A live-action remake of Aladdin is decent enough but lacking in any real point or purpose
“You have got to be more confident about what you have to offer”
Disney’s project of milking its animated classics for all their worth through live-action remakes continues apace with Aladdin. And whilst it is enjoyable at times, particularly in the sweet romance of the clean-cut Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott as Aladdin and Jasmine, too much of what made the original work is lost in realism.
This is particularly evident in Will Smith’s Genie, already up against it in the shadow of Robin Williams’ iconic performance. There’s a move to make him a relatable figure with feelings which seems to fly entirely in the face of a fantastical fairytale. Minimising the actual magic consequently robs the film of much of its screen magic. Continue reading “Film Review: Aladdin (2019)”