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A review by angelofthetardis
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I love a good 'What If' rabbit hole. Probably because I've spent most of my life playing that game inside my head with every aspect of my daily life. So at least when it happens in fiction, I can relax knowing it will have no disastrous real world consequences! As a result, I'm intrigued by the Disney Twisted Tales series - taking our favourite Disney stories and turning them on their heads to show a darker alternative.
The first in the series is about Aladdin, and what would have happened if Jafar had been the one to first summon the Genie. It's definitely darker, that's for sure! I found it incredibly difficult to place the Disney characters within this context, but it wasn't a bad thing. They all felt less cartoonish, more three dimensional - in some respects I'd compare it to watching the live action version when you're a fan of the original animation... you still recognise everything, but it strikes you in a completely different way.
There are a few moments in here that you would never see in a Disney movie, which actually adds to the 'grown up' feel of the books. The story explores themes like poverty, (in)equality and forced marriage far more explicitly than the film, and in places feels like it's giving quite a serious commentary on the issues. However, that doesn't detract from the entertainment value and actually fits in very nicely.
I also like that they give Jasmine (and the other women) far more agency. She's not just a Disney Princess; in this, she has far more of a 'Princess Leia' vibe going on - far more capable than people give her credit for! It feels like a better balance between Aladdin and Jasmine and really gives her character some depth. But again, this does mean I cannot imagine the Disney animated characters when reading - they just don't fit.
Which brings me on to the biggest disappointment - the Genie. Now, I know he's in a tough spot in this book and so isn't going to be as genial as you'd hope, but my goodness does the character feel lacking and flat. It's 100% down to Robin Williams inhabiting that character so incredibly; it's impossible for any other version to match up! The author has tried to keep some of the attitude about the Genie, but it just doesn't work without his manic energy and incredible improv skills. Basically, it needed him to write the part.
So Aladdin isn't my favourite Disney movie, but I can appreciate the attempt at giving it a change of direction.
The first in the series is about Aladdin, and what would have happened if Jafar had been the one to first summon the Genie. It's definitely darker, that's for sure! I found it incredibly difficult to place the Disney characters within this context, but it wasn't a bad thing. They all felt less cartoonish, more three dimensional - in some respects I'd compare it to watching the live action version when you're a fan of the original animation... you still recognise everything, but it strikes you in a completely different way.
There are a few moments in here that you would never see in a Disney movie, which actually adds to the 'grown up' feel of the books. The story explores themes like poverty, (in)equality and forced marriage far more explicitly than the film, and in places feels like it's giving quite a serious commentary on the issues. However, that doesn't detract from the entertainment value and actually fits in very nicely.
I also like that they give Jasmine (and the other women) far more agency. She's not just a Disney Princess; in this, she has far more of a 'Princess Leia' vibe going on - far more capable than people give her credit for! It feels like a better balance between Aladdin and Jasmine and really gives her character some depth. But again, this does mean I cannot imagine the Disney animated characters when reading - they just don't fit.
Which brings me on to the biggest disappointment - the Genie. Now, I know he's in a tough spot in this book and so isn't going to be as genial as you'd hope, but my goodness does the character feel lacking and flat. It's 100% down to Robin Williams inhabiting that character so incredibly; it's impossible for any other version to match up! The author has tried to keep some of the attitude about the Genie, but it just doesn't work without his manic energy and incredible improv skills. Basically, it needed him to write the part.
So Aladdin isn't my favourite Disney movie, but I can appreciate the attempt at giving it a change of direction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death