A fun live action update of the animated original, despite struggling to justify its existence

Rating: 7/10 (26 May 2019)

Aladdin is a fantasy film based on the 1992 animated Disney film of the same name (itself based on the Middle Eastern folk tale "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"). Directed by Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Sherlock Holmes), it is a fun live action update of the animated original, despite struggling to justify its existence.
In the city of Agrabah, Aladdin (Mena Massoud), a good natured street thief, is recruited by the Sultan's Grand Vizier Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) to search inside a cave for a mysterious magic lamp. Upon finding the lamp, Aladdin is betrayed by Jafar and is left die when he inadvertently frees the Genie of the Lamp (Will Smith). The eccentric Genie declares Aladdin his new master and tells him that he can grant him three wishes for just about anything, including the social status to marry the Sultan's daughter Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott).
With its catchy music and nice setpieces, the live action Aladdin is a respectful update of the 1992 film, but unfortunately this is not nearly enough. Many years from now, it will be the original animated film people will be intending to see instead of this one. While some live action Disney remakes can bring something new and exciting to the story, such as Dumbo and The Jungle Book, this version of Aladdin does very little that has not been done before. The songs are the same, the plot is the same, and the character motivations are the same. The cast does a reasonable job, with Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, respectively working well together due to their believable chemistry. Will Smith also injects his trademark wittiness and likeability into his performance as the Genie, but never once does he come close to topping the late great Robin Williams. However, Marwan Kenzari seems too young to be playing Jafar, as this role would be better suited to someone closer in age to the Sultan himself, likely around middle age. The one thing I feel this film did somewhat better than the original is the romance between Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. The 1992 version went with the typical "falling in love after one day" trope whereas in this one, the audience can actually feel their love blossoming over time. Aside from that, this remake is inessential for the most part.
I rate it 6.5/10