MOVIE REVIEW: "Aladdin (Live Action)"

Disney has done it again and turned your favorite cartoon movie into a live-action adaptation. This time it is the 1992 film, “Aladdin.”

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) embarks on a magical adventure to win over Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking Genie (Will Smith). Aladdin has to escape the wrath of Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), second in line to the Sultan of Agrabah.

The live-action version, directed by Guy Ritchie, followed the original, but also added in some elements that fit in perfectly with the movie and what is going on in the world today.

Iconic lines such as “PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS, itty bitty living space,” and “Do you trust me?” were still present, bringing you right back home to the original.

*WARNING: Stop reading here if you do not want to reads spoilers*

This version of the film focused a lot on the issues women face today. Princess Jasmine, or simply Jasmine, lost her mother at a young age, and lived with her father, the Sultan, in their palace. Because of the rules written in the laws, Jasmine was not allowed to become Sultan after her father and must marry a prince. Her father and every other man, except for Aladdin, tells her she can’t be Sultan because she is a woman. She doesn’t stop fighting, however.

There is even a powerful new song from her called “Speechless.” She won’t be silenced just because she is a woman. Her father tried to pair her off with every prince that came into town when all she really wanted was to be with Aladdin, the “street rat.” When Aladdin pretends to be Prince Ali and wins her heart, and her father’s, by proving his love and loyalty to her, the Sultan appoints Jasmine as the new Sultan and allows her to change the law of marrying a prince.

“Prince Ali” comes to town and jokes about buying her and she gets frustrated and storms off. This scene relates to women today and how they still feel oppressed. The movie and song delivered a very powerful message.

Jasmine in this version is a strong, independent, passionate woman and is a great role model for girls today. She becomes the leader she wants to be.

Another thing that was different in this film was in the end, of course, we know Genie is freed by Aladdin’s last wish, but he turns into a human and marries Jasmine’s hand-maiden, Daila. You see him telling the story on a boat to their children at the beginning of the movie, but you don’t know his wife is Daila.

There are only two criticisms for this film: The Genie was no Robin Williams, no one ever could be, but was delivered in a way that Williams would be proud. Jafar could have been scarier. He didn’t seem very villain- like.

From the sets to the costumes to the iconic songs to the actors, this film lived up to its potential. If you have the chance to go see it, do because you won’t regret it. It satisfies lovers of the original while also brings a good message to those watching it for the first time. It will take you to a whole new world.

Overall rating: 4 out 5 stars

What did you think of the film? Let us know on Twitter at @CelebMix.

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