"Aladdin" First Reactions Are Here & Critics Were Pleasantly Surprised

[Amber]

When Disney dropped the first trailer for Aladdin, many viewers were concerned. The initial issue with the film was Will Smith's take on Genie, a character that is prized as one of Disney's most beloved characters. As more trailers hit the web though, the movie continued to look better and better. Still, fans and critics were worried about Aladdin. This is Disney's first live-action modern remake to feature a cast comprised completely of people with Brown complexion, so many rooting for the film's success were praying that the House of the Mouse would get it right. First reactions have arrived for the film, and critics are claiming the film is much better than they expected. 

ScreenRant's Alex Leadbeater praises the dynamic between the three main stars, Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Naomi Scott (Jasmine), and Smith. Digital Spy thought the movie was a "lavish and enjoyable retelling," but stated, "the less said about Jafar, the better." Apparently, Marwan Kenzari's Jafar is a bit underwhelming. Still, critics heralded the musical pieces, and the energy that Smith brought to Genie. Of course, the chemistry between Aladdin and Jasmine is also crucial, but critics seem to be in agreeance that their on-screen romance is the strongest part of the film. 

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