Live Action Aladdin Movie Review

“You aint never had a friend like me.” – Genie from Aladdin

We got to see a preview screening of Disney’s new live action Aladdin movie this past weekend and I am here to tell you all about it. I have to say that the hubby was super skeptical about this one. He thought “what could be exciting, it’s the story of Aladdin that we already know.” He figured it was going to be very predictable and possibly not as fun as the cartoon. I had my doubts about Will Smith playing the Genie too, I knew it was going to be VERY difficult to live up to the voice of Robin Williams.

When we all got out of the movie we were shocked, in the best way possible. We LOVED it!! The music, dancing, sets, costumes, acting, extra story lines, everything was just as you thought it should have been from the beginning. I can’t say enough praises about how fun this film is for the entire family. Here are some more details…

Brief Synopsis – A colorful and lively live-action adaptation of the original classic we all know and love, Aladdin. It’s the same tale of a poor “street rat” named Aladdin who falls in love with the princess Jasmine. Aladdin finds himself with a magic lamp, Genie and 3 wishes. What will he do with the 3 wishes, you have to wait to find out. BUT I will tell you that not all the endings are the same, there were some surprises along the way that made me think it should have been that way all along! I kept thinking “of course” that totally makes sense. The Genie is played by non other than Will Smith, who was able to put his own spin on the classic role. He was able to add his hip hop background to the music and the dancing. The music, written by Alan Menken, was gorgeous as usual, especially the new song for Jasmine, which I have a feeling will be sung around the world as a new anthem of sorts.

What ages do I suggest to see it? I always say you know your child best, but I think this film will keep kids of all ages highly entertained. Our kids are 4 & 6 and they both sat for the entire movie. The music and dancing was so capturing and of course my son loved some of the action as well. The very end when Jafar turns into a Sorcerer and then into a Genie could be a little scary for super little ones, but if they have seen the cartoon and did ok, then I think they would do fine for this as well.

Length – 2 hours, 8 min

Rating – PG

Released to Theater – May 24th, 2019

Other – We were also super impressed with all the CGI effects of the movie. We had absolutely no idea that the Genie was done in CGI, in fact I didn’t know it until Will Smith told us at the press junket, he looked amazing. The Magic Carpet and animals were also incredible, you really felt their emotions during the movie, even though they were special effects as well.

(Rosie’s Jasmine outfit is from Little Adventures Dress Up and she loves how comfy it is and mom loves that it is machine washable).

Activity Pages – Click this link: Aladdin_pdf_activity pack to download a variety of activities to do with your kids; mazes, bookmarks, spot the difference and coloring pages. Here are some examples below.

Need plans this extended weekend? I say go see Aladdin (and maybe do a little shopping with the link below), you won’t regret it!;)

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