Fantasy Guy Ritchie Directing Disney's Aladdin

[Melpardus]

But if what that history involves something that is objectively racist (or otherwise problematic in some way) and how that media is distributed and consumed is objectively a part of the evolution of the character and story overtime, why not write about it?

 

[Primal Slayer]

If they had Sean Connery in this, he could still have a Scottish accent, just like he was a Scottish Russian in the Hunt for Red October.

Good thing that he wouldn't be cast in this movie, much less part of anyone from Agrabah.

 

[jmc]

But if what that history involves (something that is objectively racist or otherwise problematic in some way) and how that media is distributed and consumed is objectively a part of the evolution of the character and story overtime, why not write about it?

Because defining what is problematic isn't always so black and white, what one person find objectionable another might find to be meaningless, so are these articles suppose to be an opinion piece or something factual? The answer is they are usually trying to be both.

 

[Melpardus]

When everything is an issue, then nothing is.

Catchy, but that "When everything's ____, nothing is" logic doesn't always work.

The way I see, it doesn't hurt to broach the topic and explain why those things might be at least seen as problems in certain communities. Mileage will vary regarding how much weight one wants to give to said problems, but just acknowledging that it's there shouldn't be poo-pooed is all I'm saying, especially in a context where people who haven't historically had voices and platforms to be heard on can express themselves and their perspectives now. But I digress.

At what point do you start changing everything for the sake of verisimilitude?

Should the film be in Arabic with English subtitles to be more accurate?

And all the songs in this sound don't sound like Middle Eastern songs but American-written Disney songs and musical theatre. Do you rearrange the orchestration for everything to sound more Arabic with corresponding instruments? Or maybe even change the melodies, lyrics and even language? How far do you go?

They definitely took at least some of the music (at least that I've heard) more in that direction, save for the parts that needed to stay "recognizable". I'd actually have given Disney a ton of credit if they'd had the characters speaking Arabic through much or even all of the film; I'm sure most people watching this know the story well enough to not have to rely on the dialogue to understand what's happening. By the way, for anyone who's seen it, do any of the characters actually say "Allahu akbar" or "Praise Allah" in this? I know one of those phrases is said in the '92 version and I'm genuinely curious if they had the balls to include it here.

 

[jmc]

Catchy, but that "When everything's ____, nothing is" logic doesn't always work.

The way I see, it doesn't hurt to broach the topic and explain why those things might be at least seen as problems in certain communities. Mileage will vary regarding how much weight one wants to give to said problems, but just acknowledging that it's there shouldn't be poo-pooed is all I'm saying, especially in a context where people who haven't historically had voices and platforms to be heard on can express themselves and their perspectives now. But I digress.

One person, hell even a group of people, are not spokespersons for an entire community. As I said, what one finds objectionable, another might find meaningless. If everything gets dissected to such a tiny degree as is happening more and more, then all we'll end up with is entertainment that gets blander and blander trying not to offend people. Jamie Foxx said it best, you've got to allow creative people some area to play in without crying foul of every inaccuracy. There's got to be some leeway given creatively. To stick to real world logic and standards all the time is creatively suffocating.

 

[Kuwolski]

Meh, complainers will complain and this appears to be making huge cash. Audiences are liking it more then I ever thought they would based on the trailers. It's clear who the winner is.

 

[THORin]

Catchy, but that "When everything's ____, nothing is" logic doesn't always work.

The way I see, it doesn't hurt to broach the topic and explain why those things might be at least seen as problems in certain communities. Mileage will vary regarding how much weight one wants to give to said problems, but just acknowledging that it's there shouldn't be poo-pooed is all I'm saying, especially in a context where people who haven't historically had voices and platforms to be heard on can express themselves and their perspectives now. But I digress.


They definitely took at least some of the music (at least that I've heard) more in that direction, save for the parts that needed to stay "recognizable". I'd actually have given Disney a ton of credit if they'd had the characters speaking Arabic through much or even all of the film; I'm sure most people watching this know the story well enough to not have to rely on the dialogue to understand what's happening. By the way, for anyone who's seen it, do any of the characters actually say "Allahu akbar" or "Praise Allah" in this? I know one of those phrases is said in the '92 version and I'm genuinely curious if they had the balls to include it here.

The only reference to Islam that I heard was indirect, by changing a reference to Sunday in the original “Prince Ali” song to Friday.

 

[Dark Raven]

Catchy, but that "When everything's ____, nothing is" logic doesn't always work.

When every person on earth is human, then no-one is.

 

[InvisibleWoman]

Seeing this in a few hours... exciteddddd!

 

[terry78]

I liked the flick but...lol.

 

[Lily Adler]

Count me in who felt Speechless was really misplace and maybe unnecessary..

 

[THORin]

Count me in who felt Speechless was really misplace and maybe unnecessary..

I thought it was one of the movie’s highlights. Also - it really resonates in this time, especially with the MeToo movement inspiring women to speak up about abuse and harassment, and the way that women are fighting for equal rights in countries like Saudi Arabia.

 

[InvisibleWoman]

Just finished seeing this and it did NOT disappoint. I loved it! Will Smith smashed it and it was so nice to see him back on form! He really looked like he was having fun!

Mena looked like the cartoon brought to life. It's the first thing I've seen him in and I was impressed .

 

[THORin]

Just finished seeing this and it did NOT disappoint. I loved it! Will Smith smashed it and it was so nice to see him back on form! He really looked like he was having fun!

Mena looked like the cartoon brought to life. It's the first thing I've seen him in and I was impressed .

I'm so glad you loved the movie! What did you think of Naomi Scott?

 

[InvisibleWoman]

I'm so glad you loved the movie! What did you think of Naomi Scott?

Star making turn. What a voice! I loved Speechless and had no issue with it's placement. Knew she was going be huge after seeing her in Power Rangers.

 

[THORin]

I was blown away by her singing-voice. Mena Massoud was also a pretty good singer

 

[kaypain]

I liked the flick but...lol.

Whatever

Remakes and reimagining happens all the time. It's not that serious.

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Is this worth seeing at the cinemas?

 

[THORin]

Is this worth seeing at the cinemas?

I’d say yes: Will Smith and Naomi Scott especially make it worth it. The songs are incredible. The movie is hilarious too: it’s really enjoyable and a great way to relax on the weekend.

 

[InvisibleWoman]

Is this worth seeing at the cinemas?

Yes. I went with my boyfriend and parents and they all loved it. Friend Like Me was my favourite part.

 

[terry78]

Disney's 'Aladdin' Tops Box Office With Huge $207 Million Worldwide Debut

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Might have to check it out then.

 

[InvisibleWoman]

Might have to check it out then.

Do it! Seems to be going down well with audiences even if it didn't quite work for critics!

 

[Schlosser85]

I’m seeing this in an hour or so. Going in with low expectations so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised?

 

[Phoenix_Flare]

Loved this movie!!! It brought out my inner 90s kid, friend like me, a whole new world, I sung along and I like the new songs. I like how Jafar got some backstory Abu had no lines but was still funny. Naomi Scott is a riding a star ️! Mena is going to open so many doors for his people and have one hell of an career. Last but not least Will was amazing I’m sure Robin’s would be proud if this cast and movie!!!