Director: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari.
Life is good when you get the opportunity to escape from reality for a few hours with this new live-action Disney classic that will surely appeal to all ages and the child within us all. The film, like any of the genre's classics, is purely magical and undeniably heartwarming. Putting all of its traditional elements is no doubt its best feat. Many Disney movies are always uplifting and this one is even more so which makes this a very delightful experience.
A still from the film.
One thing that it never fails recapturing is definitely the traditional magic. All the things you loved are right here! Be it great characters, adventurous tone, and magnificent musical numbers.The film benefits by its cast: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott are fantastic, while the rest are also full of personality. What brings it to the table even more are the songs. There is a sense of Broadway indeed, blending it with its wondrous animation makes it more captivating. After sweeping shots set to the song "Arabian Nights", we're introduced to the 'street rat' named Aladdin. The most memorable among is the "Speechless" scene that brings a lot of impact, it's easily the best of its musical set pieces, giving a grand scale of bombast and emotion. The rest of the plot are just comedy and action, but the film has a better core which make these parts the least of what we should talk about.
Naomi Scott as Jasmine in Aladdin.
There's plenty of magic and heart to be found in Aladdin, in spite of a slight mess through the storytelling. As an adaptation, it is able to be inventive, otherwise it's simply a adventure movie that has the charm of the old Disney classics, but really, it's not in those heights yet. It's probably a little too swift and somewhat predictable, but it always hits at the right heart and it really feels genuine. Aladdin might not get there as one of Disney's classics, but despite of some flaws, it's difficult to not love the film overall. It's just a reminder that these films can still wake up our inner child no matter what age we're in. I mean, why doubt quality? There's a rich setting, compelling characters, and all. Having these kinds of cinematic experience always feels like a rewarding treat.
Overall, Aladdin is a wonderful experience to add to Disney's legacy full of quality entertainment. Almost every cliché it faces can easily be brushed aside and it turns out to be as spectacular as we wanted it to be. Good show, Disney.
Watch 'Aladdin' trailer here:
