Does Not Meet Expectations

Rating: 3/10 (23 May 2019)

If you are walking into this film expecting anything of the quality and the heart of the original animation, I would suggest walking back home now and watching a bunch of Disney films from its Renaissance Era.
Guy Ritchie should not have directed this film.I really don't understand the thought process of choosing him as the director for this.
Mena Massoud tries, but is just not quite right for the role of Aladdin. Perhaps he was trying too hard.
Will Smith, while charismatic as always, just does not hold a candle to Robin Williams.
Marwan Kenzari, without being rude, is embarrassing as Jafar.
Naomi Scott, while putting the best performance out of the lot, made the whole world-wide search for a Middle-Eastern Jasmine redundant. This I don't care too much about, but if the marketing for your film has an angle of authentic casting, perhaps don't cast a Disney alumni who is British as Princess Jasmine?
The music was wonderful and made me recall being a child again singing along to the original film. I would suggest listening to the soundtrack as there are some songs here that weren't in the original too.
The CGI was a mixed bag. Iago, Abu, and Rajah looked fantastic (although don't expect Iago's loud mouth and wit in this one). Everything about this film screams cash grab, banking on our collective nostalgia. It seems as though Disney is too lazy to come up with something original, and I can only pray they don't destroy my all time favorite Disney film next: The Lion King.