Aladdin Special Look Review!

This past week, Disney Studios released a 'special look' trailer for the live-action Aladdin. I have been eagerly anticipating this trailer so we can get a look at the characters and see how they've been translated from animation to live-action. Before I get into it, you can view the trailer here. Okay, everybody ready?? All right, let's get into it!!

First of all, the trailer is gorgeous from the scenery to the costumes. The music is, of course, amazing and I hope it means that the songs will remain in the movie... maybe?? Then we see the characters: Jafar, Iago, Aladdin, Abu, Carpet, Jasmine, Rajah, and of course, the Genie. The animals seem mostly CGI and Iago didn't speak so that leaves me to wonder if they are going for more realistic animal sidekicks this time... though I can't imagine Iago not talking... but I can live with it. Carpet is obviously all CGI but that was expected. Carpet actually looks exactly like he did in the cartoon which is very nice. However, I have 2 concerns about this movie thus far... the first of which is Jafar. While he definitely looks the part, serpent staff and all, he is definitely younger. I guess this was done so his later desire to marry Princess Jasmine won't seem so icky since they will be closer in age. However, he just seems to lack the presence and darkness that the original had. Still, it was only a clip... maybe he will be better in the movie. Plus, he was supposed to be in disguise when he takes Aladdin to the Cave of Wonders but I don't want to be too nit-picky...

Anyway, speaking of hopefully better, that brings us to my second concern - the Genie. He will be portrayed by Will Smith and that doesn't bother me. He can be very funny given the right script. My issue is with the CGI. It was.... not the best. However, I am willing to admit I did see some stuff I liked... like the beautiful golden details painted on the Genie's arms and the overall appearance of the Genie. He looks like what you imagine the Genie would look like in real life if he was played by Will Smith. I feel like they could have gone farther with the CGI (they are Disney for Pete's sake) to give a more cartoony look. Still, it could be worse.

Overall, this trailer gives me hope and gets me excited for this movie. It is like when I watched trailers for Beauty and Beast... I have my reservations but I still get excited at the prospect of seeing something I grew up watching get made into a live-action movie. If only Dumbo inspired the same excitement... but you can't win them all, I guess, so I will take what I can. That does it for this week. What do you think? Leave a comment below and follow me so you don't miss out on future posts. Until next time, have a great weekend and as always, keep on gaming!!  

Spider-Man: Far From Home Trailer Review

Unless you've been living under a rock, you no doubt know about the trailer for the new Spider-Man movie trailer that has been on Youtube since Jan 15 of this year. I have seen it and while it promises big action... it also leaves a lot of questions. First, if you wish to see the trailer for yourself check it out here. Okay, let's get into it!

1) When is this movie taking place?

One of the first questions to pop up in my mind was - 'when is this supposed to happen'? With another Avengers movie coming out at about the same time, the MCU timeline is... complicated to say the least. Captain Marvel definitely takes place in the past while the next Avengers movie takes place after Infinity War. So.... when is this exactly? It could be before or after since the events of Infinity War are basically... well... not even mentioned. You can't just ignore one of the most infuriating of all the Avengers' story arcs that INCLUDED Spider-Man.... so.... when is this, exactly? We are not given any indication and with Infinity War still on my mind (to the point of almost making me quit Marvel movies altogether) I can't wrap my head around this new adventure without getting some resolution from the previous story arc.

2) The love interest... meh...

First of all, I have nothing against Zendaya at all (I loved her in The Greatest Showman). That being said, I do not care for this MJ... at all. She (and some other side characters) had this horrible attitude in Homecoming and I had hoped they wouldn't keep them around but of course, they do. She was... for lack of a better word... a total pill during the entire movie and added nothing to the plot. Her only purpose, apparently, was to be built up for this movie. She was negative and rude and I do not understand Peter's attraction at all. I know she's not Mary Jane but still....I can only hope they improve her character in this movie.

3) Mysterio?! Ooh...

I love this choice for the villain. This is one of the few Spider-Man villains that I thought would never see the big screen since his costume includes a fishbowl helmet. It sounds like it would look ridiculous but from what I'm seeing, it seems to work and look pretty cool. I look forward to seeing how this villain's story is treated... will he be sympathetic like the Lizard or diabolical like the Green Goblin?? From what little I know (my main exposure to Spidey was in Spider-man: the Animated Series) of this villain, I do expect him to put on a great show. The effects alone look spectacular so I have high hopes.

Well, I think that covers all of my main concerns. Overall, it seems like it will be a decent (if not slightly predictable) movie. I hope you enjoyed this post. Follow me, if you wish, so you don't miss out on future posts. Leave a comment below telling me your thoughts on this latest trailer. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a great weekend and as always, keep on gaming!!