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Aladdin retells its classic source material's story with sufficient spectacle and skill, even if it never approaches the dazzling splendor of the animated original. Read critic reviews
It's hard to beat the original Aladdin, but this new version's killer cast, terrific soundtrack, and impressive effects add up to a remake that's plenty entertaining in its own right. Read audience reviews
Watch Aladdin with a subscription on Disney+, rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV.
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Aladdin is a lovable street urchin who meets Princess Jasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. While visiting her exotic palace, Aladdin stumbles upon a magic oil lamp that unleashes a powerful, wisecracking, larger-than-life genie. As Aladdin and the genie start to become friends, they must soon embark on a dangerous mission to stop the evil sorcerer Jafar from overthrowing young Jasmine's kingdom.
Rating: PG (Some Action/Peril)
Genre: Kids & family, Musical, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Original Language: English
Director: Guy Ritchie
Producer: Dan Lin, Jonathan Eirich
Writer: John August, Guy Ritchie
Release Date (Theaters): wide
Release Date (Streaming):
Box Office (Gross USA): $355.6M
Runtime:
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Rideback
Sound Mix: DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)
It's a bit up-and-down, but often it feels like, at best, a pretty good stage production of the classic film where I'd usually rather be watching that film. It's still an interesting experiment in itself. It's not bad, it's enjoyable for what it is, but at the end of the day if I want Aladdin I'll probably just go back to the original. They make some weird changes for the worse here (especially in the climax) that just don't help the story, and despite being longer it weirdly rushes through some classic moments in a Cliff Notes fashion. And then there's Jafar. A lot's been said about him, so I won't pile on, but holy god talk about miscasting, he was awful. Still, there were some things I liked, even some changes I liked. I like that Jasmine is a little more fleshed out, and Naomi Scott is absolutely bringing everything she can to this role. I also like the look and set design of Agrabah. I don't know how much of this was a real set and how much was CGI, but it really feels like a living breathing world that you could walk around in. As for Will Smith's genie, honestly he surprised the hell out of me. The movie really comes alive when he shows up. It's different than Robin Williams, but it has to be. I was ready to hate him, but he was charming and funny. Did every beat hit for him? Will he ever replace Williams? No to both, but he was good enough for what the movie needed. Then there's the things the movie tried that just didn't quite work, namely its music. It's sort of doing a Bollywood thing, and while it's got all the flair it just lacks the energy and passion. In the "One Jump" sequence, a lot of stuff is happening, but it sort of feels like they're all going through the motions. It's not as fun/funny as the animated film, and it doesn't have the flair or energy of a Bollywood film. The Prince Ali segment desperately wants to be a big Bollywood number, but just looks like someone filmed a pretty good parade. There are exceptions, like "Friend Like Me", but for the most part this is the standard. I'd say either go all in, or cut the songs entirely, but instead they try to meet in the middle. And that feels like a lot of the movie, they try to meet in the middle. The result is a movie that's not bad, but never truly great either. It's just okay. I liked it fine, but it mostly just made me want to watch the original again.
Aladdin is again evidence of rebooting for no real reason. I wanted to like this film, but it is not worthy of your money or time. It's passable and offers some visual interest. Smith is surprisingly great as the genie and the key was making the film role his own and not copying the late great Williams. The central roles are well cast, but villainous Jafer is a train wreck. The animated film is so much better and similar to The Lion King remake, there is no real need to watch this version. The animated film is a classic, this film is not. This film made too much money so expect a sequel or more reboots, not a great thing.
If not for the CGI backgrounds and characters this could easily be mistaken for a "Wonderful World of Disney" TV movie of the week with its bland cinematography, community theater level performances, and uninspired direction.
While I am fully prepared to admit that I hated this slightly less than I expected to, I also officially give up on Guy Ritchie. Disney's original Aladdin is not one of my favourite Disney flicks, but I do like it. And although I'm sure there are people out there who will appreciate this live action do-over more than me, I do find it difficult to believe anyone would think this one is the better of the two versions.
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