You almost have to feel bad for “Aladdin.” Based on the massively popular Disney animated film of the same name, the live-action remake has all the makings of yet another blockbuster success for the Mouse House. You have a massive A-lister, Will Smith, taking over the role of Genie, and you have Guy Ritchie, who has proven himself to be quite capable of making a fun action film as the director. But yet, the film just doesn’t have the buzz it should.
Perhaps, it’s the fact that “Avengers: Endgame” has just been released, and for the next couple of weeks, the world is fixated on Captain America and his crew. Or maybe, it’s the simple fact that “Aladdin” is quickly followed (in less than two months) by the biggest gun in the Disney live-action arsenal, “The Lion King.” Either way, we’re less than a month away from “Aladdin,” with tickets going on sale today, and the buzz around the film feels like its the equivalent of the shrugging emoji.
And in the newest TV spot for the film, “Aladdin” is pulling out all the stops to show fans that this is still the classic tale they know and love. You have the famous song, this time with Smith providing vocals, you have the magic carpet ride with the titular character and his love interest. And maybe the biggest part of all, the humor that Robin Williams brought to the role of Genie is still going to be there with the aforementioned Smith, albeit not the same level as the former brought to the table.
So, basically, Disney has one month to convince everyone to get excited about “Aladdin.” We’ll have to wait and see how that goes.
Joining Will Smith in the cast are Mena Massoud as the titular character, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, Marwan Kenzari as Jafar, Navid Negahban as the Sultan, Nasim Pedrad as Dalia, and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
“Aladdin” arrives in theaters on May 24.
Here’s the synopsis:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, the latest is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.”