Rating of
2/4
Not enough street cred for street rat and Genie
Cavernstones - wrote on 09/05/19
No. Just no. Will Smith may be a great artist as he does have great charm, but he is seriously miscast here. His lack of singing talent combined with the first half of the movie where he was trying too hard to make it his own role derailed some of the magic this film may have generated. Maybe Disney was trying to target a younger audience than the original animated movie, because those under 13 likely don't care about that blatant street American sounding of the lines. Jafar also never really attains the presence and maniacal power that the esteemed Johnathan Freeman brought to the role originally.
On the positive side, Naomi Scott confidently soars as Princess Jasmine in a more contemporary version of a role model for woman of all ages. Her voice glides and is always in touch with the moment, especially during Jasmine newly written song for this version.
Younger children will likely love this , but adults should just go back and rewatch the original.
