Same old world in mixed-bag remake
While a close call with The Lion King, I reckon Aladdin is my favourite animated Disney movie.
To say I approached this live-action take on the familiar tale of the titular street urchin happening upon a lamp that grants him three wishes with concern would be an understatement.
Most of Disney’s cinematic re- imaginings of their classic cartoons in recent years have been at least very watchable, with 2017’s Beauty and the Beast genuinely heartwarming.
Going into this one, though, there were so many questions – how could Will Smith’s Genie possibly hold a candle to predecessor Robin Williams?; Would the songs be as good?; and just what on earth was Guy Ritchie doing directing a Disney movie!?
Rather inevitably, like the film itself, the answers are a mixed bag; this isn’t the nightmare many feared but can’t touch the original.
Much like Beauty and the Beast, there are small new storyline elements in Ritchie and regular Tim Burton collaborator John August’s script; however, they add very little and Aladdin fans will know exactly what is coming.
Little-known Mena Massoud and Power Rangers’ Naomi Scott are a likeable Aladdin and Jasmine but Marwan Kenzari’s Jafar lacks his animated counterpart’s fiendishly fun presence.
And what of Smith? He tries his best, but unfortunately just feels like he’s doing a Robin Williams impression; and despite his rapping background, the former Fresh Prince struggles with the musical numbers.
Ritchie and the digital effects team mould a luscious looking film and anyone familiar with the cartoon will get a kick out of several sequences.
The problem is not enough even matches the original’s magic never mind betters it, which makes it all feel rather pointless.
Here’s hoping we all feel more love for The Lion King later this summer. As a dog lover, normally the presence of a cute canine in a movie is enough for me to give it a thumbs-up.
Sadly, this Homeward Bound rip-off is a lazy romp barking up the wrong tree.