I’m going to tell you a song lyric. And I’m going to bet that as soon as you read it, images are going to pop in your head.
You ain’t never had a friend like me.
If you are anything like me, an image of a wise-cracking blue genie dancing a grandiose musical number popped in your head. Now that wise-cracking blue genie may be an animated version voiced by someone who wanted to remain uncredited, or it may be the Fresh Prince. I mean Will Smith.
Either one is valid. And either one was a pretty good movie.
And by “pretty good movie” I mean “Awesome movie.”
Aladdin is considered by many to be a classic. I’m talking about the animated one. And it would not surprise me if the live action one is not designated one as well. Personally, I haven’t seen a movie in the theater twice since the original Star Wars. I have officially seen Aladdin twice in the theater. That should tell you something. That something is that it was a really good movie. I probably need a new adjective.
The live action version of Aladdin manages to do something I never thought would be possible. It captures the magic of the original. Can anyone ever equal Robin Williams’ incredible range and voice talent? Probably not. His ability to create memorable and unique characterizations is almost unprecedented. And if they had tried to make a live-action version in 1992 it probably would not have worked as well. But digital effects have come a long way in 27 years and that combined with Will Smith’s amazing vocal range puts his Aladdin right up there with Robin Williams’ Aladdin.
So, if you want to see a giant blue genie that can sing and dance and will be a friend like you’ve never had before. Check out Aladdin. You won’t regret it, no matter which one you choose to watch.
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