Cast: Naomi Scott, Mena Massoud, Will Smith, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Amir Boutrous, Numan Acar

Genre: Disney Live action Movie

You might like this movie if you enjoyed:
Aladdin (1992)
Pocahontas (1995)
Maleficent (2014)
The Jungle Book (2016)

Long Story Short:
A charming yet awkward thief falls in love with a princess, but the only way for him to be with her is to become a prince. Becoming the master of a Jin who can grand him three wishes seems like the perfect solution…

Review:

I have to say the cartoon was close to my heart so I was very worried about how it would turn out, and since I already was let down by Beauty and The Beast and Cinderella, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Lookwise only Naoma Scott as Princes Yasmin and Navid Negahban as the Sultan hadn’t initially convince, but despite so many others I thought Will Smith was a brilliant choice, and so was Mena Massoud.

Going into the movie I got used to Yasmin quicker than expected, she played her part as charming, enchanting and empowering as I was hoping for, so did Mena Massoud, playing the cute, awkward beggar who steals the princess’ heart.

Will Smith gave me life with his version of the genie, adding some swag and bass into the role. As a fan of the original cartoon, I honestly do not understand the hate towards him playing Genie. I have seen the cartoon at least 25 times as a child and couldn’t have imagined a better cast.

The newly added song Speechless performed by Naomi Scott ads some depth to her being a suppressed woman in a male dominated world, and can easily become the anthem of any fringe group. I loved it, and especially part 2 gave me chills.

All in all there is not much I would have changed besides Marwan Kenzari’s Makeup as Jafar, because he looked way too nice and normal. His eye makeup should have been darker, but I realized no character was wearing heavy makeup, so maybe they wanted to take a more natural path and less theatrical, which was fine with me.

As a fan I think it was an amazing adaptation and brilliant choice of cast, and no white washing. It felt good to see an authentic cast.

It is worth watching on the big screen, and I think I will go see it again.

Story Development: 8/10
Character Development: 8/10
CGI: 9/10
Setting: 10/10
Cast: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Cartoon Adaptation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall Impression: 10/10

My Rating:  9/10

Published by Elias

Biracial Kid, born in the late 80s. I write short stories, lyrics, books, I love Food, and I watch as many TV shows and movies as I can. My dream is to share my happiness and joy with the world... and to open a luxury hotel. View all posts by Elias