I still want to know who thought Guy Ritchie was the right director, though...

[rose_griffes]

I'm not the target audience for Disney's efforts to make live-action versions of their films. Even though Beauty and the Beast is in my top 3 of all-time favorite animated films, I never bothered watching the version with Emma Watson.

So I wasn't going to watch the new Aladdin either... and then I read that Guy Ritchie was the director, which made me laugh and laugh, and then say, "Hey, wait a minute--that might actually work." Take Ritchie's strengths: interesting visuals, good choreography for action scenes. Force him away from his most repetitive story choice: bromance between two white men. (There are no white men in this movie. No, wait, there's one named white man in the movie. But he's a minor character, and definitely comic relief.) And finally, Ritchie can't kill the leading woman in this tale. So maybe it would be worth a watch?!?

And it was! I took one of my nieces to see it, and we had an awesome time. She proclaimed herself "shook" which is apparently a good thing.

Favorite bit: probably Jasmine's song (new for this film) "Speechless." Will Smith was a blast as the genie. Mena Massoud was wide-eyed and adorable as the title character. Naomi Scott's Jasmine wore gorgeous clothes, and she can act. It was fun, and I would even watch it again if the opportunity presented itself.

Comments

[tinny]

Hmmmm.... I know you're really picky about movies, and the fact that you liked it makes me intrigued. Aladdin is one of my fave Disney movies.

[rose_griffes]

I've seen several of my friends report back that they enjoyed the film as well. (I didn't have the potential obstacle of viewing the animated film as a favorite. Enjoyable? Sure, but I hadn't seen it in decades.)