Aladdin

It's fine... A very straightforward, big spectacle musical.

It's bizarre in a way that's sometimes funny-bad and sometimes just bad-bad.

Disney's remake of Aladdin features human actors and digital creatures, but don't call it "live-action." Maladroit and overlong, its resting state is moribund.

Aladdin wasn't perfect, but nothing will ever live up to the classic '92 version. Still, if you have a kiddo, or if you're still a big kid at heart, we certainly recommend it.

The new telling brings little that feels essential, and the missing elements-chiefly, the controlled chaos and unbridled comedy of the late Robin Williams' vocal performance-have given the film's candy-colored visual palate a homesick pall.

What a frustration, though, that in the 27 years from when the animated version of Aladdin was a cultural phenomenon, Disney still can't figure out a way to remove the Orientalism.

In short, it's a whole old world.

When the giant CGI Will Smith is bouncing around, it doesn't work...but when he plays himself, he's very charming, the best part of the movie...the actors are trying to break free, but some of the dialogue and performances are cringe-worthy.

Marwan Kenzari snarls it up as the villainous Jafar, while Nasim Pedrad is endearing and funny as Jasmine's handmaiden and best friend Dalia...

The film is not absolutely dreadful. It's just not original or fascinating which is not a punishable offense in most states.

Despite its familiarity, something is amiss in Guy Ritchie's soapy, bland rehash.

There are efforts made, whether through good faith or just market savvy, to update Princess Jasmine into a people's champion who might prefer ruling to romance. Enough to make you wish the Disney people had gone whole hog and just called it Jasmine.

Ritchie failed to bring his signature style to this forgettable Disney reboot.

The nonhuman element (Abu) is great; there is also a perfectly charming Magic Carpet. There is just an unfortunate shortage of magic.

With "Aladdin," they've done the leveling with just enough style and pizazz that most moviegoers won't care that it's a retread, and the leads are good enough to make you hope they'll go on to something real.

Smith understandably didn't want to compete with Williams, but as the big, blue, top-knotted Genie, he's uncharacteristically bland. Even the magic carpet in this movie looks bummed out.

Disney needs three wishes for its live-action "Aladdin" remake: for a better Genie, a better script and a soul.

Of course, if one really wanted to hear awkward and over-emoted interpretations of classic Disney songs, they could save themselves the trouble of buying a movie ticket and just check into the nearest middle-school talent show.

The few light laughs aren't enough to justify awakening the Genie. But he's out, and it's too late now to stuff him back in the lamp.

I enjoyed watching [Aladdin], this colorful Arabian fairy tale a musical remake I happily sung along with.