The New Adventures of Aladdin (2015): A Whimsical Heist Gone Hilariously Wrong

In a world saturated with remakes, reboots, and reimaginings, venturing into the realm of "Aladdin" territory is a bold move. Arthur Benzaquen's 2015 French comedy, The New Adventures of Aladdin, doesn’t just dip its toe into the magic carpet ride; it cannonballs in, armed with slapstick humor, modern sensibilities, and a healthy dose of self-awareness. This isn't your Disney's "Aladdin." This is a chaotic, irreverent, and surprisingly charming take on the classic tale, where petty criminals stumble into a fantastical narrative, turning Agrabah on its head. Buckle up, because this review will delve into the sands of time (or rather, a department store after closing hours) to explore whether this Aladdin deserves a wish or just a swift return to the lamp.

Plot: From Department Store Heist to Agrabah Mayhem

The film's narrative framework is deceptively simple. Sam (Kev Adams) and Khalid (William Lebghil), two bumbling friends perpetually down on their luck, hatch a plan to rob a department store on Christmas Eve. Their ill-conceived scheme is interrupted by a group of children who, charmed by Sam's accidental discovery of a Santa Claus costume, beg him to tell them a story. Seizing the opportunity to stall for time and keep the kids occupied while Khalid sets up the robbery, Sam improvises a wildly exaggerated and modernized version of Aladdin.

As Sam narrates, the film transitions into the fantastical world of Agrabah. He casts himself as Aladdin, a street urchin with a penchant for petty theft, while Khalid becomes his loyal (and often exasperated) Genie. Princess Jasmine is portrayed by the beautiful and headstrong Sofia (Vanessa Guide), a modern woman unimpressed by Aladdin's initial attempts at charm. The evil Jafar is, of course, present, played with theatrical villainy by Jean-Paul Rouve, and he's plotting to seize control of Agrabah with the help of his incompetent henchmen.

The beauty (and the humor) lies in the constant interplay between Sam's improvised storytelling and the unfolding events in Agrabah. Sam's personal biases, insecurities, and desires seep into the narrative, shaping Aladdin's character and influencing the plot. The film cleverly uses this meta-narrative to poke fun at the original story, modern society, and even itself. As the robbery plan continues in the real world, the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leading to increasingly absurd and hilarious situations. The climax sees the department store robbery mirroring the events in Agrabah, with Sam and Khalid using their newfound "Aladdin" knowledge to thwart the real-world security guards, echoing their battle against Jafar's forces.

Characters: A Motley Crew of Misfits and Morons

The strength of The New Adventures of Aladdin lies in its cast of quirky and memorable characters.

• Sam/Aladdin (Kev Adams): Adams delivers a performance that is both endearing and infuriating. His Aladdin is not the suave, heroic figure of the Disney adaptation. Instead, he's a flawed, self-serving, and often clueless individual who stumbles into heroism through a combination of luck and desperation. Adams' comedic timing is impeccable, and he manages to make Aladdin relatable despite his many shortcomings. His constant improvisation and ad-libs within the story world add a layer of unpredictability and hilarity.
• Khalid/Genie (William Lebghil): Lebghil shines as the long-suffering Genie, constantly battling Aladdin's ego and incompetence. He serves as the voice of reason (or at least, the closest thing to it) within the chaotic narrative. His deadpan delivery and exasperated expressions are a perfect counterpoint to Adams' over-the-top performance. The chemistry between Adams and Lebghil is palpable, and their comedic partnership is one of the film's highlights.
• Sofia/Princess Jasmine (Vanessa Guide): Guide's Jasmine is a far cry from the damsel-in-distress archetype. She's intelligent, independent, and unimpressed by Aladdin's initial attempts at wooing her. She challenges Aladdin's outdated views and demands respect, making her a strong and modern female character. While her role is somewhat limited compared to the male leads, Guide makes the most of her screen time, delivering a performance that is both charming and empowering.
• Jafar (Jean-Paul Rouve): Rouve embraces the campiness of the villain role, delivering a performance that is both menacing and hilarious. His Jafar is a theatrical megalomaniac with a penchant for dramatic pronouncements and over-the-top schemes. He's a classic villain, but Rouve adds his own unique spin, making him both entertaining and memorable.

The supporting characters, including Jafar's dim-witted henchmen and the various inhabitants of Agrabah (and the department store), add to the film's overall comedic appeal. Each character, no matter how small their role, is given a distinct personality and contributes to the film's overall sense of absurdity.

Direction and Cinematography: Balancing Reality and Fantasy

Arthur Benzaquen's direction is energetic and playful, perfectly capturing the film's comedic tone. He seamlessly blends the real-world setting of the department store with the fantastical world of Agrabah, creating a visual contrast that enhances the film's comedic effect. The transitions between the two worlds are smooth and seamless, maintaining the film's momentum and keeping the audience engaged.

The cinematography, while not groundbreaking, is competent and effective. The scenes in Agrabah are visually vibrant, with rich colors and elaborate set designs that evoke the exotic atmosphere of the Middle East. The use of CGI is generally well-executed, although some of the effects do look a bit dated by today's standards. However, the film prioritizes humor and storytelling over visual spectacle, so the occasional clunky CGI doesn't detract significantly from the overall viewing experience.

Benzaquen makes effective use of slapstick humor, visual gags, and witty dialogue to keep the audience entertained. He also incorporates modern references and social commentary into the narrative, adding a layer of depth to the film's otherwise lighthearted tone. The pacing is generally brisk, although there are a few moments where the film drags slightly. Overall, Benzaquen's direction is confident and assured, demonstrating a clear understanding of the film's comedic potential.

Performances: A Comedic Ensemble at Their Finest

As mentioned earlier, the performances are a major highlight of The New Adventures of Aladdin. Kev Adams and William Lebghil have fantastic chemistry, and their comedic timing is impeccable. They play off each other perfectly, creating a dynamic duo that is both hilarious and endearing. Vanessa Guide delivers a strong and empowering performance as Princess Jasmine, while Jean-Paul Rouve embraces the campiness of the villain role with gusto. The supporting cast is also excellent, each contributing to the film's overall comedic appeal.

Adams, in particular, shines as Sam/Aladdin. He fully commits to the role, throwing himself into the physical comedy and delivering his lines with infectious energy. His improvisational skills are on full display, and he manages to make Aladdin a relatable and sympathetic character despite his many flaws. Lebghil is equally impressive as Khalid/Genie, providing a grounded and relatable counterpoint to Adams' over-the-top performance. Their comedic partnership is the heart of the film, and their scenes together are consistently hilarious.

Themes and Messages: Beyond the Slapstick

While The New Adventures of Aladdin is primarily a comedy, it also explores several underlying themes and messages. One of the central themes is the power of storytelling. Sam uses his improvised version of Aladdin to entertain the children, to escape his own mundane reality, and ultimately to inspire himself and Khalid to overcome their challenges. The film suggests that stories can be a source of hope, inspiration, and even transformation.

Another important theme is the importance of friendship. Sam and Khalid's friendship is tested throughout the film, but ultimately they remain loyal to each other. Their bond is a source of strength and support, helping them to navigate the challenges they face both in the real world and in Agrabah. The film suggests that true friendship is a valuable asset, one that can help us to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

The film also touches on themes of social inequality and the pursuit of happiness. Aladdin's journey from street urchin to hero reflects the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background. The film also critiques the superficiality of modern society, suggesting that true happiness comes from within, not from material possessions or social status. Through Jasmine's character, the film champions female empowerment and challenges traditional gender roles.

Comparison to Similar Films and Previous Works

The New Adventures of Aladdin can be compared to other comedic reimaginings of classic fairy tales, such as Ella Enchanted or A Knight's Tale. Like those films, The New Adventures of Aladdin takes a familiar story and injects it with modern sensibilities, humor, and self-awareness. However, The New Adventures of Aladdin stands out due to its meta-narrative structure and its emphasis on improvisation and slapstick comedy.

Kev Adams, the film's star and co-writer, is known for his stand-up comedy and his roles in other French comedies. His performance in The New Adventures of Aladdin is consistent with his previous work, showcasing his comedic timing and his ability to connect with audiences. Arthur Benzaquen, the director, has also directed other comedies, demonstrating his experience in the genre. However, The New Adventures of Aladdin is arguably his most ambitious and successful film to date.

Positive Aspects: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Ride

The New Adventures of Aladdin has several positive aspects that make it a worthwhile viewing experience.

• The film is genuinely funny, with a consistent stream of jokes, visual gags, and slapstick humor.
• The performances are excellent, particularly those of Kev Adams and William Lebghil.
• The film has a heartwarming message about the power of storytelling and the importance of friendship.
• The meta-narrative structure is clever and engaging.
• The film is visually vibrant and well-paced.

Constructive Criticism: A Few Bumps on the Magic Carpet

Despite its many positive aspects, The New Adventures of Aladdin is not without its flaws.

• Some of the CGI effects look dated.
• The plot can be somewhat predictable at times.
• The humor may not appeal to all audiences, particularly those who dislike slapstick comedy.
• The film occasionally relies on stereotypes and clichés.

While these flaws are present, they do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. The New Adventures of Aladdin is a lighthearted and entertaining comedy that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Conclusion and Rating

The New Adventures of Aladdin is a hilarious and heartwarming reimagining of a classic tale. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing its own absurdity and delivering a consistently entertaining experience. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a fun and enjoyable ride that is sure to leave you smiling. Kev Adams and William Lebghil's comedic chemistry is infectious, and the film's message about the power of storytelling and the importance of friendship is genuinely touching.

For its comedic brilliance, its charming performances, and its surprisingly heartwarming message, The New Adventures of Aladdin earns a solid:

Rating: 7.5/10