Well it's better than Beauty and The Beast

Rating: 6/10 (27 May 2019)

So, I did something I try not to do. I went into this movie with a negative mindset.
Beauty and The Beast was such a disappointment, I figured this would be as well. Colour me surprised, ALADDIN 2019, actually has some heart to it.
Up front, the strength of this film falls squarely on the shoulders of our two leads, Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and Jasmine (Naomi Scott). The former feels like the animation come to life (it's a bit scary how good he is) and the latter adds depth, development and character to Jasmine, that makes her feel like a woman of the 21st Century. It doesn't hurt that the chemistry between them is off the charts.
The songs are mostly, very well done, and you'll be singing along in no time and the little changes here and there to the original story, actually help close up some plot holes, we only noticed as adults.
It's far from perfection though. Will Smith is a charismatic guy, and he does his best to live up to Robin William's legacy, while making the Genie his own. But, there's cheese to be found on this sandwich, and some of his moments fall really flat.
It doesn't help that the CG isn't that great, and the location does look very much like a set and not a real place.
Jafar was also a huge let down. He's just a villain and doesn't have any of that sly, seductive, sleazy fun stuff, that his animated predecessor did. Also, don't get me started on the giant parrot. You'll see what I mean.
I honestly don't think, any of these 'adaptations' will live up to the animated magic that Disney once bestowed on us. I'm really torn about putting my money behind, what feels like a cash grab scheme. But, I would be lying if I said, there wasn't something good to be found in this movie and if who knows, this generation may end up loving these as much as we love the originals.