Aladdin Review

Whether or not you like the newest live-action adaptation of a Disney animation classic, this time "Aladdin," depends on two things: how you feel about freshness, and how you feel about the Fresh Prince. Will Smith, taking on the role of the Genie, previously performed famously by the late Robin Williams, is in full "Fresh Prince" mode, talking, joking and rapping with all the swagger that gave him his big break in the mid-nineties. If you're on the fence about seeing this, answer honestly, does Will wearing a ridiculously large hat make you all giddy? Yes, then go buy your ticket, because it happens.

I'm all for Mr. Smith, who fills the impossible shoes left by Robin by bringing the role tons of fresh air. He's cool tone and confidence means you rarely notice how the script gives him very little new to say, because he makes it sound different. When he's on screen things feel unique and different, the way an adaptation, or remake, or whatever you want to call this, should feel. But he's only present for so much of the running time, and the lack of ingenuity is the film's fatal flaw- scenes and lines are ripped practically out of the animated flick, only the subtle differences will eventually eat away at whatever pleasure you're having and begin to irk you. It's a strange sensation, because by all means repeating greatness so close means you should again have greatness, but alas, we have a two star picture from four star material.

A lot of problems are rooted in the decision to hire Guy Ritchie as director and co-writer (along with John August), as his strengths at free-flowing action are shown off occasionally here, but are overwhelmed by his inability to do anything exciting with the core story. It's the same thing as cartoon version, for the most part, with street rat Aladdin stumbling into a genie who makes him a prince as he tries to impress Princess Jasmine and fight off the evil Jafar. Sure, he makes some cosmetic changes here (Jafar is no longer repulsed by the idea of marrying Jasmine to become the kingdom's sultan, for example), but fans will no doubt recognize every scene and anticipate the next, myself included. And save for a thrilling chase through the city streets late in the picture, one of a handful of moments where I'd recommend shelling out the surcharge for 3D, this is beat-for-beat the same movie, and by not improving or expanding upon its sources, you'll just find yourself watching a "lesser version" of the tale.

Take the famous "A Whole New World" duet. It should have been a showstopper, especially since I sprang for the 3D glasses, but there was little wonder onscreen. Oh sure, it did a decent job making me feel like I was on the flying rug between the two sweethearts, but the world they glided around was dark and unimpressive, every location looking the same as before (unless it was too dim to notice the change in scenery).

Then there is the casting of the titular thief and his royal love interest. Aladdin, played by Mena Massoud, has enough charm I suppose, but he looks too old to be playing a character traditionally described to be in his teens, and shares very little chemistry with costar Maoni Scott, who plays Jasmine. She looks far more comfortable in front of the camera, even as if she's trying to find some sort of spark between the two would-be lovers. She's gorgeous and wears her elaborate costumes very well, but she can only carry the couple so far. But the biggest issue with the performers is their voices- oh good golly, they just don't hold a candle to the original. My untrained ears could detect a few autotuned moments, which I'm fine with, but their body movements during song just never matched the volume flowing from their mouths. You'd hear them hit this powerful note, but their hand gestures and stances were stiff, as if they don't know how to sing and dance at the same time, something Will Smith has no problems with (in case you couldn't already tell, he's by far the best thing there).

If anything, I'd ultimately recommend against seeing "Aladdin;" just do what I wish I did- pop in the original, and then head to the interest and listen to Will Smith's rap rendition of "A Friend Like Me," which plays over the credits. While it's absolutely awesome to have another film starring the Fresh Prince that features an original song by the Fresh Prince, use your ten dollars and change toward YouTube Premium, so you can listen without ads.