Hey, so, I haven't been active since 2017, but you know, I need that break. I got to a point where I was really burned out. I couldn't go to a movie without being hypercritical. Movies weren't enjoyable anymore. I tried making vlogs but honestly, I don't enjoy them as much. I wanted to step away so I could get back to a place where I could see a movie and enjoy them.
Fortunately, I am back to that place. I am able to sit through a movie and actually have fun again. Part of that is because I took time away from my blog, part of that is because I have been fortunate enough to make new friends who enjoy film as much as I do.
With that said, allow me to have a proper introduction.
Hello all you lovely people out there in Internetworldland! My name is TheCinemaChick and as you can tell by my moniker, I'm a girl who loves movies. I've been doing this little blog since 2012 and have no plans to stop again any time soon, Have I seen a lot of movies this year, absolutely. Will I see a lot more? Yes I will. I'm already making plans to see the new Godzilla when it comes out next week and at some point, I will see John Wick 3.
So, you're probably wondering what movie managed to revive me. What film was so good that it made me want to write again? Truth be told, it's a movie we've all seen before. I grew up in the 90s, like many of you did. So, like many people, I've watched all of the animated Disney films. Wouldn't you know, they remade a bunch of those classics. I have seen all of the live action remakes up to date. I liked Beauty and the Beast to an extent. The first Alice in Wonderland was good, didn't care for the sequel. Well, The Lion King is coming out later this year but Aladdin is back in theaters. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Like a lot of people, I was apprehensive about seeing this one. I had the same prejudices. Robin Williams wasn't the Genie and I really wasn't sure Will Smith could measure up.
I was extremely wrong,
Will Smith absolutely shines as Genie in the live action flick. He brings some of that old school Fresh Prince attitude to the character. So yes, he is not Robin Williams, but instead brings a wonderful and exciting new take to this familiar character. He has a charm and sincerity about him that I really liked. While most of his scenes are done with CGI, I still enjoyed it because I could see elements of the animated movie in there, If the whole "But he's not Robin Williams" thing is what's stopping you from seeing this, do yourself a favor and get over it. You won't regret it.
The casting in general is also perfect. Normally, production companies tend to whitewash a movie. Let's never forget the live action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. In this case, they didn't. They chose highly skilled actors who managed to truly embody their animated counterparts. Mena Massoud was brilliant as Aladdin. Naomi Scott shined as Jasmine. Not only that, but they really turned Jasmine into a badass. Instead of just being compliant, she has a voice and takes a stand for what she believes in. Hell, they even wrote new songs just for her.
The story is the same as it was back in the day. Jafar wants the lamp so he can have absolute power. Aladdin happens to be the diamond in the rough. You know, I feel it's okay to talk about the plot since the first version of this film came out so long ago. If you haven't seen it, where have you been all this time? Like, it's been shown on television thousands of times. Anyone who's ever had to babysit has had to watch this. It's a classic Disney animation now. Everyone should have seen it be now.
One thing I really liked is how this iteration of the story managed to combine Bollywod and hip hop. While the movie stays true to the Middle Eastern feel it's always had, there are some new, more modern elements added in. I don't want to give away too many of those details because they really were amazing to see. There are a few dance sequences in the film that honestly, were the best parts. The duet between Genie and Aladdin was worth the wait. I mean, I planned to see this movie so I could ooh and ahh over the costuming, but overall, I loved it. Yes, the costumes are breathtaking. I really want the chance to see them up close so I can admire the intricate details more.
If this is what we can expect from the Disney live action remakes, then sign me up. From the beginning, I was having fun. I sat with Fry and we were singing all of the songs because for us, this is nostalgic. Neither of us were fully on board going into the movie but after seeing it, we agree that it doesn't deserve all the negative press it's been getting. If you enjoy bright, colorful scenes, well fleshed out characters and a touch of nostalgia, Aladdin is definitely worth checking out. I'm glad I did because maybe if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't be inspired to return to my passion. And yes, I consider film blogging to be one of the biggest passions in my life.
I know this review is going to seem a little short and maybe a little choppy but I'm getting back into the swing of things here. I'm ready to return to this blog, maybe look at getting my own domain again and who knows, maybe there will be a film so good, I can't even put it into words. I mean, it happened with Avengers: Endgame. I cried 4 times during that movie, no lie. But for now, I think I'm going to sign off and let you all enjoy the magic of the newly released Aladdin.
As always, I'm TheCinemaChick, I'm back in my natural element and for all you know, I have a magic lamp in my backpack. What three wishes should I make?
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