‘Genie’ Movie Review 2023

Harnessing Magic and Family Ties: Unveiling the Enchanting Tale of ‘Genie’ – A Holiday Adventure.

Combine the whimsy of ‘Elf’ with the magic of ‘Aladdin,’ and you’ll arrive at ‘Genie,’ the latest Peacock film that initially charms with its likeable qualities. Lead actor Paapa Essiedu delivers a captivating performance, complemented by Melissa McCarthy’s delightful comic timing. The supporting cast, including Marc Maron and Luis Guzman, adds to the film’s appeal. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that ‘Genie’ struggles to introduce fresh ideas and loses its narrative direction. Despite the film’s attempt to stay afloat with a blend of humor and heartwarming moments, it eventually leaves viewers wondering if the renowned writer of ‘Love Actually’ bothered to complete the screenplay. Positioned as a PG-rated movie centered around a whimsical genie and a father learning a life lesson, ‘Genie’ might meet the modest expectations of families seeking Hallmark-esque holiday escapism. Nevertheless, the film falls short of fulfilling its potential, leaving audiences wishing for a more satisfying cinematic experience.

Essiedu takes on the role of Bernard, an employee dealing with a dreadful boss portrayed by Alan Cumming in what seems like a brief appearance, possibly wrapped up in a single morning of filming. Bernard faces two harsh setbacks in the initial stages of “Genie.” Firstly, his dedication to work causes him to forget his daughter’s birthday, leading to his wife opting for a trial separation. Secondly, he is terminated by Cumming’s antagonistic character, leaving him without both the girl and the job, and dampening his holiday spirit. The plot takes a magical turn with the introduction of Melissa McCarthy as Flora, a genuine genie discovered by Bernard in a jewel box. Flora, having time-traveled two millennia, is captivated by the modern world’s wonders, encompassing smartphones, pizza, and Tom Cruise. McCarthy’s exuberant and comedic performance brings joy to fans of the film, and I must confess to a few genuine laughs at her overt silliness. While she effectively conveys wide-eyed wonder at the contemporary world, it becomes apparent that this is the extent of her character, and the film’s momentum falters as a result.

The fundamental issue with ‘Genie’ lies in its initial burst of energy, which gradually wanes as the narrative transitions from McCarthy’s improvisations to the intricacies of a plot. As Flora and Bernard embark on fulfilling wishes to reconcile with his estranged wife, the storyline becomes a narrative burden, implying that one must undergo a fundamental change to be a good partner. While the final act attempts to backtrack on this notion, viewers are still subjected to an hour of witnessing Bernard transform into a different person.

In a peculiar turn of events, Bernard wishes for his framed Messi jersey to transform into the actual Mona Lisa, resulting in an unforeseen consequence—our hero is unexpectedly thrown into jail for an art theft he didn’t anticipate. It’s at this juncture that one questions whether Curtis intended ‘Genie’ to be a holiday movie. After all, most Christmas films don’t typically incorporate subplots involving art theft.

As for the conclusion of ‘Genie,’ without delving into major spoilers, it essentially conveys a message of ‘don’t work too hard, folks.’ The narrative unfolds as a classic family movie template, exploring the tale of a workaholic who comes to realize the paramount importance of family. While this theme is timeless, most stories of this nature don’t typically involve a genie with the power to fulfill any wish. As ‘Genie’ attempts to evoke sentiment in its final act, it may resonate primarily with the youngest members of the family. The impact is likely to be more profound if Dad happens to be a workaholic.

On Peacock now.

Film Credits

Cast
Melissa McCarthy as Flora
Paapa Essiedu as Bernard Bottle
Denée Benton as Julie Bottle
Jordyn McIntosh as Eve Bottle
Marc Maron
Luis Guzmán
Alan Cumming
LaChanze
Nyasha Hatendi as Pete
Lyman Chen as Charles
John Cashin as Celt

Director
Sam Boyd

Writer
Richard Curtis

Cinematographer
John Guleserian

Editor
Heather Persons

Composer
Dan Romer

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed