Aladdin (2019)

Before Disney found themselves creating live action cash grab remakes, they were using most of their animated property by creating tv shows and direct to video sequels of them. One of the most popular entries from that renaissance was Aladdin (1992), whose longstanding legacy had been cemented with creative beauty, engaging characters, memorable songs, and Robin Williams iconic stellar performance. It's been utilized in a spin-off cartoon show, 2 made for VHS sequels, and some involvement in video games (there has even been a Broadway show of it). Over 2 decades later, the studio is creatively different than how they were a period ago and have targeted that classic for a live action adaptation. The marketing for this remake had been very abysmal with putting a bad look for Will Smith in a big role. It's no secret that I dislike these remakes in principle and for the lacking quality but I want to give it a chance to see if something creative or unique could come out from this. I entered the auditorium ready to judge it fairly as its own film and left it underwhelmed by one of the most unintentionally awkward remakes I've seen in a long time.

My Thoughts on the original classic: This feature still holds up very well and gives off hints of the comedic style that Disney would utilize in their later projects. The smooth pacing through each event creates strong entertainment to watch for 90 minutes. While Robin Williams is definitely the king of the cast, none of the other actors should be ignored for contributing to the great personalities of each character. The wonder of exploring the adventure and delight of the songs help this be that memorable.

What did they do to the story? The tale of a street thief falling for a princess, using a magic lamp he acquires to woo her, and taking on a sinister vizier are all accounted for here. It does deserve credit for allowing an expansion on certain aspects in an attempt to flesh things out more (such as the romantic duo getting one more chance meeting instead of just that one). Those types of ideas are certainly worth noting that there was some kind of effort in the writing process. There's definitely high kudos for the costume department in creating the environment and culture in capturing the look of a fantasy tale.

However, the execution of the script with those elements are very mixed in terms of pacing and impact on the overall story. The first 15-20 minutes are the most rushed parts of the film where the introductory pieces are crammed in so much that it's awkward and bizarre to watch (particularly with Aladdin and Jasmine's first meeting). Some moments that are supposed to be thrilling kinda feel standard and easy as opposed to the excitement (notably the carpet flying sequence in the Cave of Wonders). The directing isn't very confident in a number of sequences and there are some cringeworthy scenes that might come across either charming or just embarrassing. The third act itself is problematic with how lifeless and lacking in danger the ending battle ultimately results.

How's Will Smith as Genie? Let's get this out of the way first since he's the first thing people think about when it comes to this remake. He's basically reprising his from the romantic comedy Hitch and becomes one of the acting bright spots here that feels genuine. The chemistry he shares with Aladdin in that kind of bond is fairly entertaining to watch most of the time. Don't expect Smith to rise to the ranks of Robin Williams since that's too big of a tall order to ask of him. There are a few noticeable drawbacks for him in this role. Since this is a modern studio remake we're dealing with, there are parts where they try to have him emulate the lines from Williams performance and they don't feel natural (only small doses). The CGI used in his genie form still isn't good but he's shown more in his human body than the magical one. The other is his vocal talents when it comes to the music numbers: his career as a rapper doesn't mean he's a good singer (it shows).

How are Aladdin and Jasmine? As for our romantic leads, I'm happy to say that the chemistry between their actors (Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott) is very apparent and it actually helps make their scenes watchable. In regards to the former, Mena may have the looks for the roles locked down but he's only capable giving a decent performance that doesn't rise to the quality as it could have. He kind of struggles in the acting department (though that could also be due to Guy Ritchies direction and the script he's dealing with). He does manage to save face, however, with his charisma that feels unique enough to cover up his dialogue.

As for the latter, Naomi is the other best aspect of this remake as she's capable of capturing what made this Disney princess endearing to watch (the first Disney remake to finally achieve this feat). The manner in which she interacts with the restrictions placed on her in the palace and emoting well enough to empathize with her seals the deal. However, she's not immune from the cliches associated with these adaptations and almost managed to get through the movie without being caught up in some sort of social agenda. What brings her down is an attempt to spread a message about "women being silent in political matters" SJW propaganda. If they didn't execute this arc in the most rushed manner ever, it wouldn't be that much of a problem.

How did Jafar and Iago get treated? A big weakness that plagues this adventure is the treatment of its main antagonist Jafar and his sidekick Iago. Marwan Kenzari's acting as the former is incredibly weak and timid to the point where it's possible to fall asleep. The screenplay doesn't give him many opportunities to appear intimidating nor make any lasting impressions as a sinister schemer. Instead he's downplayed hard in his actions compared to the classic and his tone of voice never changes as if either the directing isn't caring about him or he's bored in the role. Iago is another disappointment to where he's a stale bird with no personality and is more forgettable than Abu (which is a shame considering how Alan Tudyk versatile is with his voice acting for a handful of Disney properties).

Are the songs any good? As for the musical aspect, it's an odd mixed bag in terms of direction and vocal talent. It's pretty apparent that Guy Ritchie is uncomfortable with directing music sequences as there aren't interesting camera shots nor anything stellar shown in them. In regards to the 3 main singers, while both Will Smith and Mena Massoud aren't that good in that area, Naomi Scott is a savior here. It becomes unintentionally funny during the famous duet where the contrast in their range kinda gets distracting. The best sequence in the music department is actually a dance that takes place during a party where the moves speak much better than the songs at hand. A dishonorable mention goes to the newly added song "Speechless" for being placed in the third act and coming out of nowhere in the middle of a villain takeover.

Overall Consensus: Aladdin is a forgettable remake suffering from a weird script, wrong direction, weak music sequences, and pacing issues but is helped by a few good performances, good cast chemistry, and a few nice scenes. ⭑⭑⭑💻 Runtime: 2 hours 11 minutes PG

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You enjoy these live action adaptations from Disney. You love the original classic and are curious about its treatment here. You don't mind SJW agendas being shoved in as a minor plot arc. You don't mind unnecessary additions like a love interest for the Genie. You want to find unintentionally funny parts from Guy Ritchies style.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You hate these live action adaptations from Disney. You love the original classic and aren't curious about its treatment here. You despise SJW agendas being shoved in as a minor plot arc. You are annoyed unnecessary additions like a love interest for the Genie. You dislike family films that are over 2 hours long.