Aladdin Review

"You ain't never had a friend like me!"



Aladdin was directed by Guy Ritchie and is one of the latest in a long line of Disney classic remakes in live action form. The film stars the likes of Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwen Kenzari, Navid Negahban and Nasim Pedrad. The film follows Aladdin as he is sent on a task to reclaim a magic lamp that is said can grant all your wishes.

Now it is very hard to beat the classic Aladdin movie and even harder to even be considered an equal to the original film but this latest version of Aladdin certainly tries its best to compete with the original film, and whilst it doesn't beat the original film it sure is a fun fill colourful ride that celebrates the original film whilst bringing its own new touches to bring this story to a new generation. Aladdin and Princess Jasmines relationship in this film is great and really captures the magic of the original film whilst making its own changes to match the times but still capturing that classis Disney magic (which it certainly does).

Now it can certainly be say that when I saw that Will Smith was cast as the Genie I was very sceptical sure he has the charm and charism to pull of the role but personally it is extremely difficult to beat the original Genie played by the legend that is Robin Williams, and although Will Smith is no Robin Williams he gives a great performance honouring the original Genie but also bringing the classic Will Smith charm that keeps you smiling and engaged. It is very easy to say that as soon as Will Smith steps on screen and is introduced to us as the Genie the film really gets going and gets brighter, wilder and much more entertaining.

The film also plays homage to the original film with its musical score and soundtrack keeping those original songs which capture that classic Disney magic, and whilst these hit all the heights a couple of new additions don't compare. Princess Jasmine has a new song towards the end of the film and whilst it really captures her character perfectly and her driven nature but doesn't compare to the classic songs that came before. This song might become a classic for the new generation of Disney fans that these live action remakes are obviously targeted towards but personally it wasn't for me.

Overall if you are going to make a remake of any Disney classic then you need to watch how Guy Ritchie, not only does he capture the heart and soul of the original film but manages to put his own twist on the film keeping it fresh. Honestly if you love Disney and the original Aladdin then I am sure you will enjoy this film.


Verdict: 4 / 5 Stars