It’s been prejudicially criticized even from its inception, though this new take on “Aladdin” it at least looking somewhat better and better. The teaser was heavily ridiculed for Will Smith’s blue-man Genie, though the first trailer was more warmly received as it showed more of the story and characters. Now these clips, just hours away from the film’s release, fleshes them out even further, highlighting the similarities and the (few) differences between this and the 1992 original.
Just like in the original animated film (and, to an extent, the original 18th-century Arabic folktale), this live-action remake sees this “kindhearted Arabian street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make the deepest wishes come true.” Our deepest wish is that this ends up being a lot better and more fun than the last Disney live-action remake.
“Aladdin” is bound to make stars out of its relatively newcomer cast, such as Mena Massoud as the title character, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, and Marwan Kenzari as the villain Jafar. The film’s biggest star attraction is, of course, Will Smith as the Genie, who seems to be as good a choice as any to play the big blue lug, though going up against the late Robin Williams’ very animated performance in the animated original is admirable, yet an impossible performance to follow.
“Aladdin” is just one of four Disney live-action reboots to be released this year, following the not-so-well-received “Dumbo”, and the upcoming “The Lion King” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, the sequel to the 2014 film. Hopefully, director Guy Ritchie can pull a bigger crowd than “Dumbo,” as he’s proven his period piece blockbuster chops with the “Sherlock Holmes” movies and “King Arthur” (all of which to varying acclaim/criticism).
“Aladdin” will be unleashed in cinemas 24th May, in 2D, 3D, and IMAX.
