Film Review: Aladdin Is A Live-Action Delight

I was so excited to see Aladdin. I am a kid that will never grow up, except that I have and refuse to admit it (lol!). Yet, the wonder of Disney films is how they appeal to the inner child of any adult taking their younger sibling or little kid to the theater. In Aladdin, Disney gives you the Highschool Musical rendition of Lawrence of Arabia; bringing you an epic battle over power, poverty, and, of course, a genie. 

Mena Massoud is a perfect Aladdin; bringing out the kindness and naivety of this character. Massoud really brings out the insecurity of Aladdin as a “street rat;” a young, orphaned man whom is the lowest of the lower class and lives through a “dubious” honor code by robbing fellow thieves. Immediately, you get the sense that Agrabah is a gorgeous, colorful kingdom with little upwards social mobility.  Over there, if you are born poor, you stay poor, which is why Marwan Kenzari’s Jafar is so obsessed with himself. 

Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott – A Whole New World (From “Aladdin”/Audio Only)

Immediately after the trailer, women were thirsting for Kenzari’s Jafar; questioning how Jasmine (Naomi Scott) could want a lowly thief over what one twitter user called “a sexy sorcerer.” Within five minutes of entering the film, you are emotionally over Jafar, which is good. Kenzari makes this villain viciously obsessed with power and grounds his motives in arrogance and a refusal to go back to the poverty he always thought beneath him. Hence, the difference between him and Aladdin is that the latter understands no on deserves to be poor, but no one can use poverty as an excuse for cruelty. Thus, Aladdin quickly comes off as a smiling, noble kid that could sweep Jasmine off her feet. 

When you ask any woman, “If you were a Disney princess, which one would your be?” most young ladies will respond: Jasmine. The reason is simple: she is strong. Of all the Disney Princesses, minus the most recent additions like Tiana, Merida, Moana, or Mulan, Jasmine felt like the one that would not take any BS. She was a woman that fought back for what was right, who she loved, and how she believed in herself. These qualities are not, necessarily, common for women in film, which is why Naomi Scott’s portrayal of Jasmine stands out. A whole generation of young girls are going to see a PRINCESS defend herself, her honor, her family, and her kingdom….. and win. WWWWHHHHHHAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!!! Hence, it is incredibly impactful that Scott chose to amplify Jasmine’s grace and regality lies in the self-confidence she carries for her heart and mind. 

Will Smith sings Prince Ali Scene – ALADDIN (2019) Movie Clip

Directed and written by Guy Ritchie, Aladdin is pure family fun, in part, because Will Smith gives us the Fresh Prince version of Genie. He is amiable, vulnerable, awkwardly hilarious, and 100% loyal to Aladdin. Once again, casting choices were done perfectly because each actor made intriguing decisions. Smith makes Genie the happiest, most powerful being to be heartbroken. He does his duty with charm but is exhausted by its enslaving cost, of which his friendship with Aladdin is, literally, liberating. Add on characters like Nasim Pedrad’s Dalia and Billy Magnussen’s Prince Anders, and the movie is constantly invigorated by wit. Moreover, Alan Menken’s music and dance sequences keep the film rhythmically moving. 

Honestly, when a “A Whole New World” began, I squealed. It was perfect. My heart literally said, “YYYYAAASSSS!!!” Visually, the movie is stunning and feels magical, which is why the music and choreography come off like surreal moments. Hence, my Highschool Musical/ Lawrence of Arabia reference was connected to how the film gives us the cheesy, sappy scenes we love from Disney, while also making sincere, human observances of power and sacrifice. All in all, Aladdin makes a smooth, delightful, and triumphant transition into live-action. Disney’s Aladdin comes out in  theaters on May 24.

Disney’s Aladdin Official Trailer – In Theaters May 24!