As you might remember from my summer movie preview post, I had low expectations going into the live action remake of Disney’s Aladdin. And nonetheless, a lot was pulling me to get to this movie in the theaters: the nostalgia factor cannot be denied (this was an important movie of my childhood of course), the casting looked excellent, the color palate was bright and fun, and most importantly, Raja would be there. I cannot stress this enough. I want a pet tiger.

So, yes, I went to see this movie, but no, I wasn’t expecting to like it at all. Especially since pretty much every Disney live action movie I’ve seen before this has been complete garbage (looking at you Beauty and the Beast). But, friends, I really liked this 2019 adaptation of Aladdin. Maybe I even loved it. So while in all fairness calling Aladdin the best Disney live action adaptation is a VERY LOW BAR, I mean it from the very bottom of my heart. This movie is the best.

But why? Let me break it down for you.