As expected, the Nigerian premiere for the much-talked about legacy film, Aladdin finally hit the screens in some fanfare style that left people in an exciting mood for over two hours
With the ado of flowing sarees and turbans, the premiere, held at Sky Cinemas, Sky Mall, Lekki, Sangotedo, Lagos State no doubts lived up to expectations as they rated the star-studded movie high in all facets.
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There was more than enough fanfare on the Magic Carpet which also featured henna artistes under an improvised Arabian tent. Those who were at the premiere, said they could not have spent the day elsewhere as the movie gave them more than they had envisaged for in terms of delivery and class.
The pseudo-musical starred Will Smith, Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud – as the titular character.
Aladdin is the motion picture version of the 1992 animated box office hit of the same name which grossed over US500 million in the 90’s dollars.’ The movie is a thrilling, epic fantasy, adventure movie set in a fictional world resembling early Arabian/Turkish civilization.
The story piques on the life of a courageous and upstanding street urchin, Aladdin (played by Mena Massoud) who catches the eye of the beautiful, daring, sought-after and independent princess of the fictional Agrabah, Jasmine (played by Naomi Scott).
But as a price for sneaking into the palace, to see Jasmine, he got kidnapped by the King’s trusted, but power-hungry advisor, Jafar (played by Marwan Kenzari). This kidnap also leads Aladdin to meet the Genie (played by Will Smith)
The story ends with a victory for Aladdin over Jafar before he marries Jasmine. He also frees the genie. The movie is also features Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia and Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders.
Aladdin was written by John August and Guy Ritchie. The movie is also directed by Guy Ritchie.
The movie premiere is sponsored by Amstel Malta, Dominos, Pinkberry, Coldstone, Vida and Coca-Cola.
There was also an abundance of free food, drinks and appetizers, before the movie even premiered, just as a live band thrilled the eager fans of all ages.
Production is handled by Dan Lin, p.g.a. Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Kevin De La Noy and Marc Platt also serve as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and lyrics by Oscar and Tony Award winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
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