*sigh*
This live-action adaptation of the 1992 animated film Aladdin sure has a lot to live up to. I watched the old animated version many, many times and confess I occasionally still listen to the soundtrack. I’m a fan! So sue me!
Sadly this version is a bit *meh* … it’s not dreadful, it’s not terrific, it’s just *meh*.
The handsome young chap who plays Aladdin, Mena Massoud, delivers a serviceable performance but in my view doesn’t live up to that of the stunning Naomi Scott who plays his love interest Jasmine. Will Smith plays Genie and to say he struggles to live up to the vocal performance of Robin Williams in the animated version is an understatement but to be fair, that’s a really high bar.
So if you loved the animated version I reckon you’ll be a bit underwhelmed. There’s plenty of colour and fun for little kids however at a running time of 2 hours and ten minutes plus almost 20 minutes of trailers and previews, if you arrive at the advertised start time it’s a very long haul for the little ones.
More on the plot in this three star review in the Fairfax press.
Aladdin is rated PG and is showing in cinemas now. Trailer here.