Aladdin (2019) by Guy Ritchie

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2019)

The movie Aladdin (1992) by Ron Clements and John Musker is still considered, one of the most important Disney classic animated movies. The story is filled with adventure, humor and unforgettable rhythmic songs, which is still loved by the fans as it explores different themes like love, friendship and self confidence. The filmmaker Guy Ritchie seems interested to release a live action movie version of Aladdin, by giving a new vision of the story through a new visceral direction. In 2019 came out Aladdin by Guy Ritchie with Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari and Nasim Pedrad. The movie's plot: Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a poor noble hearted thief, who falls in love with the princess of Agrabah Jasmine (Naomi Scott). The only way Aladdin can reach Jasmine is thanks to the magic lamp which when is rubbed, the Genie (Will Smith) would come out and make Aladdin's wishes come true. Even the obstacle is the evil Grand vizier Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), who wants to use the lamp to take the sultan's throne. The movie would surprise the fans from the beginning to the end, as its atmospheres are filled with humor, emotional moments and rhythmic songs, like the original movie, but by also adding new ideas to make the story original. Alan Menken who composed the old Aladdin movie version's score, is also the composer of new movie version's score which expresses the emotions and the atmospheres through new musical notes. The songs A Whole New World, Arabian Nights, Prince Ali, One Jump Ahead and Friend Like Me, have all the emotions and the amusements, to make the fans relive the nostalgia of the original Aladdin story. These songs use also a new musical style, to make them rhythmic through the pop genre. But in the same way, the movie introduces the new song called Speechless, which was elaborated to be powerful, by describing all the emotions of Jasmine, in the specific dramatic moments. Will Smith was excellent as the Genie, a funny and powerful character with great energy. In the course of the story, the Genie would make the fans laugh, through funny gags and unexpected amusing moments. But the Genie is also a tragic character, who is so powerful to not have freedom, as he has to obey the wishes of the masters, while he lives in the little space of the lamp. In the course of the story, the Genie would also become a friend and a mentor of Aladdin, as he teaches the young man to be himself. Mena Massoud did a really good performance as Aladdin, who is a kindhearted thief to live in the poor condition. The only friend Aladdin has is the monkey Abu, until he would meet the Genie as their friendship becomes special. Once Aladdin becomes a prince, thanks to one of the wishes he expressed, he would learn to be honest for who he is and not pretending to be an illusion. Naomi Scott was extraordinary as princess Jasmine, a strong character who does not want to be treated like she has to be silenced. Especially when some important decisions, has to be taken for the good of Agrabah. The relationship between Aladdin and Jasmine, is one of the most important parts of the story. To see how their bond would be close with each other, through a special connection to love each other. Marwan Kenzari did a really good performance as Jafar, a villain who was in once a poor thief like Aladdin. Until Jafar found a way to become the Grand Vizier of the sultan, he would do anything to get the magic lamp and take the sultan's throne without let anybody to block his evil way. Nasim Pedrad did a well done performance as Dalia, a loyal princess' handmaiden who takes care Jasmine, as well as she would be very supportive to the princess. Dalia would fall in love with the Genie, as their relationship becomes very special in the course of the story. Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott were also excellent singers of the songs, by making the musical notes unforgettable to catch audience attention. The movie's choreography was musically elaborated, to maintain the choreographers' rhythm in every beats of the songs. The special effects were elaborated in every details, by making the vision of the story spectacular and visceral for the audience's eyes. The costume design and the set design were constructed, to let the audience feel to be inside of the movie. Also thanks to the story's colors and the lightenings, which help to capture the audience attention in every angle shots. The screenplay of the movie was elaborated to tell the story, from the beginning to end in the adventurous way with an energetic rhythm. It would also make clear how the characters would act, from the beginning to the end by taking important decisions. The editing helps to build the movie's narration, by letting the audience feel the adventure of the story, without ruining the narration's rhythm. Aladdin is one of the best Disney's live action movies, filled with emotional moments, humor and rhythmic songs, also one of the best Guy Ritchie's movies.