By Michael Hernandez
Entertainment Reporter
Aladdin is spectacular, and Will Smith’s performance as The Genie will have you asking Robin Who? (Robin Williams played the Genie in Disney’s animated version of the film.) All of Will Smith’s scenes as The Genie are CGI (Computer Generated Images). The Genie comes to life on the big screen in the most magical and realistic way possible, using today’s technology. With a great supporting cast, the movie has incredible music, singing, and dancing, a fantastic story about love and friendship, and it is an absolute joy to watch. After seeing it once, I already want to see it again.
After being captured by the evil Jafar, the Sultan’s most trusted advisor, Aladdin is forced into a treasure-filled cave to find The Genie’s lamp. Aladdin ends up in a cave in the middle of the desert where he finds The Genie’s lamp. After spending 1000 years trapped in the lamp, The Genie is ready to do his magic. Aladdin’s first wish is to be a prince so that he might have a chance hooking up with the kingdom’s princess, Jasmine. His second is made by The Genie to save Aladdin from drowning when he’s passed out underwater. That leaves him with one more wish for the rest of the movie. Will Smith, who says it was the music that first attracted him to the movie, adds
Mena Massoud plays Aladdin and Naomi Scott is Princess Jasmine. Together the two actors make for a classic big-screen couple. Marwin Kenzari does an amazing job as the Middle-Eastern antagonist, Jafar, especially considering he is a well-known Dutch actor.
The movie runs 2 hours and 8 minutes and is appropriate for any age with a PG rating.
On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate Aladdin a JUMBO with extra butter (
