A feast for the eye, mind and heart

Rating: 8/10 (30 May 2019)

This live-action version of the Disney animated musical based on the story from the Arabian Nights provides enough spectacle and drama to please the eye and mind. Mena Massoud is a very winning Aladdin; the character's singing and choreography are impeccable. Will Smith is brilliant as the Genie; Robin Williams did a great job voicing the character in the animated version, and Smith takes that job up one level. Marwan Kenzari is a suitably threatening Grand Vizier; it is delicious watching him lap up the role. And Naomi Scott and Nasim Pedrad make a delightful pair as Princess Jasmine and her handmaiden Dahlia. Oh, and Abu the monkey is super great fun to watch, even for one who is generally not fond of monkeys. My three favorite songs in the movie -- One Jump Ahead, Friend Like Me and A Whole New World -- were well-executed and did not disappoint. All in all, a more-than-satisfactory entertaining two hours.