Aladdin Movie Review: It’s Not a ‘Whole New World’
Aladdin recently joined an increasingly long list of Disney classic animated movies that have been adapted into live-action films, and this Friday, you can take a magic carpet ride with the live-action Aladdin when it hits a theater near you. This live-action version is based on the classic 1992 Disney cartoon we all fell in love with as kids, with a bit of flair that the Broadway musical brought.
As you prepare yourself to fall in love with the story of Aladdin, Jasmine, and Genie all over again, go into this movie reminding yourself that it is no longer that childhood cartoon you fell in love with. While there are parts that are direct copies of the movie, songs you know and love – there are also additional musical numbers as well. I found these additional musical numbers to be oddly timed, especially when Jasmine breaks out into what appears to be a rap music video (you’ll understand when you see it).
When it was announced that there would be a live-action Aladdin, I was beyond excited. I mean remember how amazing Beauty and the Beast turned out to be? Then the cast was revealed, and I learned that Will Smith would be playing the Genie – that’s a big lamp to fill since Robin Williams had more energy and piazza in that role. Will Smith brings a unique kind of flair to the Genie’s musical numbers, however, the success of said flair is up for debate. In all honesty, I did not like Will Smith as the Genie – at all. No, it’s not because of the fact I love Robin Williams so much, I did go see the Broadway production when it was in Detroit and loved Michael James Scott as the Genie – now he brought some serious flair. From the start, I just wasn’t in love with how Smith portrayed the Genie, and as the movie went on I disliked him more and more. With the Genie having such a large role in Aladdin it definitely made it hard for me to like the movie. I mean honestly when beatboxing starts in Friend Like Me I was done – and I love beatboxing, but in Aladdin, it made no sense what so ever.
Since Agrabah is a made up country, this gives Disney the creative freedom to go above and beyond – and they did… maybe a little too far. Agrabah featured a mash-up of several Middle Eastern cultures, and there was even an out of place Bollywood musical act thrown into the mix. When seeing the movie pay close attention to the outfits and architecture – it’s gorgeous.
In the end, this is a remake, it’s a story that has already been told before and has been told better. The live-action version definitely has some spotty CGI, that offered some awkward scenes. I definitely cannot say that it is better than its 1992 animated predecessor or the Broadway Musical.
Hitch a ride on the magic carpet when Aladdin flies into theaters May 24, 2019!
Who Plays Who:
Will Smith as the Genie
Mena Massoud as Aladdin
Naomi Scott as Jasmine
Marwan Kenzari as Jafar
Navid Negahban as the Sulton
Red, White and Made in Michigan
Memorial weekend is right around the corner, and Kroger has you covered with all your made in Michigan needs to complete your backyard barbecue. I don\’t know about you, but I love shopping for items that are made in Michigan, especially when they\’re conveniently located at my favorite grocery store Kroger. To make things even easier Kroger has made in Michigan signs up so you know you\’re shopping from stuff made right here. There are a few staple items every barbecue should have….something to grill, condiments, something delicious to drink and of course you can\’t forget dessert!
Now let\’s talk about some of my made in Michigan favorites that will be headlining the show at my Memorial Day backyard barbecue.
Towne Club: Before I quit drinking pop Towne Club Michigan Cherry was my absolute favorite. Even though I no longer drink pop I know that others love to drink pop, therefore, I make sure I always have some on hand. I especially love Towne Club, because it comes in vintage glass bottles.
Marcia\’s Sweet and Sassy Pickles: I must admit I am a pickle snob! When my great-grandma was with us she would make the best homemade pickles, that recipe got passed down to my mum (who does an amazing job), and then it was passed to me (who just goes to her parent\’s house to make them with her mum haha). The pickles my family makes are amazing, and I usually dislike everyone else jar pickles, that\’s until Marcia\’s came into the picture. These Sweet and Sassy Pickles are my new favorite (sorry mum!).
Sanders Bumpy Cake: You can\’t go wrong with chocolate cake and vanilla cream filling. I love the fact that Sanders sells these personal cakes (it says serves two, but I won\’t tell anyone). These are always a huge hit with guests.
There are a ton of Michigan favorites you can find at Kroger from Better Made Potato Chips to Pop Daddy Popcorn and everything in between. Stay tuned for more made in Michigan posts in the next few months!
Thank you Kroger for giving me the opportunity to check out a variety of made in Michigan products!
Popcorn Cookies
Let’s get down to business. I am a professional snacker and I take snacking very seriously. It has to be a great snack in order to make the cut, and with the changing of the weather, I have been thinking about outdoor movies and popcorn. That’s when the idea of Popcorn Cookies came to mind. These cookies feature pieces of Grand Rapids Popcorn Company Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn, to create the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Beware, these cookies are highly addictive.
Popcorn Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups popcorn (I used sea salt caramel), lightly crushed
1 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt together.
5. Gradually beat into creamed mixture.
6. Stir in popcorn and chocolate chips.
7. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
9. Bake until golden brown (7-12 minutes).
10. Remove and cool on wire racks.
11. Enjoy!
Waitress the Musical
A recipe for success, Waitress has been delighting audiences with its sugary sweet presence on Broadway for awhile now, and the national tour finally came to Detroit, Michigan.
From the moment you walk into the Fisher Theatre you are transported into the world of Joe’s Pie Diner. The air is full of the delicious smell of apples and cinnamon and Achatz Handmade Pie Company was even there selling mini versions of their Dutch Apple and Four Berry Pies..yum! A number of ingredients come together to create this whimsical and flavorful show. The cherry pie themed curtain is adorable, there are even two rotating pie display cabinets on either side of the stage really make it feel like you’re in the diner. Music and lyrics are by Sara Bareilles, and trust me you’ll be singing them on your way out of the show.
Waitress tells the story of Jenna (Christine Dwyer), an expert pie maker stuck in a horrible marriage. She disguises her woes with her inventively named pies; Marshmallow Mermaid Pie, Lonely Chicago Pie, I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby Pie and more. Jenna’s gal pals Becky (Maiesha McQueen) and Dawn (Ephie Aardema) both work at the diner with her and are all about Jenna living out her dreams of getting out of her small town and away from her awful husband Earl (Jeremy Woodard). A sudden pregnancy and an encounter with the attractive Dr. Pomatter (Steven Good) gives Jenna a glimpse of what she could have if she only had the courage to bake up her dream life.
With seamless scene changes, and actual ingredients used to whip up recipes this show is like one you’ve never seen before. The lyrics are so catchy, and I think I will be singing sugar, butter, flour the next time I bake a pie. Waitress is a sugary sweet show, filled with comedy and moments of grit that will leave you hungry for more.
Coming to Detroit: Jersey Boys
this is a hosted post
Get ready Detroit! The Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-Winning Best Musical Jersey Boys will be at the Music Hall for a three night engagement Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19.
Fashion meets Food 