It's another production of Walt Disney Pictures as a live-action adaptation of the 1992 animated film, starring Mena Massoud, Will Smith and Naomi Scott. Since the movie was released, it has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences on its plot and the performances of the cast.
The Aladdin animation is one of my favorite Disney films, so I couldn't help putting this new version into relation and comparison with the animated one.
In general, the movie script followed the basic plot of the original; however, it made some changes in main characters. Aladdin here was not the only hero, he had to share his strong leading features with Jasmine. There were more screenplays to describe this difference, and there was also an added minor character.
The movie was still beautifully made though. All of technique elements from the landscapes, architectures, costumes to the music and visual effects are breathtaking. I felt like visiting an Arabian kingdom right in front of the screen, enjoying their special cultures while getting into the rhythm of all-nights parties. Songs from the animated film were well-performed in such new catchy mixes and beautiful vocals. And there was one new song called "Speechless". I can say it's a good song though its showtime kinda interrupted the intense feeling of the scene =)). I will look for its full version after the movie anyway. Talking about songs, one minus point of the movie is that it was flooded by musical. I always love music, but they sing way too much in this movie. Some singing parts were redundant and ruined the current emotion.
The main cast did an amazing job with their characters, especially Will Smith. He portrayed my lovely Genie perfectly from the outside to inside; the entertaining aura he exuded was no joke. On the other hand, Mena Massoud surely was a gentle and adorable Aladdin. I really love him in those scenes of trying to be Prince Ali to impress Jasmine. But somehow, I still prefer the animated Aladdin, with more mischievous and leading aura. As mentioned above, due to the change in Aladdin's character, Mena's role was quite vague to me to be honest. instead, I was more impressed by Naomi Scott, yes first because of her stunning beauty. She looked gorgeous in every second since the beginning, which made her a brilliant choice for the role of Princess Jasmine. Playing a kind-hearted princess who tried to break out her shelter life, fought the old-fashioned rules and strived to prove her reigning power, she really did a great job. Her acting in talking/fighting with her inner self scenes was intriguing; her aura, her voice, her dance moves fascinated as well. I can tell I have a girl crush on Naomi. On this point, I think she did better than Mena; at some scenes he looked kinda awkward and didn't have good facial expressions. I knew it was partly because of the revised script that didn't let Aladdin glow as much as he should do, but I just love Naomi =)).
The most disappointing character to me in this live-action is Jafar. He was not a bit as badass as the animated one. He always looked so serious, boring, and much weaker than I thought. I expected Jafar to be the hilarious meanie evil that did tricks to get what he wanted, but became super scary when he got the big power. This Jafar just didn't rocked that way~ And the role of the added character, kind and beautiful Dalia, also supported the plot pretty well. All of her moments with Genie were sweet and funny.
So, there a few remarks I've made after watching the movie. Despite small setbacks, it's still a good film to enjoy with your friends, your family and your loved one. It blew a new wind to something familiar with our childhood. I will give it a rate of 7/10. Hope everyone have a good time watching Aladdin the live-action
26/05/2019
