Making his "Disney" directorial debut, Guy Ritchie "Sherlock Holmes", makes a magical adventure. Though it may not have the razzle-dazzle that the original film does, it's still entertaining. What Richie manages to do as far as making this film, he doesn't completely remake the film, new and improved or extended parts to the story are added to the mix, which is something nice to see. His first film for "Disney" will excite both old and new fans.
Once it was annouced that were remaking the classic film into a live-action film, I was very hesitant, for one because I hate remakes to movies. Remade movies crap on originals. I will say this however, some remakes can be better than original films, this just isn't quite the case. Yeah, it has its moments, it's just not as good as the animated film.
Not only was I hestitant about this film, I couldn't believe who was cast to play the Genie. I thought that casting Will Smith as Genie, would tarnish the good late Robin Williams. As we all know, Williams portrayal of Genie is one of and if not the best part of the original animated film. I refused to see the remake at the time. But, since it's a totally new take on the story of "Aladdin", I gave it a chance. It was very different to what I was expecting.
Newcomer Mena Massoud & former "Disney Channel" star Naomi Scott play Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. They play the two iconic chararcters in a way that is unique and likeable. Not only that, but their singing voices are really good and alongside Will Smith, all do a great job at giving their own spin on songs that made the original film iconic and unforgettable.
I was plesantly surprised by Will Smith as the Genie. Despite all my doubts and prejudgement, Will Smith does a great job at the character. I thought that he would think and try to replace Williams, but no, that wasn't the case. His take on the iconic character is fresh and exciting and fun. Though Smith's performance as the Genie is entertaining, doesn't top Williams take at all. Needless to say, if Robin Williams were alive today, he would love the job well done at Genie and the film overall.
Returning to compose the score for this version of the story, is Alan Menken. Menken, who is no stranger to the "Disney" scene, comes back louder with his scores and triumphantly sounds the alarm for a score that is as upbeat and edgy just as much as the film.
It's a whole new world... Well sort of anyway. This film is a solid remake to one of the most iconic "Disney" films. But all that to say, it does have a few issues. For one, the portrayal of Jafar is lame and the film has a bunch of CGI that makes the film a little too messy. But it still succeeds at dazzling audiences.
To this day, "Disney" still thinks its remakes thus far were successful. With their remakes, some are a hit or miss. I for one think that for a first, this film is a hit. It by all means isn't perfect and doesn't top the original film and far from it. It's just one of the better remakes from "Disney" that I think is their best one and audiences will no doubt enjoy.
| Photo Courtesy of Disney |
Rate: B
Director: Guy Richie
Starring: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith
MPAA Rating: PG (for some action/peril)
Runtime: 2 Hours & 8 Minutes
Synopsis: A street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince in order to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer becomes hell-bent on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.
