Review of Aladdin (2019) by Agent314 — 23 May 2019

A delightful, if blemished, adaptation of an original masterpiece. The best parts are all intact: wonderful songs with a modern arrangement, Bollywoodesque dance numbers, kid friendly themes, and big heart. The disappointing bits will likely not ruin it for adults and certainly will not bother your kids. Marwin Kenzari as Jafar is by far the most glaring problem with this film. Haters will obsess with Will Smith; however, you'll find his interpretation of the genie to be refreshing and hilarious. "Friend Like Me" is just as catchy and the new "Speechless" is brave and inspiring. I cannot imagine a better Jasmine than Naomi Scott. She is truly the standout in this film. Mena Moussad...well, he gets the job done, and that's really what keeps this film from being great - too many "adequate" performances.

The premature criticism of the CGI genie probably took everyone's mind off the rest of the CGI creatures. Rajah is spectacular and believable, the carpet will make you laugh, and Abu...Abu! He's the cutest thing you always imagined. Iago's role is vastly reduced in this reimagining, and that is a crime. But if that's a crime so is the voice performance of typically spot-on Alan Tudyk. I mean, WTF? I almost thought that parrot was a trained macaw until his dialogue. Really sad.

I'm not really sure if these films are targeted as nostalgia candy for adults or if they're supposed to have the same kind of appeal to older kids that the animated films have to children, but even though you'll walk out of Aladdin singing songs and smiling you will probably still be wondering if there's really a point to it. There's obviously nothing wrong with the original, and there's really nothing you can add to it. Except more box office...