It moves from darkness and violence into cartoonish territory and back again, never quite becoming anything more than a mess.Īnd one more thing. I struggle to believe either fans OR newbies will find anything to love here. Have watched the Disney movie? Then go watch it again. Haven't watched the Disney movie? Then go watch that instead. Honestly, there is no reason to read this book. Aladdin has no personality beyond his desire to save everyone else. Jafar is nothing more than a pantomime antagonist. They are never developed beyond one-dimensional hero/villain/love interest archetypes. The novel is contradictory in that it's boring to read it having already watched the movie, but the story almost assumes the reader is familiar with the Disney characters. So, don't things get better after that? In one word: nope. Why bother when I can just watch the excellent Disney version instead?īut, yes, after about 25% the story changes when Jafar traps Aladdin underground (no magic lamp this time) and proceeds to take over and terrorize Agrabah with the genie. It was actually painfully boring to read the parts that were an exact novelization of the film. “All this for a loaf of bread?” Aladdin asked, exasperated. And, the small prologue aside, we once again meet Aladdin in the market when he is stealing bread and being chased by the Sultan's guards - just like in the movie. 25% - down to copying the exact dialogue in parts - but then changes a single element of the plot to spin the story in a new direction.īeing a fan of the Disney movie, I found myself saying some of the lines before the characters.

Instead, it's more of a fan fiction that recreates the Disney film for the first approx. And, the small prologue aside, we once again meet Aladdin in the market when he is stealing br A Whole New World, contrary to what I initially believed, is not really a retelling. Being a fan of the Disney movie, I found myself saying some of the lines before the characters. 25% - down to copying the exact dialogue in parts - but then changes a single element of the plot to spin the story in a new direction. Also included in the soundtrack a new version of “Friend Like Me,” performed by Will Smith (who plays Genie) and DJ Khaled.A Whole New World, contrary to what I initially believed, is not really a retelling.

The duet will be featured in the film’s soundtrack as well as the end credits, similar to Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle’s version from the 1992 original. “The selection of artists, producer and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this,” president of Walt Disney Studio’s Music & Soundtracks Mitchell Leib said in a statement. “Zayn’s vocals are like no other and his artistic imprint immediately brought a contemporary and diverse presence.” The former One Direction singer personally selected Ward for the collaboration, who stands on a rooftop in a vibrant red silk blouse, looking up at the sky and singing “Unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings.”

Sadly, the video features no magic carpet ride.ĭirected by Philip Andelman, the clip shows Malik and Ward sing the romantic ballad in various parts of Manhattan in the evening, including Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace. Zayn Malik and Zhavia Ward have teamed up for a duet on “A Whole New World,” which will be featured in Disney’s upcoming Aladdin remake.

Aladdin a whole new world