Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Cast: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwen Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Jordan A. Nash, Billy Magnussen, Taliyah Blair, Aubrey Lin, Amir Boutrous, Numan Acar, Nina Wadia, Alan Tudyk, Frank Welker.
We stand in the shadow of our childhood loves and see them being reworked, rewritten and given new life, for some such a moment in which they see their favourite film given a fresh face is perhaps too much to bear. The social media outrage can be vicious, head-scratching and concerning and whilst it is understandable that we see our own lives wrapped in such events, the way we look upon change now is almost as if it is personal, directed against our first firm held beliefs.
It is in the news of the live action remakes of some of Disney’s later creations that has had the scorn and disbelief thrown at them as if they were a bad smell being disinfected by bombarded self-righteous perfumed words and this has not been more evident than in the anticipation and apprehension that has accompanied in Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin.
Robin Williams will always be remembered as one of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th Century and his role of the Genie will never be forgotten by those who have had the privilege of seeing the 1992 animated classic. However, the initial fury of Will Smith taking on the coveted role is one to be seen as a turning point in the relationship of cinema, film and those who seek to influence their own displeasure or favourite choices by insisting that an actor should not be cast.
A film should be remembered for what it brings to the experience, the uplifting joy or the way it makes someone change their mind, sadly, and because the live action remake is actually exquisitely captured, with songs that really get to the heart of the character’s problems and loves, that the film might in many ways be forever overshadowed by the indelicate nature in which some regard a character as their own personal property.
For all the fuss surrounding Aladdin, Will Smith brings a sense of creativity that few can match and whilst the memory of Robin Williams rightly looms over the film, Will Smith should be congratulated for the force of passion he brings to the screen as the Genie released from the lamp. Alongside superb performances by Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Nasim Padrad, the film benefits hugely from the movement and pacing of the film which is a sensational example of how make a great musical merge with a worthy plot, one that defies preconception and leaves the audience with a huge smile on their face.
It is hard to see your childhood memory replaced by an adult realisation and yet it can be a gratifying moment when you allow yourself to seduced with beauty.
 Ian D. Hall