By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Sept. 10, unless otherwise noted: Aladdin (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, action and danger The lowdown: This live-action remake of the Disney animated classic tries hard but cannot quite reach the magical heights of its animated predecessor. The main problem is that the frenetic and maniacal vocal performance of Robin Williams’ Genie from the original casts a huge shadow over this version. And while Will Smith brings his own energy to the role, it still pales in comparison with Williams. And some of the tinkering done in director Guy Ritchie’s remake also fails to ring true — especially the new, politically correct version of Princess Jasmine, who is shown as a champion of the downtrodden and an independent-spirited young woman. Overall, this remake is entertaining, but cannot recapture the charming spirit of its predecessor. Critics thought so as well, giving the movie a 57 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.
New to View: Sept. 10
New to View: Sept. 10
New to View: Sept. 10
By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, Sept. 10, unless otherwise noted: Aladdin (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, action and danger The lowdown: This live-action remake of the Disney animated classic tries hard but cannot quite reach the magical heights of its animated predecessor. The main problem is that the frenetic and maniacal vocal performance of Robin Williams’ Genie from the original casts a huge shadow over this version. And while Will Smith brings his own energy to the role, it still pales in comparison with Williams. And some of the tinkering done in director Guy Ritchie’s remake also fails to ring true — especially the new, politically correct version of Princess Jasmine, who is shown as a champion of the downtrodden and an independent-spirited young woman. Overall, this remake is entertaining, but cannot recapture the charming spirit of its predecessor. Critics thought so as well, giving the movie a 57 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.