A third of the way through Aladdin (1992), the “streetrat”-turned-faux-Prince-Ali sneaks his way onto Princess Jasmine’s balcony. When Jasmine gasps, he floats back up on his magic carpet, capturing her attention. After capturing Aladdin, the boy finds a magic carpet, the lamp and a genie inside who grants him three wishes. The leads, Naomi Scott (Jasmine) and Massoud (Aladdin), have a sweet chemistry, and ooze the charm of their Disney counterparts. Because there’s a power in stories where you recognize yourself; perhaps it’s leant me a rose(water)-coloured filter.

Source: National Post May 23, 2019 15:11 UTC