tries very hard but doesn't really succeed

Rating: Null/10 (9 June 2019)

A live-action remake--or perhaps its own film altogether--of the 1992 animated feature about a street rat with a heart of gold whose only friend is a mischievous little monkey. Despite his current predicament, he believes he's destined for a greater future and is given the opportunity to obtain it when he releases a magical genie with the power to grant him three wishes. Though watchable, this probably works better for those who haven't actually seen the animated feature; throws out lots of flashy visual effects, a few new songs, and shoehorns in some dance numbers so as not to be an exact replica, but despite all the effort it still lacks the pizazz, sense of joy, and emotional resonance of the original. Smith makes a wise decision to not try and imitate or outdo Robin Williams, instead making the role his own from the get-go, and Scott makes a strong and passionate Jasmine, but the film drastically underserves the characterizations of Jafar and Iago who were so much more distinctive and vile the first time around. It just isn't very memorable despite how glitzy and glamorous it tries to be. **