Movie Review: Aladdin (2019) 🧞‍♂️🐒

The live-action remake of Aladdin truly shines on its own.

Naomi Scott (left) and Mena Massoud (right) star in Disney’s live-action Aladdin. CREDIT: Walt Disney Studios

This post for Aladdin (2019) is spoiler-free.

Many people were sceptical when Disney first announced that they were remaking one of their most popular animated movies into a live-action story—but this new version of Aladdin (2019, directed by Guy Ritchie) is a true spectacle that certainly pays homage to the original, with lots of magical moments recreated once again on the big screen.

In the order of my favourites, Will Smith’s version of the Genie is humorous, fabulous, and absolutely stands out on his own. Many were worried that Robin Williams is irreplaceable as Aladdin’s Genie, but to be honest, Smith’s own persona really translates onto the Genie character that you wouldn’t necessarily compare him to Williams. I think Disney really held back in showing Smith’s Genie in the trailers because I was absolutely mind blown by how spectacular the CGI effects were. Smith’s charismatic charm is enough to carry the movie that you will walk out of the theatre satisfied, and I also can’t imagine anyone else playing the Genie (except Williams) in this live-action version.

My next favourite would be Naomi Scott’s Princess Jasmine because she has the best singing voice in the movie. Scott’s days of being in Disney Channel’s Lemonade Mouth movie has paid off because it’s clear that she’s a talented vocalist. My only issue with her is that she’s too white as compared to the animated Jasmine, who was much darker in skin colour.

Although Mena Massoud’s Aladdin wasn’t as playful and charismatic like the animated version, he still worked out well as the character because he looked the part and had the youthfulness of Aladdin. Also, he could really bust a move.

I think Marwan Kenzari’s Jafar was a bit one-dimensional in the movie, as his only main characteristic is that he is evil. As a villain, I felt that Kenzari did his part but he didn’t really stand out from the rest of the cast.

The rewatchability factor of this live-action remake is very high, as I’m keen on watching it a second time just to fully take in all the wonderful performances by the cast.

Rating: 5/5