Well, I am not exaggerating, really. I was still in high-school when I first saw Aladdin back in 1992 and I’ve watched it over and over again with my little girls. I fell in love with the movie, the soundtrack, and the characters. Who wouldn’t?
This year, the movie’s music and story come to life on the big screen for the new generation. So I made sure that I see it on the advanced screening in 3D and with the whole family on its first day of showing. The live re-make was made as close as possible to the animated classic but because it is supposed to be modern, there were twists in the story that for me
When we first saw the trailer, we were quite surprised by their choice for Aladdin. But you know, when you watch Mena Massoud on screen, you’ll be convinced why he was a perfect choice. He was cute, a very good dancer and just the perfect height for Jasmine. And I also thought his looks
The movie gave Jasmine’s character more depth in this movie remake. In the animated classic, Jasmine is a brave and intelligent girl, but in the remake, Jasmine was given more power to speak. That’s why Aladdin should be someone who will be able to support that role, and not overpower it.
Genie, played by Will Smith, was so adorable in this movie. Will gave a fresher take on Genie’s character and voice. Compared to Robin Williams’ voice, Will’s voice is more subdued and yet cute for me. Well, Genie’s body in the remake also requires a sexier voice than the Genie in the classic.
I wouldn’t describe the rest of the characters and the plot but all I can say is that it’s a movie worth watching and paying for. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a G movie (general patronage) so don’t expect too many scary scenes with the sorcerer (which we wish there were since my kids are old enough and crave for much more action) but the dancing and the music, you’ll be very much satisfied. I think Bollywood is something that we like now more than ever just because of Aladdin.
Here are some interesting facts about the movie you might want to know before you go to the cinema:
- Production designer Gemma Jackson, who won an Emmy Award® for her production design work on “Game of Thrones,” was tasked with bringing Agrabah to life.
- The “Prince Ali” musical sequence is the biggest production number in the film with 250 dancers and over 200 extras.
- The 30-foot camel made of flowers on which Aladdin (as Prince Ali of Ababwa) arrives at the palace was made from 37,000 flower heads and sat on top of a metal chassis with wheels. It took 15 model makers three weeks to build.
- The bed in Jasmine’s bedroom was doubled in size to accommodate both the princess and her tiger Raja. The supplementary bedspread was hand-embroidered in Pakistan to honor Jasmine’s late mother’s kingdom of
Shehrabad , which is based in South Asia. - Aladdin’s sidekick Abu, while entirely digital, was based on a Capuchin monkey.
