Kathy Hastings

I miss Robin Williams. Without his energy and spontaneity, this movie falls flat. Will Smith just can’t come close to filling his shoes and his performance is underwhelming, to say the least. The large production numbers are brightly colored and spectacular and very Bollywood, not particularly Arabian. Too many minor changes in the songs and dialogue that make them tired and will date them in future years. I mean, who cares if the genie can rap ( in “A Friend Like Me”)? Other than that, Naomi Scott is pretty good as Jasmine, although she never seems quite as determined as in thee original. Not a bad way to spend some time, but the original is definitely superior.