When Disney invited me to a movie screening of the new live action Aladdin film this past Tuesday night, I couldn’t have yes fast enough. I was so excited I had a virtual countdown going until the big night. Finally I found myself at the theater eagerly awaiting to watch the newly anticipated film.
It was around high school for me when the first animated film came out in 1992. Seeing this new spin on the film brought back so much nostalgia for me and at the same time incorporated new elements that made it unique and relevant for a new generation. It is familiar and relatable with a touch of flare from special effects, new songs to fall in love with, and characters that came to life on screen. To me, it is like a broadway musical mixed with new age visual effects that make it another magical Disney classic!
The film was full of action from the moment it started until the end of the credits. I’m not kidding! It was one action sequence after another! The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat even if you’ve seen the animated film a million times. It’s like you are sitting there desperately waiting for your favorite song or favorite scene and then all of a sudden it surprises you and it’s there but since it’s new and different it feels like you are watching the storyline unfold for the very first time!
The music and dance sequences were my favorite parts of the film. Being a dancer my entire life, I love music and choreography, and this movie puts both over the top! The film incorporates all of your favorite songs from the past and even has a new song called “Speechless” performed by Jasmine’s Naomi Scott. “Speechless” was written by Tony and Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul in collaboration with original Aladdin composer Alan Menken. It was such a powerful song and memorable moment of the film, it is sure to receive an Oscar nominee for Original Song! It’s been days and the songs are all still on repeat in my head! And the choreographer, Jamal Sims, is beautifully talented. I was in awe of the dance sequences and wanted to get up and dance myself!
And the costume design was spectacular! Each wardrobe piece was magnificent with pops of bright and inviting colors! The Genie, played by Will Smith, had some pretty spectacular outfits but my favorite costumes of them all were Jasmine’s elaborate and gorgeous wardrobe. I hope Michael Wilkinson is nominated for Costume Design! In fact, I learned that in the “Prince Ali” musical sequence included 250 dancers and 200 extras. Michael Wilkinson and his team created more than 200 costumes from scratch just for the extras. Can you believe it?
I still cannot decide which character I love the most. Each actor is perfectly chosen for their role and they all have so much on screen chemistry and flare! Obviously Aladdin played by Mena Massoud is the heartbreaker hero. You are routing for him from the moment you meet him in his first scene. Jasmine is played by Naomi Scott and she is stunning perfection. Every little girl who watches this film will want to be just like her because she is smart, strong, poised, and can dance like a rock star! She is just lovely and is a true princess.
I have always been a huge fan of Will Smith and he had big shoes to fill as the Genie, but he was his charming, funny, and talented self that had the audience laughing throughout the movie the most! But it was Jafar played by Marwan Kenzari that surprised me the most. Being the villain, he may be overlooked or despised, but I was really moved by his character and his passion. He did a phenomenal job being the “bad guy” and I was mesmerized when he was on camera. I say that Lucinda Syson did a spot on job casting!
I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I found myself laughing and smiling during various parts of the film and I also caught myself tearing up a few times, too. There was so much emotion and heart that went into the film you feel it in the audience as you are watching it unfold. You will fall in love with Aladdin and Jasmine all over again in a whole new world kind of way!
The film is directed by Guy Ritchie and is rated PG. It is a fun movie for the whole family, although if you have very small children and or children with sensory challenges, I would see it first before they do, just in case as it can be loud during some scenes and have some darker moments.
Aladdin is flying into theaters May 24th and if I haven’t made myself quite clear yet, I highly recommend seeing it! You’ll want to go more than once, I promise!
And your children will want the characters to come to life with the new Disney x Hasbro Aladdin Agrabah doll collection!! We received them as a gift in the mail and my daughter adores them!! She especially loves the singing Jasmine and Genie!!
And you can print out these fun game and coloring sheets for your children!
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