Last weekend I finally got the chance to see the live action remake of the 1992 Disney classic Aladdin.
I was quite apprehensive as to whether I would enjoy the film as I haven’t always been a fan of the recent live action remakes. I didn’t enjoy the Cinderella remake released in 2015 as much as the original, however I loved the 2017 version of Beauty and the Beast which surprised me as being a huge Potterhead growing up when I find out Emma Watson (a.k.a Hermionie) was playing my favourite Disney Princess Belle I didn’t think I could take it seriously…
Checking out the film critics mixed reviews before we went to the cinema left me not expecting great things. The film has been slated by some critics and to be honest I have no idea why as both myself and my boyfriend really enjoyed this film!
My favourite thing about Disney films in general is the soundtracks and I was glad to see that the remake contained all the classic songs including “Arabian Nights”, “A Friend Like Me”, “Prince Ali” and a “Whole New World”. Along with the classics this new version also gave Princess Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott, a new and empowering solo song “Speechless” written by Alan Menken which is split into 2 parts during the film. I loved this new addition, the meaning behind the song and how it complemented and enhanced Jasmines character. I have listened to it pretty much on repeat since I saw the film!
Like many, one of the aspects I was wary of was the casting of Will Smith as the Genie. I don’t know about you, but when I think of the Genie I think straightaway of Robin Williams. He really made the role his own in the original and I feel is now one of Disney’s most iconic characters so I was unsure as to how Will would be able to live up to this. Being a 90’s child I grew up with Will Smith in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and the original Independence Day is one of my favourite films. I believe Will Smith put his own spin on the character, bringing his charismatic charm and energy to the role.
Overall, despite the slight changes to the original and the additional story lines added I thoroughly enjoyed the film and it filled me with so much nostalgia!
Disney has so many more releases coming out this year…Toy Story 4, The Lion King and Frozen 2! I cannot wait!
Love,
Hannah ♥