You know those people with a big mouth who always speak their minds and can't resist saying what needs to be said at times? How you would hate those people in real live, but most of the time, LOVE seeing them in situations out of realism?

Welcome to the real-life versus animation debate.

Well not actually, let that be for other people. Honestly, haven't seen the Aladdin remake yet (like Detective Pikachu. hey, we're BUSY), but buzz has circulated even now. First it was about the Genie, then it was about ethnics, then the singing...and it twists my tail when people refer to the original as "the cartoon". What an insult!
Seriously, the original Aladdin (Disney's, not THE original Aladdin, one of tales in The Book of One Thousand and One Nights), was amazing. It had great characters, fantastic musical numbers (and this is coming from a guy not so into musicals), and plenty of energy from one scene to the next....
,...and like many have explained, you just can't get that kind of thing from actual, REAL people. At least to the degrees you see in animation.

So of COURSE there's drawbacks to live-action. But do we compensate because of that? Or do we simply want to expect more?
But then, of course, we get into the whole "which is better", or who grew up with what, or appealing to new audiences, or adding new stuff and doing their own thing...
...it's all really one huge mess.
I don't know what's with all the live-action films these days showing up. Detective Pikachu, Sonic, and the SLEW of Disney ones (Aladdin, Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo to name the noticable ones at least). But it remains the same...'

Honestly, I get why some want to go back to old classics and try to reinvent a few for new ages and what not...but really I think it just tears things. You either make a success, which bridges a gap between those who like the original and those who like the new one...or you make a failure that sullies it's reputation and does injustice to characters people loved.

Really, I guess I'm just ranting here. Don't know why. I guess because Aladdin is one of those films that got it right the first time...making live-action rather unnecessary. I can't make final judgements till I actually see it, but initial material was skeptical.
I didn't mind Will Smith as Genie. In fact, as long as he didn't pull a "Cypher Raige" on us (you know what I'm talking about), he seemed like a good choice.
But obviously, the musicals were going to suffer. I mean the energy from the original Aladdin was beyond human capability. While it seemed like "Friend Like Me" may do ok, that's mainly because of all the CGI. "Prince Ali" however...well....seems like the energy got sucked out of the kingdom before showtime.
Also, 'hot Jafar' what the....? That's probably the biggest thing to people, and honestly, a weird slip up to make. I mean, I get it....Jafar's a manipulator, but honestly doesn't hide his true purpose too well...

Ok, by now you've seen the deck-clip and probably want me to shut up and talk about the elephant---er---parrot in the room. Ok ok ok.
Honestly, in the original, aside from Genie (lets face it, it's a given he's the top, great work Robin, RIP), Iago was my favorite character. I don't know why. Guess his abrasiveness reminded me a little of me, or how I wanted to be with some people. Gilbert's got a shrill voice for sure, but he did Iago like a champ, and that Macaw was a enduring bast#*% heh heh.
I mean obviously he was popular enough that the SEQUEL (despite direct-to-video) was focused on a REDEMPTION ARC for him. I mean jeez. That's pretty significant to dedicate an entire film to a character, exploring their mindset a bit more, and giving them a turnaround (which later led into the animated series).
Actually maybe THAT'S why I like Iago so much. You got to know him better in the sequel, see that, while he can be jerkish at times, he's got a heart. I don't think Disney did that for any other character, or possibly, at least, Iago was the first.

So...when I hear Gilbert wasn't asked to be brought back, was a little surprised. But now even more surprised to hear Iago barely gets any lines...instead he gets to 'go giant'. And yeah, hear the excuse as to why....
....*sigh* stop...trying...to...make....things...SO...realistic. Disney, you're making the LION KING. If you want to STICK WITH YOUR SAYING, guess what, we'll get about 10 or so lines total in that movie then. A "everything the light touches", "never return Simba", and a dash of "this is CNN" is all ya get.
.....you know they won't do that.

Restricting this loud mouth parrot from speaking his mind is an insult to the character. Sheesh. have some respect for your own work Disney, honestly. Where is the pride in original work, the INTEGRITY?!......oh right you're messing up Artemis Fowl too....probably don't have it anymore...

.....can I come in now?

Oui, yes...

Feel better?

Gotta rant some times.

Yeah I know buddy. Feel better after the trip though?

...It's because I'm blue it made me the Genie by auto-settings didn't it?

Umm...I guess?

Oui....fine....'

So....you were fine with ground-pounding that parrot into the sand...?

Oh he'll be fine. Guy knows I like'em....

But....wouldn't that have hurt...?

....You'd Be Surprised At What You Can Live Through....