A new clip from Disney’s upcomingAladdinlive-action remake has landed online, this time giving us a look at a new iteration of one of the animated film’s classic songs. “Prince Ali” is the showstopping number that introduces Aladdin’s new, fancy look thanks to the Genie, and in the animated film is full of color and vibrancy and, well,Robin Williams. Obviously that can’t translate directly into a live-action film, but directorGuy Ritchieand starWill Smithmake the attempt.
The results are… underwhelming. This kind of just feels like a really expensive Will Smith music video, and it lacks and sort of propulsion or visual panache beyond justa lotof confetti. Perhaps it works better in the context of the film, but this clip doesn’t do much to inspire confidence thatAladdinwill be a successful adaptation.
Smith isn’t exactly bad here, but it was always a no-win situation stepping into the shoes of Williams—especiallyin a live-action medium. With animation, Williams’ Genie could morph and twist and shift on the spot, making his performance all the more dynamic. But Smith’s take on Genie is basically his character fromHitch, whose job is to makeover Aladdin and set him up with Jasmine.
We’ll see. Ritchie’s been on a string of good films lately, albeit underrated ones.The Man from U.N.C.L.E.is a charming delight, andKing Arthur: Legend of the Swordis insane in the best way. But I fear Ritchie got kind of lost in the Disney machine here and ended up making something bland and uninspired. Here’s hoping I’m wrong.
Check out theAladdinclip below. The film also starsMena Massoud,Naomi Scott,Marwan Kenzari,Navid Negahban,Nasim Pedrad,Billy Magnussen, andNuman Acar.Aladdinopens in theaters on May 24th.
Here’s the official synopsis forAladdin:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” 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.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.
