Aladdin

The live-action remake of the Disney animated classic Aladdin, left audiences all over the world, well, speechless after its release in May. The film featured Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine and the legendary Will Smith as Genie.

The remake stayed true to the original plot with a few added scenes and songs to modernize the film. Jasmine sings an empowering, two-part ballad entitled “Speechless” just after Jafar and his goons take over the castle. The princess of Agrabah says though she isn’t taken seriously because she is a woman, she “won’t be silenced.” 

Not only do the actors have undeniable chemistry, but the technical aspects of the film are magnificent. The film’s intricate sets and costumes were beyond impressive. Between the costumes bright colors and beautiful fabrics and the detail of the sets, audiences felt as though they were a part of Agrabah themselves.

My favorite song in both the original and the remake is “Prince Ali.” This is one of, if not the most, elaborate scenes in the entire film. Will Smith was able to make the scene his own while remaining true to the original, sung by the late Robin Williams. 

As a lover of the original Aladdin, I had high hopes and the film surpassed my expectations.