Aladdin Movie Review - The perfect treat for all Disney fans

When you go in for Aladdin make sure to not expect anything more than a a grand scale musical with bucketloads of nostalgia from the 1992 animated version. If you are someone who likes their cinema metaphorical and deep or you are really into action I think you can skip this movie, but if you are a Disney fan or just want to have a good time this is the perfect movie for you. The story of the movie is pretty much the same and has minute changes just to show some more extravagant CGI which worked in favour of the movie.

Let me warn you that the first 20 minutes of the movie will make you restless especially since you may know these characters so the exposition may seem over stretched and a little annoying. In the beginning portion nothing is really that captivating other than the goosebump inducing first song (Arabian Nights), which sucks you into this magical world completely but this feeling of intrigue and awe is broken with the scene which immediately progresses. The scene where Aladdin is running away from the guards is quite half hearted especially since the action is just speeded up so it fails to provide any tension and thrill it seems quite comical.

Besides all of this, I really enjoyed the rest of the movie especially because of its amazing set design by Tina Jones makes you believe that you are in a magical world, Aladdins home is one of the coolest houses I’ve seen in cinema and it is my dream room. With the entry of Will Smith as the genie things really do take off for the movie and after which it is a delight.

One of the most strongest aspects of this movie are its acting performances. Undoubtedly this movie is a Will Smith show, I have never been a huge fan or anything but through the movie I have fallen in love with his extraordinary comic timing and screen presence. Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott are perfectly casted in the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine respectively. Naomi brings much more heft to the character of Princess Jasmine and Mena Massoud gets Aladdins inherent likability perfectly. The weak link here is Marwan Kenzari as Jafar who’s expressions were quite one note and more comical than menacing. He reminded me of the googly eyed stereotypical villain which Jafar is most certainly not.

The movie also tweaks the character of Princess Jasmine and makes her more empowered rather than leaving her as a damsel in distress, and honestly I loved the changes made to the character and I liked her more in the live action version than in the animated. The direction by Guy Ritchie is simplistic but thankfully keeps the nostalgia and important moments the same. Its not that he has created a masterpiece but that was never an expectation from the movie anyways.

I also loved the soundtrack of this movie which retains the flavour of the original songs with its own twist. Naomi and Mena both sing wonderfully and hit their notes quite perfectly. The dancing scenes are also quite commendable and Mena Massoud dances extraordinarily which was quite surprising for me to watch. Although some steps of the dance were quite stereotypical it can easily be overlooked.

I would recommend to watch this movie if you really like Disney and are accustomed to your cinema having multiple songs and dances. I personally really enjoyed this movie but I am a huge fan of everything Disney. It was also quite entertaining for me as an Indian to finally watch actors with my same skin tone acting in a Hollywood film. Surely watch this movie for Will Smith, nostalgia and just a good time.