'Aladdin' Review: The Genie Is Out Of The Lamp

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Only history will tell if the live-action “Aladdin” can withstand the test of time, but one thing is certain: the Genie is once again out of the lamp— spreading magic that’s immensely delightful, romantic and nostalgic! Besides, who could possibly resist a break-dancing “Aladdin” trying so hard to impress the love of his life? Now, that alone is magic!

Disney’s live-action remake of the studio’s Oscar-winning 1992 animation comes from Guy Ritchie’s new musical, featuring Will Smith as the blue-skinned, wise-cracking Genie, made famous by Robin Williams’s distinctive flare of freewheeling monologues, one-line zingers, and memorable comic ad-libs.

Following closely to the classic story, the film centers around a young man named Aladdin (Mena Massoud), a good-hearted thief who falls for Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) of Agrabah. Determined to woo her, he makes a pact with the Sultan’s evil vizier Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) to retrieve a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders.

When Aladdin finds and rubs the old relic, he awakens the Genie (Smith) who soon becomes his best ally to win Jasmine’s love and affection, and to foil Jafar’s nefarious plot to become Agrabah’s next ruler. However, it won’t be an easy feat for the newfound pals. Complications arise when Jafar eventually winds up in possession of the coveted lamp.

While the new film lacks Ritchie’s popular high-octane style, “Aladdin” nevertheless delights audiences with the director’s signature whip pans and slow-motion shots, all captured with a touch of Bollywood flair in the movie. Furthermore, Ritchie’s “Aladdin” celebrates the 1992 hit paying tributes to the colorful characters, including the monkey and the magical carpet.

Playing the role of Princess Jasmine, Scott embodies a confident and undeterred character who is ahead of her time challenging the status quo to become the first female sultan of Agrabah against all odds. In turn, her star shines bright with Scott’s heart-wrenching rendition of the ballad song, “Speechless.”

Similarly, as a lovesick man flirting with disaster, Massoud’s Aladdin is relatable, charming, and likeable, though at times, he appears to be out of his element. However, when sharing the screen with Scott, he’s undeniably at-ease, thanks to the leads’ infectious chemistry and charisma together.

And now, how about the blue Genie in the remake? The late Robin Williams’s Genie was in a league of his own. Nevertheless, Smith delivers a splendid Genie with unrelenting energy, hip-hop fun and brotherly love in which audiences will revel long after the movie is over.