Film of the Week: Aladdin (2019)

Disney’s decision to remake their old animated films into live-action was controversial for many. But, the one that struck a chord the most and was deemed as the least necessary remake was Aladdin. The main reason for it being unnecessary, Robin Williams.

Robin’s unlimited improvisational skill gave the animators so much to work with, they had hours of recordings left after completing the film. Those recordings have been kept in storage for years and have never been officially released to the public. His performance in Aladdin has gathered a strong following, and so it was understandable that the backlash toward the live action remake was also just as strong. Having someone else play the Genie, regardless in animation form or as a live-action counterpart, Robin Williams cannot be replaced.

With the rapid speed of which Disney is releasing their live-action remakes, it was inevitable that Aladdin would fall victim to that treatment. When it was announced and the first trailer was released, the internet exploded with rants and strong arguments against replacing Robin as the Genie.

In the context of it being a live-action incarnation of the story, Will Smith’s performance is actually quite good. It’s not a tolerable forced mess that I first believed it would be, but instead was entertaining enough to keep watching, although you’re subconsciously constantly reminded of Robin’s version of the character. This subtle familiarity comes from capturing the upbeat excitement Robin put into his performance. Even Will Smith admitted that to being scared of taken the role. What Will manage to do was not try and come close to that of Robin’s performance, but instead a slightly different direction but keeping the character’s enthusiasm throughout. If I had to choose between the two, of course I would pick Robin William’s characterisation, but credit where credit’s due, Will Smith’s version was enjoyable.

With the rest of the film, not much can be said because it follows the same story as the animated version, the acting and singing was bubbly. I went into this film with nothing but pure curiosity on how they’d handle the Genie, and I came out actually having enjoyed myself. I wouldn’t say this is the superior film, by far the animated one is, and I wouldn’t attempt to force my opinion about this film onto anyone who likes the animated version, as that one has certainly a lot more to offer.

Aladdin does its best to make sure the live-action version isn’t trying to be what the animated version is, but at least captures the enthusiasm. Will Smith’s Genie be thankfully, noticeably different to that of Robin William’s performance, which was something I was worried wouldn’t happen.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)