Not every Disney film needs a remake, but this one certainly brings the charm
Disney’s Aladdin is the latest live action remake from the studio, but it isn’t a shot-for-shot type of remake. Instead, this one leans into the unique talents of its cast just as the original animated film did. The obvious comparison will be in the two genies and what each of those actors brought to the role.
Aladdin’s Genies
Few actors could fill a screen and dominate the comedy like Robin Williams. In 1992, Williams filled the role of Genie with his signature eruption of aplomb. He brought decades of experience from Mork & Mindy to Good Morning, Vietnam. He also had also filmed Dead Poet’s Society three years earlier. His dramatic skills were developing and used that to provide some heart among the many belly laughs. The casting of Will Smith brought a great deal of concern. Filling Williams’ curly-toed boots would be a huge task, and some early renderings of his live-action Genie left many wondering about the final version. Smith’s Genie is presented with a different flourish. He taps into some of his rap background, a deeper resume’ as a singer, and a combination of drama and comedy that he developed over decades from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith’s Genie is more human and less cartoon, and he delivers that combination perfectly.
Aladdin’s Stars
Enough with the inevitable comparisons. Aladdin benefits greatly from the incredible singing of its leads and ensemble. Mena Massoud is instantly charming as the titular street rat. His Aladdin is part acrobat, part con artist, and the owner of an infectious smile. Naomi Scott’s Jasmine is a natural leader who seeks nothing more than the protection of her people. Both leads bring wonderful vocal talent to a complex soundtrack. Marwan Kenzari is sinister as the power-hungry Jafar. He obviously can’t transform into a snakelike his cartoon counterpart. Instead, he sticks to the shadows and controls the Sultan through hypnosis as he seeks out the lamp and the power of the Genie.
Aladdin’s Visuals
Director Guy Ritchie is no stranger to CGI and he uses it well in this film. The greatest example is Prince Ali, which features hundreds of characters (both real and animated) in the movie’s largest ensemble song. Apu, Aladdin’s consistent companion monkey, is added in seamlessly. The scope and danger of the Cave of Wonders feels both chaotic and tangible.
Conclusion
Aladdin will amaze fans of the original movie and those new to the world of Agrabah. Massoudand Scott are a loveable couple with competing motivations until circumstances bring themtogether. Smith takes the role of Genie and puts his own spin on it. The visuals arebreathtaking, and the soundtrack is full of songs both familiar and new. A colorful adventurethat will have audiences pulling for its characters.