When Disney released Aladdin in 1992, I was eight, my sister was four, and we were obsessed with that movie. I think we've seen it hundreds of times. Honestly, it might be over a thousand.
I remember scaling the entertainment unit in our living room to reach the VCR and push in the tape (my dad would freak if he knew how often I climbed that piece of furniture). In addition to being glued to the screen, we also loved the soundtrack. We had it on a casette tape, and we'd make my parents play it in the car. Now that I realize they were in their 40s as we forced them to blast "Prince Ali," I appreciate them even more.
When it was announced the movie was going to be remade as a live-action film, my college besties and I started messaging about it immediately. We all had the same childhood memories, and wanted to experience this new take together.
On Saturday afternoon, we arrived to the SuperLux in Chestnut Hill, put our feet up in the recliners, ordered drinks, and prepared to return to Agrabah.
The first thing you need to know about the remake, is that it's directed by Guy Ritchie (yes, Madonna's ex-husband). Best known for movies like Snatch and the Sherlock Holmes franchise, he may seem like an odd choice. The truth is, there's a lot of action and special effects in this new rendition, so he had plenty to work with.
Aladdin is played by Mena Massoud, who reminded me so much of Noah Centineo (The Fosters, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Sierra Burgess is a Loser) in both his look and the sound of his voice. In the first 10 minutes, he meets Princess Jasmine in the market, and saves her from being punished when she gives away a vendor's bread to hungry children.
Princess Jasmine is played by Naomi Scott, a British actress. Though no one can have that teeny tiny waist the princess has in the animated version, Scott is stunning and delivers on the natural beauty.
Princess Jasmine has the one new song in the film, "Speechless," which is a girl-power rally cry. Fun fact: the song was penned by the same writers who won an Oscar for “City of Stars” from La La Land.
Is it weird to say that the human Aladdin and Jasmine seemed to have slightly less chemistry than the animated characters? I thought the friendship between Aladdin and the genie felt like a stronger bond.
And speaking of the genie, Will Smith takes on the iconic role, originally voiced by the late Robin Williams. On NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour (one of my favorite podcasts) the critics ripped Smith's performance, saying that the writers and producers should have given him the chance to make the role his own, rather than have him try to duplicate Williams' style. Personally, I think Smith added lots of his own flair. There's a scene where he's pushing Aladdin to talk to Princess Jasmine at a party, and that felt very Smith / Fresh Prince.
There's a lot of CGI in the movie, which will have you asking yourself - Is that a real monkey? Is that a real tiger? Is that a real boat? Think of it as all part of the Disney magic.
My absolute favorite scene was the "Prince Ali" number. The genie creates the most over-the-top entrance to the palace, and it was impossible not to sing along. "A Whole New World" is still amazing, but the animated version makes you blush harder.
The film clocks in at 128 minutes (over two hours), which is long. Though I was entertained, they definitely could have cut some scenes to trim the run time.
Tell me, did you see the live-action remake? What did you think?
*Images courtesy of The National and Pop Sugar.
Comments
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:53
Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family. garbage disposals
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:55
It is a great website.. The Design looks very good.. Keep working like that!. versa
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:56
I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. headshot photographers Manhattan
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:57
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Kelowna driveway sealcoating
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:58
I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information plumbers bentonville ar
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 02:59
What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. ver instagram bloqueado
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 03:04
Hi! Thanks for the great information you havr provided! You have touched on crucuial points! OMA
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 03:06
Love what you're doing here guys, keep it up!.. Best psychologist Costa Mesa
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:11
Great! It sounds good. Thanks for sharing.. uae embassy ottawa
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:13
Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists. Massage chairs
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:13
thanks this is good blog. dentist Bern
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:14
Thank you for the update, very nice site.. painting company san diego
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:40
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. legislative session hotel
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:40
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. party hire brisbane
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:41
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it.. Football personal training
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:50
I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. Computer Forensics
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:51
Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. I-751 denial lawyer
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:51
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon. personal injury attorney Hollywood Florida
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:53
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. carpet cleaning
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 05:58
Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. denied life insurance claim
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:06
This is my first time visit here. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not only one having all the enjoyment right here! pet software
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:07
This type of message always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content, so happy to find good place to many here in the post, the writing is just great, thanks for the post. ayurvedic medicine for stomach infection
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:15
I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great article. liposuction houston
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:17
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post. wedding photo booth toronto
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:22
This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!. learn more on give dogs a better life.
Jodi W. Brown
Wed, 11/06/2019 - 06:23
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. Fiddle and violin
Jodi W. Brown
Thu, 11/07/2019 - 07:19
Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, Ruído Branco
Jodi W. Brown
Mon, 11/11/2019 - 03:05
This is actually the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. get rid of acne scars singapore
Jodi W. Brown
Tue, 11/19/2019 - 17:18
I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. detective infidelidad
Watching Highlights
Thu, 11/28/2019 - 06:57
Plenty and lots of good movies here 123movie.
Jodi W. Brown
Sat, 11/30/2019 - 06:04
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. macys myinsite
Jodi W. Brown
Sat, 11/30/2019 - 06:05
You’ve got some interesting points in this article. I would have never considered any of these if I didn’t come across this. Thanks!. costco hours sunday
Jodi W. Brown
Sat, 11/30/2019 - 06:05
You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! target sso
Jodi W. Brown
Thu, 12/12/2019 - 05:38
Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. motorcycle road trip
Jodi W. Brown
Fri, 12/13/2019 - 05:29
Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. Signage Maker
Jodi W. Brown
Fri, 12/13/2019 - 05:29
Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. https://doctorgardening.com
Jodi W. Brown
Fri, 12/13/2019 - 05:30
hi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back. Denver limo
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 12/16/2019 - 05:19
Was ist Return to Player und wie wirkt es sich auf mich aus? online casino deutschland novoline
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 12/16/2019 - 05:19
I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. website builder on mac
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 01/06/2020 - 02:44
I love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! Slot Online
Brittany M. Lemay
Mon, 01/06/2020 - 02:45
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work CITY Immobilienmakler Hannover
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 01/08/2020 - 03:13
Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. phoenix solar instalation companies
sand2snow adventure
Fri, 01/10/2020 - 03:18
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. motorcycle tours in india
Brittany M. Lemay
Wed, 01/22/2020 - 06:41
I found your this post while searching for information about blog-related research ... It's a good post .. keep posting and updating information. squirrel removal
Brittany M. Lemay
Thu, 01/30/2020 - 03:04
Thanks you very much for sharing these links. Will definitely check this out.. sports betting results
Brittany M. Lemay
Thu, 01/30/2020 - 03:04
Super-Duper site! I am Loving it!! Will come back again, Im taking your feed also, Thanks. Wishes
Brittany M. Lemay
Thu, 01/30/2020 - 03:04
Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . 현금바둑이
Brittany M. Lemay
Fri, 01/31/2020 - 05:43
Only aspire to mention ones content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb and that i may think you’re a guru for this issue. High-quality along with your concur permit me to to seize your current give to keep modified by using approaching blog post. Thanks a lot hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done. Tire beads
Brittany M. Lemay
Fri, 01/31/2020 - 05:44
Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . Sign Shop
Brittany M. Lemay
Fri, 01/31/2020 - 05:44
This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great. Interpretariato Roma