Aladdin movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Aladdin

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 2 hours, 8 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

It’s been 5 minutes, so what does that mean? It means it’s time for another Disney live-action remake! ha ha This version of Aladdin was directed by Guy Ritchie, who wanted to make a children’s film for his 5 kids. He admits he’s always been compelled by stories about street hustlers. Unfortunately, this remake of the popular 1992 animated classic Aladdin isn’t nearly as charming or good as the original.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

The protagonist is an admitted thief. He tells his monkey companion, “There’s a time that we do steal and a time that we don’t.” That’s not exactly a positive message you want your kids repeating. Later, Aladdin asks Jasmine, “Does that mean I’m in trouble?” and she replies, “Only because you got caught.” What kind of lesson does this movie want to teach our kids?
Profanity by the Genie once.
Nothing is super scary for little kids.

THEMES:

“Sometimes you just have to see it from a different perspective.” – Aladdin
“Duty isn’t always honor.” – Jasmine
“Our greatest challenge isn’t speaking up against our enemies, but defying those whose approval we seek the most.” – Jasmine
Stand for what is right.
Be who you are.
Friendship
Honesty

THINGS I LIKED:

Mena Massoud is a very likable Aladdin. What a cute smile and dimples.
Naomi Scott is a lovely Jasmine. She was born the same year the original 1992 Aladdin hit theaters. I feel so old. She had the best voice in the entire movie. I loved her song “Speechless.”
The CGI monkey looked both good and bad at times.
Having Gilbert Gottfried reprise his role as Iago would have been great, but Alan Tudyk’s voice is certainly less grating. I like him as an actor or a voice talent equally. This is actually his 8^th Disney film! Sadly, Iago doesn’t have a lot of personality in this version, unlike the original.
I was happy to hear Frank Welker’s voice again as Abu and the Cave of Wonders. He voiced those characters in the original Disney Aladdin movie and is, surprisingly, the first Disney actor to play in both the animation and live-action remake.
Anyone in the mood for jam?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

As much as I love Will Smith, I was disappointed that they didn’t pick someone with a stronger singing voice. His version of Genie felt like a mixture of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Robin Williams. Robin Williams is an extremely hard act to follow, but I really liked Will Smith’s Hip Hop version and I was glad he was able to make it his own.
Most of the actors have Middle Eastern accents except for Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Dahlia.
A lot of the humor doesn’t land.
Jafar’s evil role needed a more menacing actor than Marwan Kenzari.
The CGI with Genie’s mouth seemed really off in the cave.
There was some scandal that white Extras had brown make-up applied in order to look Middle Eastern.
In the song A WHOLE NEW WORLD, Mena Massoud’s small singing voice was drowned out by Naomi Scott’s beautiful one.
The costumes look like costumes. They’re too clean to look like real life. It makes the entire film look like a stage play.

FUNNY LINES:

“It’s a little sad having a monkey as the only parental authority in your life.” – Aladdin
“I’m about to fabulize you.” – Genie
“He comes with an incredibly attractive friend. Please make it work.” – Dahlia
“How is this going?” – Genie * “It’s clumsy, but in a charming sort of way.” – Dahlia

INTERESTING LINES:

“And yes, he’s a little dim. You’re just getting married. It’s not like you have to talk to him.” – Dahlia trying to convince Jasmine to marry
“If you don’t have anything, you have to act like you own everything.” – Aladdin
“There’s not enough money or power in the world to satisfy you.” – Genie
“Prince Ali got you to the door, but Aladdin has to open it.” – Genie

If you or your kids haven’t seen the original, you definitely need to see it!

Aladdin