Review by John M. Delia, Jr.
The story of Walt Disney’s Aladdin is one of belief and wonder. It’s a tale of a Princess and a street boy that shows that anyone, if they are in love, can find a way to be together forever. Most of you will have seen the animated version, but now with the use of technology the movie is expressed in a live action adventure that is sure to win over your heart.
Being an only child in a time where it was not safe for a princess to wonder through the streets alone, Jasmine (Naomi Scott) needs some time out of her palace. Hiding and in disguise from her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban), she wants to meet her subjects. It’s a chance to see how they live and to understand their needs. While walking among the people she learns that things are much different outside the palace.
Poor and living on the streets, Aladdin (Mena Massoud) has become proficient in stealing whatever he needs to survive. Over the years he has become a master thief and could steal anything he sets his mind on acquiring. Having been a survivor he maintains a sense of kindness towards others especially the young kids on the streets.
One day Aladdin runs into a young woman in the market who seems to be looking for some help. Happy to oblige, he shows her the ways of his life and trusting her. he brings her to his most treasured place on earth. He does this not knowing she’s the princess of his realm.
As the story continues we see that the Sultan in his mind has created a world of wonder for his daughter. He believes that everything has been good and no one dares to challenge his armies. Realizing this he feels it is time to find a perfect suiter for his daughter and he begins the procedures.
But things are not what he perceives as his second in command Jafar (Marvan Kenzari), who dislikes being second to the sultan, has big dreams for this kingdom. The Sultan did not see things the way Jafar did and has refused his plans and ideas. Thus begins a story of love and romance and jealousy versus intended kindness as Jafar sets up a plan involving the main characters, a lamp needed from the cave of doom and a spy to keep an eye on the Sultan.
Director and writer Guy Ritchie does a fantastic job bringing this animated story to life. He retells this fairytale with flair and glamour and goes even further to include more details and different views of each character than the original sotry. He includes likable actors to play each role and hits it big with Will Smith as the Genie/Mariner and Nasim Pedrad as Dalia. The acting becomes the biggest part of the entertaining movie and Will Smith steals the show with his comedy.
There were a few odd things that occur early in the film; the special effects surrounding the Genie at times seem out of place, and there is a scene where the characters are sped up a little as if the film was not performing correctly. But even with those few snags, this motion picture still gets high marks.
Final Comment: I based my grade on remarkable improvements to the storyline, and the excellent acting from the entire cast. (4 out of 5 Stars).
Additional Film Information
Cast: Naomi Scott, Mena Massoud, Marvan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, and Will Smith
Directed and written by: Guy Ritchie
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical, and Romance
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some action/peril.
Running Time: 2 hours and 8 minutes
Release Date: May 24, 2019
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Buena Vista International
Release In: Standard, IMAX, 3D, and Dolby Digital