Aladdin Review: 4 Ups & 5 Downs

2. Naomi Scott & Mena Massoud's Solid Lead Performances

Aladdin Jasmine
Disney

Will Smith may be the easy MVP here, but in Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud the film also finds a rock solid Jasmine and Aladdin.

Scott in particular makes for a charismatic and strong-headed Jasmine, and delivers easily the most consistently impressive vocal performance across the board.

Massoud isn't quite as assured as Aladdin, but nevertheless proves to be a convincing live-action adaptation of the animated hero, both as a fleet-footed thief and a more awkward romantic interest for Jasmine.

Admirably, the film doesn't layer on the romantic entanglement too thickly, allowing Scott and Massoud's natural chemistry to win out above a potentially contrived love story.

They certainly deserved better material, but both performers work well enough with what they've got.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.