Aladdin (2019) Review:
- Half Glass Guy
- Jun 12, 2019
- 5 min read
Jasmine: "You cannot break into a palace, like you own the place!"
Aladdin: "If you don't have anything, you have to act like you own everything."
Disney is back at it again with another live action remake of one of their classic animated films with "Aladdin". It seems intriguing with the idea of creating these animated films into live action films because it gives a chance for actors to shine in wondrous roles, much like the "Aladdin" character. I was thrilled when I found out Guy Richie was the one taking the directors chair when they first announced this project. I figured he would bring the style that "Aladdin" needed, since the character is a thief and uses trickery to get his out of situations. Richie has always been known for using trickery in his films to create many twists and surprises as the stories unfold. While many critics did not like this film, many audiences fell in love with it because it really is a remake of the original, and expands on certain characters and the world it takes place in. I was part of the audience and extremely genuinely think "Aladdin" (2019) is a entertaining and harmless adventure that most people can enjoy. There is only a select few problems that clearly critics could not get passed, but most people can, and one of the main problems is Guy Richie.
"Aladdin" (2019) is about the title character Aladdin (aka Mena Massoud) who is a lower level thief that scrambles just to get by. He helps out the poor by stealing from the rich, creating an anti-hero figure for the public. He stumbles across a woman who is trying to do the same thing, steal so then the poor does not have to suffer, in this case, children were hungry so she stole food for them. Aladdin and her team up, and go on an adventure that leads Aladdin to find out she is Princess Jasmine (aka Naomi Scott). Aladdin is then spotted as a thief from Jaffar, a leader who is looking for control, but knows there is a genie lamp (aka Will Smith) in the cave of wonders. He recruits Aladdin to do such a dangerous task and gets the lamp, which then leads to a wild ride with the genie. It follows the same beats from the original film, even recreating certain shots from it as well. The film is fast paced due to Guy Richie's style, but it was already going to be a fast paced story because it is a musical as well. And there was no need to over stylize, but Richie does not want to lose his trademark.
There are many positives to this edition of "Aladdin" and more importantly, this film is essentially a fun time at the theater. That is why most audiences found themselves enjoying it. Just like the original, it follows the themes of power and greed, and what that can do to someone, and showing Jasmine and her standing up for herself to become a leader for her city. The ideas of poor and rich, and the segregation between the two, who is suffering, potentially both in different degrees. While offering great thematic elements that most kids and adults like to see because it resonates with them.
Along with universal themes, that the first film does display as well, is the musical sequences and performances. One can tell that all of the actors, especially Will Smith, just had a joy making this film. They all bring excitement to many of these sequences, which elevates the films overall mood, to make me realize the film is filled with much vibrant and brightness. There are four major sequences in the film that stand out the most to me and all of them come from the three man actors as well. The first song, Arabian Nights, then the next three that follow are: Friend Like Me, Prince Ali and A Whole New World. All of them performed greatly by these actors and actresses, especially the way they sing as well. It reminded me how astonishing musicals can be.
Even the set pieces and costumes are a beauty to recognize. All of the women are dressed in colorful and big dresses, and the men are dressed in bright colors, all of which are baggy and all of them dance in desire to show off their skills. And it is incredible to watch all of these dancers perform with such big costumes, there is much admiration I have for that because I know that musicals require this, and "Aladdin" performs in such considerable fashion. And as I stated, the set pieces and looks of the film are a unique visual. However, this is where I downgrade the film because they waste some truly incredible visual beauty in how it is edited through Richie's style.
Guy Richie is known for quick cutting, that is about as simple as it gets. And if people read my blogs, you will know I am not a huge fan of that filmmaking technique. Richie can make it work in certain cases though, plus he has a vision style of adding slow motion, like his "Sherlock Holmes" films. "Aladdin is such a grand and massive piece for Disney lovers, that the film coming to life in a live action form is a rousing feeling for fans all over the world. Richie had a chance to slow this film down and show its opulent setting with shots that could almost be equivalent to "Lawrence of Arabia". Displaying the desert setting, the vast emptiness is appealing to look at, and Richie does not do this. He keeps the tempo up, and when there were chances for him to slow down and admire some of the greatness that he and the filmmakers were creating, he does not show it off. That is probably my biggest issue with it, but there are other stuff too like the antagonist Jaffar. He is not that scary in the slightest. The original paints Jaffar as a disturbing figure, but this version does not do that.
"Aladdin" had much criticism before it was released for not looking the best with "blue Will Smith," but that is not the problem with the film. It is Richie adding too much of his signature with it that can hold it back in certain aspects. But I am going to refrain here, the film is not bad at all. It is easy to look at the negatives in "Aladdin" and solely paint the film to be horrible, when it is not that bad. The story, themes, musical numbers and dances, along with the performances are extremely well done. It is a recreation and it is easy to get mad about that aspect because they could, potentially, "ruin the original." In this case, I want to go back and watch the original again and watch this one again as well. It is harmless and joyful entertainment that will leave many smiling by the time the credits start rolling. There is much to enjoy in this film version of "Aladdin" and does not tarnish the original. I enjoyed it thoroughly. You never had a friend like "Aladdin" once you start watching this magical carpet ride.
Rating: B
Run Time: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
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