Here's why you SHOULD watch it

Rating: 9/10 (18 April 2020)

In reading the negative reviews, I can't help but feel these are just people who love the hating game and the digital world has helped them exasperate their critical misery and shaming on everything they can. Just enjoy the story! It's fun and I was captivated alongside my children the whole time. We've watched it over and over, whereas the cartoon has only been watched by us a couple times. Here's why:
THE CAST IS FABULOUS. Will Smith, rightly so, does his own thing with Genie. And while different from the beloved Robin Williams, he was wonderful! Will Smith is an iconic actor and the new take on the role was VERY well done. People complained about the blue animation, but when you combine the storytelling behind why and how he's a magical genie, how else should it have been portrayed? CGI can be done in many ways, it's called imagination! This is a children's movie, and my kids loved how they did it.
Dalia was an AMAZING comical addition from the original cartoon. LOVED. HER.
Aladdin was charismatic with great chemistry between both Jasmine and Genie. The scene with him and Genie and "the jams" lololol! It was fantastic. Such awkward perfection. There is so much wit and banter between all the characters throughout this movie that makes it an absolute family favorite.
Jasmine - WOW. This portrayal was a better take than I could have ever imagined from the cartoon version. Her acting was stand out and the scene where she sings Speechless gave me goosebumps. She was absolutely sensational in her role. I cannot emphasize her talent enough and my whole family has fallen in love with her.
The only reason I gave this movie a nine vs ten was due to Jafar. I feel the acting and script could've been enhanced and more dynamic with him. Maybe if they'd flip-flopped actors between who played Jafar and the guard Hakim the zest that I felt missing would have been better portrayed?
THE IMAGERY was some of the best I've ever seen from Disney. It was So. Well. Done. The beautiful layout and detail created a magical charm that left me feeling the awe of childhood. This, to me, is what sets the live action movie apart from the cartoon - flat animation to absolutely STUNNING depth and scenery. (And don't want to forget a special shout out to Magic Carpet! ðŸ™‚)
THE MUSIC, old and new, was moving and so engaging. I found myself wanting to sing along throughout. Definitely new car and shower playlists for my kids now!
Overall this fun, funny, and captivating retelling captured the hearts and imagination of my children and myself in a new way. I know my kiddos will be watching this, reminiscing, with their own kids someday.