Recently, I finally took the time to watch the 2019 live adaptation of Aladdin. While I found it to be a fantastic film, I couldn't help but feel that it didn't quite capture all the magic of the original animated version from 1992.
The music in the live-action film was enjoyable, but it lacked some of the memorable moments and creativity that made the animated version so special. One major disappointment for me was the absence of the cobra transformation, a crucial element that was left out and downplayed in the movie.
On a positive note, Naomi Scott's portrayal of Princess Jasmine was exceptional. Her performance, especially during her solo song, added a powerful and empowering dimension to the character that I felt was missing in the animated version, where she often felt like a sidekick to Aladdin.
While Will Smith's portrayal of the Genie felt a bit odd to me, I appreciated the casting choices overall. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Aladdin and the impressive dance sequences. However, I do wish that the film had stayed truer to the original animated version, rather than feeling like a mere copy-and-paste job, similar to what was done with The Lion King.
In conclusion, while the 2019 live adaptation of Aladdin was a great film in its own right, I believe it could have benefited from staying more faithful to the beloved 1992 animated classic.