My wife and I just rewatched Disney’s live-action Aladdin last night. Since the movie was released in 2019, several of my Disney fan friends (and I have a lot of them) have noted their displeasure in this take on one of their favorite animated classics. Which is interesting, because I have always found it a nice surprise how much I enjoy it.
Now the movie was a huge financial hit for the House of Mouse, but I suspect many of you have not given the 2019 film a second look. Now I would agree with anyone, if they said the 1992 animated classic is the better take. But hear me out, I think parts of the 2019 movie actually tells the story better than our beloved animated classic we’ve loved and cherished for now over 30 years.
Let’s start with Jasmine. (Some of this might be strange to hear coming from a guy. But I have nieces and my friends have daughters. So ladies test me and let me know if I’m wrong.) Disney Princesses have always served as role models for the young girls they are catered to, and the Jasmine of the ‘90s certainly fulfilled her role. She was one high quality princess at the time with her tiger pet, Rajah, and her “screw the system” mentality. Clearly when you compare her peers of the time, which includes a mermaid trading in her life for a man she just met yesterday and a bookworm who falls in love with her captor. Both of those films are enjoyable films, but you definitely see where Jasmine has more bite.
And now, no offense to cartoon Jasmine, but Naomi Scott’s Jaz is incredible. Finally getting her own song and it’s a powerful one, it’s the best part of the entire film. The 2019 Aladdin uses the original story to benefit a more modern and somewhat improved take on the character. Instead of feeling helpless about her suitors because she’s looking for true love, her central concern is that she is the perfect person to rule Agrabah. The trouble is misogyny is keeping her from realizing her dreams.
Now guys, ask any woman how crazy relatable that is to them. To feel society’s grasp on your place in the world and actively push against it. I’ve seen this several times through my wife’s eyes and I assure you just about every woman in the world has dealt with it. The live-action Aladdin gives us a Jasmine with updates that heightened her character for the better. That by itself should give you reason to rewatch. But I’ll keep going.
Here, the music better reflects the Aladdin story. Aladdin’s original soundtrack definitely still holds up (I’m listening to it right now), and the 2019 album did not replace Alan Menken’s original version. However, the 2019 film did get something interesting and right with the music; it goes all out when expressing the flavor of the cultures being depicted on the screen. If you are not sure what I mean, just ask anyone with personal roots in the region. Making the fictional city of Agrabah be a meeting point of Asian cultures as an important trading port, having the music go back and forth between borrowing from Indian and Arab influences becomes a deliberate and wise choice. Disney is no stranger to the idea of pulling from famous folktales, having done so for several animated classics throughout the years. It’s when they delve into the identities of the cultures that they really work the best; strong examples include Moana, Coco and Encanto. It brings out the best in Aladdin as well.
The decision to use traditional instruments like oud and doumbeks, as in the scene-setting “Arabian Nights” opening, shows great attention to detail and even greater celebration of culture that was lacking in the original. The music sequences also benefits from the live-action as well. Seeing “Prince Ali” is effectively grand and watching Jasmine and Aladdin’s thrilling ride on the magic carpet is captivating to express.
The next thing the 2019 Aladdin gets right, it’s not the Genie show. If you’re truly honest with yourself when you think back to the original Aladdin, it’s all about Robin Williams’ performance, and rightfully so. It’s that strong of a statement piece for him. And that’s not to say there aren’t some other great performances from the original cast. But no one really considers the film an “ensemble” musical or comedy, because Robin’s Genie is just so memorable and terrific. With this movie, we get an ensemble musical comedy.
There is more of a balanced role here for all of the key players, and Aladdin and Jasmine, have a story arc that’s just as interesting as Will Smith’s Genie. Which is as it should be since they are who the story is supposed to be about. The cast complement one another really well and feed off each other, again making the film a little more balanced. If Guy Ritchie had leaned on Will Smith to run the show, it would not have worked and thankfully that’s not the approach he took.
And the last reason you need to give the movie another shot, is the message hits deeper here. You all may remember the original Aladdin’s message can be found in one key scene. It’s right before Aladdin is going to show Jasmine a whole new world and is struggling with how to talk to her. Genie delivers two bits of advice “tell her the truth” and “bee yourself” (yes, he’s disguised as a bee).
The 2019 Aladdin really delivers on this message and it has a more rewarding payoff for it. We are shown Aladdin and Jasmine’s chemistry as a couple more before he turns into Aladdin, so seeing he really has no game as the Prince really makes the point. The awkwardness Aladdin faces as he is trying to woo her as a prince is more painfully obvious through the live-action scenes and should have viewers rooting for them more intensely.
Genie is also a bit wiser in this film and Aladdin has more responsibility for his actions. In the original, Aladdin has his sights set on Jasmine and then once he gets her, he has to figure out how to be a Sultan. In the 2019 version, he’s the reason and full-on supporter that leads to Jasmine and her father coming to the decision that she should rule. What ending you prefer is up to you, but this one seems to have more weight.
Again, I am definitely not saying this a better overall version of the Aladdin story. First of all, the animated version will always have a special place in all of our hearts, but this version did make some great choices and deserves a second look if you tossed it aside five years ago.
Agree or disagree, let me know in the comments below.
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