Aladdin – Review

A story we all know, with memories of a fun animated feature presented years back by Disney. Now on the big screen with a real life performance.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud), a seemingly kind hearted thief happens upon the Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott – Power Rangers) and a dark plot by a power hungry Grand Vizier who wants to use the power of a magic lamp, containing a Genie (Will Smith – Suicide Squad, Concussion). The Genie has the power to grant wishes to whomever holds the lamp, and so begins a battle not only against the evil aspirations of Jafar (Marwan Kenzari – Murder on the Orient Express) but those holding this treasure must also fight against their inner desires, and struggle to use the magic for good, lest they be seduced by greed.

While many might enter the cinema with thoughts of the previous incarnation of this tale, this telling, while remaining true to the story, brings with it its own magic. There are laughs, and thrills, the ever present songs we’ve come to know, and a story to be loved by both young and old.

Aladdin, coming from Disney, does not disappoint. While many would feel there could be but one Genie, Smith brings his own flair to the role, doing justice to the dear memory held by fans. Massoud and Scott bring a palpable chemistry to their complex on-screen relationship. And the setting and sets instil the awe the story is tasked to portray.

A fun, family outing, Aladdin hits it out the park, up to the new heights of its very own magic carpet. The film opens 24 May 2019 in South African cinemas.