, 2019

Screened at the Arclight Hollywood
May 21