Today, I was able to take a stroll down memory lane and let nostalgia be my guide. Aladdin is a Disney giant that took its first magic carpet ride in 1992. Today, Aladdin knocked the dust off of the old magic carpet once again. This movie stars newcomers Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine. Hollywood giant, Will Smith plays the Genie. So let’s see how the reboot rebounded.

First, let’s get the cat out of the bag. This reboot hits all of the classic notes from the animated movie. However, the movie updates the story to feature current sociocultural climate notes and additional songs. This isn’t just a live version carbon copy, and I’m glad Disney made changes.

Both Mena and Naomi, do a very good job in their roles as Aladdin and Jasmine. They both display some good singing ability and acting skills. And, of course Raja and Abu steal your hearts in this movie. Will Smith, had the hardest job of all by having to live up to Robin William’s original portrayal, but he does a very good job as well. Will gives the audience a funny, high energy, charming, and current version of the Genie. As for Jafar and the Sultan, they also do a good job, but honestly the Sultan isn’t really featured, and Jafar needed to be more devilish.

This was a good movie, but the additional parts and songs in the movie did not add much to it. People who enjoyed this movie growing up will say just “give me the original movie,” and move on. But those who are not familiar with the original movie, will enjoy the magic ride that Disney took us on.

Long story short, families with kids should definitely go see this movie in the theaters, whether at night time or matinee. Everyone else, especially those who loved the movie as a kid decades ago, I would say you can see the matinee. But, honestly you should wait for Redbox or a streaming service rental for $4.99 to see a whole new world.