Aladdin (2019) review
Aladdin (2019)
Based on the 1992 animated film Aladdin, but also the story from the 1000 Arabian Nights. The film opens at sea, aboard a small ship where a father is telling a story to his children. The story proper starts with a view of Agrabah, a desert trade port city, where a youth named Aladdin has to resort to thievery to survive, a so called 'Street Rat' (but he doesn't buy that). However, unexpectedly he meets a woman who claims to the handmaiden to the Princess and helps her escape from some guards (the song is appropriately well done).
Then there is Jafar, the Grand Visier of Agrabah, who is not satisfied with what he has. He is ambitious, power hungry and not satisfied with being second only to the Sultan. (The scene with his underling who he then pitches down a well is well done. Also, see below) As part of his ambition he recruits Aladdin into an expedition exploring the Cave of Wonders, which allows only a 'Diamond in the Rough' to enter. The set up in the opening sequence effectively sets this up. The whole sequence in the Cave is very well done, especially with Abu being enticed by the ruby.
The Genie of the lamp didn't look bad at all! “A Friend Like Me” was different to the '92 version, but then it had to be. Escaping the Cave and the following discussion was also well done. “Make me a Prince!” “There is a lot of grey area in 'Make me a Prince!'” (Good set up for later!) The re-entrance to Agrabah was done very well. The Princess, Jasmine, is suspicious from the beginning, but so is Jafar. The Genie's interactions with the actual handmaiden were very well done also. However, Jafar does figure out who 'Prince Ali' is.
They way both Jasmine and Jafar (separately) figure out 'Prince Ali' is Aladdin was done very well, and quite believable. Jafar's reaction, to test 'Prince Ali' by causing him to drown was quite consistent with his character established so far. The sequence where the Genie, Abu and the magic Carpet save Aladdin from that untimely demise was done very well. However things go further awry when Jafar discovers that he survived, and takes the Lamp! Then; “I wish I was Sultan of Agrabah!”
The sequence where Aladdin realises that the lamp is gone whilst the Genie grants the above wish (and the Palace changes) was a rather good piece of cinematography. Jasmine fighting back against Jafar by appealing to the Guard Captain was also done well, building upon her earlier character development. (Although “Speechless” could have been put elsewhere). “I wish to be the most powerful sorcerer in the world!” The climatic sequence with the Genie rebelling against Jafar by sending Carpet after Aladdin was done well.
As was the scenes after he returns to Agrabah, when he and Jasmine are chased over the city by an enhanced Iago. The build up from earlier pays off when Aladdin tricks Jafar into making his final wish. (Clearly he doesn't like being second only to the Genie.) “I wish to be the most powerful being in the Universe!” … “There is a lot grey area...” A very good payoff. And the father at the beginning is revealed to the Genie made human as Aladdin makes his final wish, for the Genie's freedom.
All very well done, regardless of some minor missteps. 8/10.