Warning: Minor spoilers ahead. You probably know them.
On May 23, 2019, the people of Puerto Rico were excited to witness for the first time the live-action remake of many people’s favorite childhood Disney movie. The city of Ponce’s mall, Plaza del Caribe’s movie theater, Caribbean Cinemas, was filled with families for the premiering of the live action film. Public of all ages visited the movie theater at 11:50 to acquire the first look of the movie they’ve been waiting for “since live-actions started to be a thing”. Almost everyone in the audience was wearing a piece of Aladdin or Disney merchandise, appearing proud and prepared to watch Aladdin. This straightforward remake captured the audience’s attention with its bright colors and intricate choreography.
The movie Aladdin captures the story of a poor young man that steals to eat, survive, and feed his monkey pal Abu. After he meets Princess Jasmine, who is disguised and tells him she is Dalia, her handmaid, Aladdin decides to go to the palace and after he meets her again, he is encountered with the story’s evil figure, Jafar, the Grand Vizier of Agrabah, the Sultan’s most trusted advisor. Jafar kidnaps him “politely” and tells him that he will help him if he accepts the quest that he has for him: be the diamond in the rough that enters the cave of wonders. He accepts and then embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie who will grant him three wishes. The wishes exclude making someone fall in love or bringing back someone from the dead.
The public had different expectations, some expected to be blown away because of the cast and some to be disappointed by the adaptation and musical numbers. Generally speaking, the audience was impressed. There were minor details changed in the live action remake but the story felt more intricate and possible. The onscreen chemistry between Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud was undeniable. The integration of both protagonists’ background in the narrative helps the audience understand the plot. Another story presented is the Genie’s (Will Smith), of how he bonds with Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and tries to secure his freedom without breaking any genie/master rules. Another is about the princess, Jasmine (Naomi Scott), who’s not just a spirited feminist who can be found disguising herself as a peasant and hanging with the commoners, but seems ready to agitate for representative democracy if the opportunity presents itself. These were moved away from the spotlight rather quickly but they played an important role when deciphering the character’s personality. The musical numbers were amazing.
“It’s amazing! I didn’t even wanna see it, but now it’s one of my faves.” Said Twitter user CarolinaVOPP.
On the downside, others were upset that Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) did not sang at all. The sinister and scary character from the original Aladdin (1992), was portrayed like a greedy Grand Vizier, he was sinister but his most evident quality was greed. There was a scene that was completely eliminated and replaced by a better scene for 2019; but the fact that Jafar didn’t sing the Prince Ali (reprise), in which he embarrasses Aladdin in front of Jasmine disappointed, since that scene was one of the saddest and creepiest ones from the animated motion picture.
“Jafar never once sings in the remake, and that’s a huge letdown. Disney clearly put so much time into finding the perfect Aladdin and Jasmine that it feels like they just played it safe with Jafar.” Said Kristen Acuna from Insider.
Disney decided to change a few scenes and lyrics of the songs because of the original movie’s criticism, making the movie prudent, socially conscious, and tactful. They responded to the audience criticism in the best way: taking action.
Sometime this week I’ll be posting an in depth analysis of the changes of the more “politically correct” Aladdin. It will be about how the changes reflect the time (and its differences) between the creation of both movies. It is evident that social movements matter and are powerful enough to make changes.
+other social media
This review and event coverage was an assignment for one of the first communications classes in the University. It was one of the first events I truly felt like a journalist, using all of my senses to capture the moment.
Veronica Journ 