Aladdin

The live action version of Aladdin was vibrant and entertaining. I think most of the casting choices were great -- especially Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine. Even though I can't say the same for Will Smith as Genie, he was still able to justify the role because of his knack for comedy. People can't help but compare his version to that of Robin Williams', and I don't blame them; Robin Williams was so outrageously funny as Genie in the original animated movie that it would be hard to top that. Costumes and production sets were very colorful -- equally spectacular as the original. Special effects were good. Problem is: there's almost nothing new to offer. I dare say that it's a lesser version of the animated classic because it lacks the original's magical quality and splendor. The romance and humor didn't really help much either. For me, this is just a more colorful, vibrant remake of the first movie. But it was still interesting to see these characters come to life.

It seems like more than half of this live-action remake is CGI-animated. So, does it still qualify as live-action? Several of the shots with Aladdin doing his parkour training across the rooftops is physically inhuman and could only have been digitally enhanced. Plus, there are quite a few shots that were clearly sped up to match the timing with the beats and cues of the music. There are several moments of this "cheat" from a lot of the dancing sequences.

I know everyone wants to compare this to the Animated version, but don't. Take it as it comes and you will thoroughly enjoy it. It does stay pretty faithful to the animated version I think. Will Smith as the genie could never be the Robyn Williams genie, but I don't think he tries to. He does fantastically well in his own right. Absolutely loved the Prince Ali song where Aladdin enters the city as the prince. Brilliantly colorful spectacle captured really well. Jafar missed a little for me as had lost the smarmy-ness of the animated version. The songs were great and the Aladdin and Jasmine characterization was pretty spot on. I think kids would love this and I would definitely recommend it.

Its a good movie for the family.

My review is thoroughly based on Genie. Robin Williams is a hard act to follow, and I was a bit anxious to see how Will Smith would do as Genie. I was quite pleased with his performance, he did Genie in his own way and he made his own lane for the character. Well done.

The main reason a lot of people dislike this movie is because Will Smith's genie isn't like the original genie and because similar to the original animated Aladdin film, it isn't very accurate to the culture it depicts. Personally, I like this movie better than the first, the music numbers are beautiful and the romances (yep, there's more than one!) are adorable. If you loved the original Genie this movie may not be for you, however if Jasmine is your favorite Disney Princess then I'll let you know this also shows many different sides to the character. At times the movie can get weirdly political or creepy compared to the first film however.

Aladdin is a hard movie to suggest to people, while there are parts that are enjoyable, they are surrounded by a lot of pointless and slow paced scenes, and jokes that do not land. I am sure it will find its fan base, but as someone who grew up with the original animated movie I would prefer to just watch that one. The choreography and acting are the only strings holding this film up, with the writing and pace being boulders trying to sink it. Going into the movie I expected the genie to be one of the parts I would come out hating the most, but for the most part he was not as bad as I presumed he would be. For families and fans of the new live action Disney movies, there is a chance you will enjoy this movie the same as the previous ones. For everyone else though, it might be worth waiting for a home or streaming release before giving this movie a viewing.

The best Disney live action movies so far! Mena Massoud acting is stealing the show!

A live-action remake of the 1992 animated Disney classic. While Mena Massoud has a live-action look of the animated Aladdin, he doesn't have the charisma. This film also lacks the time to get to know him by giving more time to Jasmine. Honestly, this film is more from Jasmine's perspective as it does flesh out her character more. Naomi Scott does a good job as Jasmine and her singing voice is amazing, often giving me chills. Will Smith is enjoyable as the Genie, but the part needed a rewrite, as did "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali", to accommodate Will Smith style of comedy instead of the late Robin Williams (who the animated version was specifically written for). Marwan Kenzari was miscast as Jafar. He did not feel as menacing or unhinged as the original character. I did not enjoy the way the story was told in this film, as it seemed it was relying on the audience being already familiar with the animated film. The dance choreography for this film is amazing, especially the extra scene at the end! Another nostalgia fueled cash in from Disney that might be worth a watch.

It is a fun movie! Will Smith as Genie was so much fun! I was worried about that at first but he did a good job!