Is Disney’s latest live action film, Aladdin “one jump ahead” of the classic animated film? Or does it not have a happy landing? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements in my Aladdin Parent Review. Read on to get a moms perspective on if Aladdin is kid-friendly. And of course, no spoilers.
Aladdin Parent Review #Aladdin
Disney has been on a kick reimagining their classic animated films into live action movies. I know several people are not a fan. Why mess with a good thing? However, I think I am in the minority, because I think this idea is simply brilliant. The classics will always be the classics. But let’s face it. Our world is constantly changing. We are constantly changing. And of course, technology is constantly changing. Why SHOULDN’T we try something new? Something fresh? It’s a new way to share our beloved animated features with our children. It keeps the story alive. So when I heard Disney was reimagining Aladdin, I was thrilled!
The Story
Aladdin opens slightly different than its original 1992 film. I wasn’t sure exactly where they were going with this, but I liked it. It worked, and we were told more of the Genie’s story. Don’t worry, I’ll get back to Will Smith as the Genie later.
Soon we are swept away to Agrabah. And I know I say this in every Disney live action review, but WOW. The CGI effects continue to amaze me. I was most impressed with Rajah, Jasmine’s pet tiger. If I didn’t know that tiger was in CGI, I would have thought she was real. Seriously. That good.
Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott were made to play the role of Aladdin and Jasmine. From their very first meeting in the marketplace, you could see the instant chemistry. I love when actors can actually make you feel their emotion.
Back to that CGI
I feel like I’m jumping around a bit, because I already told you how amazing the CGI technology was implemented. But to make everything so vibrant and lifelike is true talent. While we did not see Aladdin in 3D, I could tell that if we had, it would feel as if we were right there in Agrabah. Guy Ritchie wanted to take us with him on a magic carpet ride, and it was beyond brilliant and effective.
The Music
In Disney’s live action Aladdin you will hear the songs you love from the original film, and some new ones, as well! I will say that Mena Massoud’s (Aladdin) “One Jump,” fell slightly flat for me. I think the only reason was I was comparing it to Scott Weinger’s version in the original. Had I never seen the 1992 film, I would have thought it was fine. Mena definitely made it up to me later on. His other songs were incredible, and oh my goodness, “A Whole New World” was remarkable! Probably my favorite scene in the movie. The singing, the chemistry, the beauty — it was a masterpiece. And Naomi Scott? WOW. You guys, she can sing.
Jasmine personifies feminism
Let’s chat about Jasmine, because she is exactly what girls need to see as a strong, independent woman. Jasmine is the epitome of a powerful woman. When she sings the new song, “Speechless,” it is uplifting and incredibly empowering. She is not afraid to break the cultural norms. Jasmine will not be silenced. She is exactly the type of character that little girls can inspire to be.
Will Smith as The Genie
Oh yes. I’m going there. There was quite the uproar when it was announced that The Fresh Prince would be playing Robin Williams’ iconic Genie. HOW could someone ever replace Robin Williams? Well, they can’t. And I think Will Smith knew that, so he didn’t try to be Robin Williams. There were subtle nods to the original Genie, but Will Smith’s Genie was completely HIM. He owned it, and I personally think he stole the show! Robin Williams is your 1992 animated Genie. Will Smith is your live action Genie of the laaaaaaamp!! He owned it.
Is Aladdin Kid-Friendly?
The question you all want to know. Should you take your kids to see Aladdin? I took my two boys ages 5 and 9. My older son has been looking forward to this movie for a long time. Jafar is one of his very favorite villains! I wasn’t too sure about bringing my youngest. Aladdin is 2 hours and 8 minutes. That can be a long time for little ones! However, Aladdin is very fast-paced. There’s really never any lull in the story. It continuously moves along, and the kids will love the music. I think you’ll have to use your judgement as to whether your younger kids can sit for that timeframe.
Concerned about language? Aladdin is rated PG, and I am happy to say that there was not one single swear word in the movie! It CAN be done. Thank you, Disney!
Of course there is violence in the movie. If you’ve seen the original, then you are quite aware of the more dark scenes with Jafar. I didn’t find anything too over the top. My 5 year old is very sensitive, and he handled it fine.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s live action Aladdin is FUN! It is a whole new world of our beloved classic. You will smile, you will laugh, you will fall in love with these characters and the sheer beauty of the film. Grab your family and head to the theater to be immersed in this classic tale.
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I hope you found my Disney’s live action Aladdin Parent Review helpful. Will you be seeing Aladdin in theaters?
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