A kid had to face the world in his own animated version and conquer life's biggest monster. ANI (The Harvest) It's as if a child's imagination is a safe haven, a place where the world is a playground for all the possibilities the mind could think of. And even the tight and humble space called home, situated on a busy Metro could not hinder the inquisitive headspace of a young Mithi (played by Zyren Dela Cruz), a boy who accomplishes the day by playing with his colorful toy robots that perform a vital role in his imaginary narrative. With a loving father and a mother that sings him a self-assuring lullaby, Mithi is blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. But life decided to toy with his fate, and Mithi's perfect little world is now showing its cracks, putting his vulnerability to the test and slowly depriving him of his happiness he thought would last forever. And through his eyes, the world suddenly transforms itself into a menacing monster. Set in a lush
"Aladdin" Movie Review - A Whole New World and Then Some
With a help of an ancient Genie and a magic carpet, a streetwise thief is adamant in pursuing a princess. On his tail however was a conniving Vizier that aims to use the Genie's magic for his own greed and hunger for power.
Disney's Aladdin takes us to a whole new world and then some. This 2019 Guy Ritchie interpretation uses the classic charm of the original and gave it a new look, harnessing a more colorful and lively musical performances that mesmerizes and pokes the inner child in you. Of course, this wouldn't possible without the ever dashing enthusiasm of its lead actors.
Will Smith playing as the Genie, who in the recent months leading up to the premiere has become a laughing stock of the online weebs due to an uncanny valley type of CGI rendering done to his character. But as we all know, the Disney magic works and the visual effects has improved since then, giving him a more genie-like features elevated by Smith's onscreen titillating energy and his well-rehearsed musical performances. Robin Williams must be proud.
But what I thought the best surprise to come out of this movie is the natural rapport between Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott, who played Aladdin and Jasmine respectively. What a perfect pair up and by no means just a cheap and corny live action matchup. Both Massoud and Scott exudes a subtle sultriness, able to capture the same vibe of their cartoon counterpart while boasting an eccentric romantic chemistry.
Will Smith as the Genie - Aladdin 2019 - Photo from IndieWire
Mena Massoud in particular has done a wonderful job at portraying the agile and street-smart Aladdin. With the cloud of doubt sorrounding him as the choice to play the role, I thought Massoud exceeded the expectations and was able to add a fresh paint of cheerful semblance and delightful spontaneity to our beloved hero. Pretty much an unknown actor before this, Massoud has definitely catapulted his mark as an actor and made sure that through his performance, the audience would put their trust on him to take us to this whole new world that's truly shining, shimmering splendid.
Naomi Scott as Jasmine - Aladdin 2019 - Photo from People
Naomi Scott is something else too. When I think of Jasmine, I see beauty and brains. True enough, Scott, just like Massoud, not only did look the part but was also able to aggrandize the character in a way that doesn't look like an amateurish cosplay but rather a more polished and believable personality that was both cheekily infatuating and adoringly strong independent woman. There was also a scene in this film where Scott has successfully shown her range as an actress and reminded the audience why Jasmine is not only a popular princess but also a powerful fictional character — soaring, tumbling, free-wheeling through an endless diamond sky.
And did I also mention that both Massoud and Scott are also good singers too? Talk about a total package.
Marwan Kenzari as Jafar - Aladdin 2019 - Photo from Inverse
Sadly though, I thought Disney has bitten the bullet in their casting choice for Jafar. Jafar, being one of the most popular Disney villain in this universe is an intimidating and a selfish antagonist that represents greed and excessive hunger for power. Marwan Kenzari's portrayal doesn't represent those. Take away the costumes and bedazzling embellishment and Kenzari is just another unrecognizable and bland foe that's not as equally as exciting as Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie. Even Abu is more memorable than Jafar in this world. While I applaud the fact that the movie explored more of his backstory and motivations, the impact wasn't even remotely close to the Jafar that we know and love and hate all the same.
When it comes to musical score, with Alan Menken's composition, I thought the film was as equally enthralling as the 1991 original. While I don't necessarily think that Massoud and Scott's version of "A Whole New World" is as magical as Brad Kane and Lea Salonga's piece, for the most part I still find it enjoyable.
The CGI in this film was a bit shoddy at times, ranging from too heavy that it looks fake to too light that it looks unfinished. Otherwise, the overall presentation and visuals were pretty much passable especially in today's standards.
The plot itself were pretty much the same, bar some few tweaks that was a mixed bag for my personal liking.
Let's Be Reel
Just when I thought I was tired of remakes, Aladdin comes in and boy it was chock-full of gleeful moments, making me smile from ear to ear all throughout the film, as if every turn was a surprise. Another one of those Disney-fied experiences, Guy Ritchie's Aladdin is a treat for both old and newcomers.
While I could still say that the original was a pile of rocks above this live action version, hampered by a few dreadful choices, it also made me excited about the future of these remakes.
There are three types of Disney films: for the family, for the kids and kids at heart, and for the lovey doves.
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