Aladdin (2019)

In the 1990s, the Walt Disney Company was at the peak of success. They had just previously released several animated features that turned a huge profit (save for 1990's “The Rescuers Down Under”), and they were on the top of the world. And in 1992, they released “Aladdin”, which not only became a huge hit both critically and financially, but has gained respect in popular culture. So, what does Disney do to the beloved classic? Why, remake it, of course! And the result is... bad. This version of “Aladdin” just doesn't hold a candle to the original back from '92. Yes, the movie looks pretty, but everything else, is just bad, including its cast. This remake of “Aladdin” just doesn't have the magic to stay afloat.

The story follows a young street urchin named Aladdin (Mena Massoud), living in the kingdom of Agrabah. He meets a young woman who turns out to be the princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott). Wanting to fall in love with her, Aladdin must do everything in his power to win her heart over. However, he stumbles upon the grand vizier Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), who tells Aladdin that a great treasure is the secret to winning the heart of the princess. Venturing to the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin is deceived, and obtains a lamp holding a powerful genie (Will Smith). Now, Aladdin uses the genie's powers to make sure that he can get Jasmine's attention.

Where do I even begin with this remake?

The story is basically retreading of the original cartoon, just with a few story elements changed around. It's like we're seeing the cartoon come to life, but in a bad way. There's even shots from the original that are recreated in live action, and one can become bored with what the film is trying to accomplish.

This, in part can be contributed to to the direction from Guy Ritchie, who is best known for more adult action films like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”. And here, while the action is okay, it doesn't go into the same wow factor that the original had.

The special effects can range from decent, like the design on Abu the monkey, to the uncanny valley with the genie. Yes, most of the film is CGI, but it would have made the film better had the filmmakers used practical effects to convey the world that is going on.

And, yes, the world of “Aladdin” looks and sounds good. The costumes are great, the sound effects, design, and editing really is a thrill to the ears, and the sets and scenery really stand out. But when everything else is either blue or green screened, then it becomes particularly annoying.

Then there are the songs, which are a main staple of the original. Yet here, they feel either out of place, or do not have the same emotional impact that the original had. For instance, Aladdin's opening number 'One Jump Ahead' in the original is fast paced, and showcases what the character of Aladdin is: a risky adventurer with a goal in mind. Here, we see Aladdin avoiding guards while walking, while occasionally doing stunts. Bottom line: the songs just do not have the same sort of charm and charisma that the original had. Oh, and there's a new song for Jasmine to sing, but it's really not that interesting.

And now, onto the big issue concerning the movie: the cast.

While the cast is fine, it's the way they handle their characters in the film. Massoud is just a generic guy just wanting to be accepted for who he his. Scott plays Jasmine with a rule of authority, but it doesn't occur until the last act of the movie. And Kenzari plays the character of Jafar with evil motivations, but it's already explained why he's evil in the opening.

And then there is Will Smith as the genie. Robin Williams became infamous with his portrayal of the iconic character, and since his passing in 2014, it has become increasingly hard to try and match the role that Williams made so dearly. Smith tries, with clear emphasis on try, to be like Williams but also being his own thing. And the end result just doesn't work. Smith feels slow when compared to Williams' fast pace, and there is no life being emitted here.

If what works in animation doesn't work in live action, then why remake it at all?

“Aladdin” (2019) is a big disappointment in terms of Disney films into live action. Disney should just stick with their classics and not ruin what was already perfect.