1. In the animated film the vendor/salesman at the beginning of the film who introduces us to the lamp story, originally was supposed to have another cameo at the end where you see he was actually the genie all along, telling his own story. This film does the same thing, but with a different setup.
2. They expand on the characters of Jaffar, the sultan, and Jasmine. Overall, I think it benefits story.
3. Genie has a romantic interest, which ties back to the very beginning. Surprisingly, it works.
4. The parrot Iago is voiced by Alan Tudyk. No, it’s not Godfried exasperated conversational level. Alan plays it like a very intelligent bird: he talks in short repititious sentences, like a real parrot would.
5. There are additional dance numbers, including at the end credits. Bollywood and hip hop.
6. Will Smith makes the genie his own. I did not feel anyway he took away or denigrated Robin Williams performance. You can’t help but compare the two,
7. Jaffar is mor villainous in this one. Conniving, more purpose driven. And no, he does not sound little girl in the film.
8. The story is 90% the same as the original Disney animated film, with some little twists along the way.
