Magical & Nostalgic

Rating: 9/10 (5 June 2019)

Personally, I really loved this live-action version of the much-loved classic animation. I can't seem to understand people who criticise Will Smith's portrayal of the Genie - I mean, he may not be Robin Williams (but no one can replace him anyway?!) Williams and Smith were/are adored for their quirky, fun, vivacious personas and both of them added their own individual spin on the character which I think is perfect, because I strongly believe these live-action reboots of our favourite Disney films need to have slightly different qualities (but also need to be similar in other ways). As for the casting of Aladdin and Jasmine, I think it was perfection! So much chemistry between Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott - very impressed. I thought their singing abilities were absolutely breath-taking, (and I think a lot of people can agree with me) that Massoud's singing sounds so similar to the 1992 Aladdin; it actually brought tears to my eyes from the overwhelming nostalgia.
The costumes, production design, characters were all visually spectacular and beautiful. Again, I can't see why people are being so harsh about these aspects of the film (maybe because in the past high budgets seem to make things appear a bit over-the-top) but hey! It's a Disney film! Things need to be colourful and magical and flamboyant!
The tiniest fault I find with the film - and I am trying to not let this cloud my overall view of this beautifully uplifting movie but this is why I can only give the film 9 stars - but in my opinion, I feel that the casting of Jafar just wasn't right. Nothing against the actor as I think he has great acting skills and a lot of potential, but I just think the overall physical appearance of him wasn't intimidating enough and Jafar is possibly one of the best/scariest Disney villains in history - so menacing and brooding with his curly beard and long nose and grotesque eyebrows (need I say more?) This is either aimed at the casting directors or the hair/makeup artists, but whatever it is, I think it could have been better.
But all in all, I definitely recommend this film if you adore the animated classic and you want to be dazzled by a modern, magical masterpiece.