Amazing ‘Aladdin’

I don’t write many movie reviews. When I had a blog at my previous newspaper job, I would work one in every so often. However, I have chosen to use my column at the Newton Daily News for other topics.

A lot of this thinking stems from reflections on my movie viewing habits. I tend to only see the movies I know I will like and steer clear of the ones I won’t. If I try something I’m not sure about, I usually rent it, discuss it with my fellow viewers and move on. I haven’t felt compelled to write enough about a film to fill this column, until now.

My husband, Tim, and I went to the Capitol II Theatre to see “Aladdin.” If you have read my column in the past, you know I am a big Disney fan. With “Aladdin” though, it goes beyond just normal fandom. It was and still is my favorite Disney movie of all time. Princess Jasmine is my favorite princess, therefore I got more excited than I should have to take my photo with her during our honeymoon to Walt Disney World last year.

When Disney announced its live-action version of the film, I was excited. Even though it is a remake of a beloved film, I see these recent live-active offerings as their own story with the same general plot points. Disney has done a pretty good job at making these films more than just a carbon copy of the animated movies.

After seeing the stage version of “Aladdin” in December for the first time, I knew I was going to love the movie no matter what, even if I did have some apprehensions about how they were going to make Will Smith into a giant blue Genie.

From my comfy, reclining seat at the Capitol II, I got to see the story I loved when I was a child come to life on the screen once more. I loved it, but I knew I would. They would have had to make some serious changes for me not to enjoy it.

I have to focus on the leading lady, Jasmine, first. Naomi Scott was perfect for the role. Her acting was beautiful and her voice gave me chills. My favorite part of the film was Jasmine’s new song, “Speechless.” It was a perfect add. The live-action version of the story added quite a bit more depth to Jasmine’s character. She was always strong-willed in the animated movie, but the new film allowed her to explore her independence in an even greater way. I would say more but I would hate to spoil things for those who haven’t had the chance to see it yet.

One of the main reasons I love Jasmine so much is she has a pet tiger, Rajah. I still have the original stuffed tiger from 1992 in my house. It is one of my most treasured possessions, even if he is in pretty rough shape. The CGI version of Rajah was awesome. I loved how they characterized him in the movie. I know it’s a fake tiger, but I still loved him.

Mena Massoud played a great Aladdin. He had all of the elements from the animated character but made it his own for the film. He brought quite a few moments of humor as he tried and failed to be the smooth Prince Ali. I enjoyed his take on the character.

Now to address the giant genie in the room. Despite all of the doubt around Will Smith’s portrayal of the Genie, he did a fantastic job. One of the things I appreciated the most was that he didn’t try to copy Robin Williams’ iconic performance from the animated version. He took the character and played it to suit his strengths. All of the important elements, lines and lyrics were there, but they fit Smith which in turn made the movie better.

“Aladdin” was a wonderful addition to the Disney movie library. I can’t wait to watch it again.

Contact Pam Pratt at
pampratt@newtondailynews.com