MOVIE REVIEW
Aladdin 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom
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Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 58m
Director(s): Matt Busch
Writer(s): Matt Busch
Cast: Erik Steele, Christi Dumar, Jerry Hayes, Aaron Golematis, Thomas Savage, Irfan Shiekh, Ammar Nemo, Robert Forte Shannon III, Mo El-Zaatari, Bill Pulkovski, Lin Zy
Language: English, Hindi, Cantonese, Thai with English subtitles
Where To Watch: debuts on VOD January 3, 2025, on Cable VOD and Digital HD, including Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home from Buffalo 8

RAVING REVIEW: In the future of 3477, the classic narrative of Aladdin receives a bold transformation in ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM. Under the direction of Matt Busch, this adventure retools an ancient tale into an odyssey across time and technology. Aladdin (Erik Steele), an ambitious orphan, encounters mystical allies and formidable challenges on his journey, making this film a blend of lore and vision.

In ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM, neon-bathed future Hong Kong serves as the stage for the start of a saga where tradition meets cyber-enhanced modernity. Busch directs with a vision, fusing the mythical elements of the Aladdin story with a futuristic backdrop that captivates and expands the narrative. The film traverses the terrains of Michigan, Cambodia, and Thailand, employing these locations to represent the diverse settings of Aladdin’s journey and enhancing the cinematic canvas with lush, atmospheric visuals.

The story revolves around Aladdin's transformation from a narrow-minded “street urchin” to a broad-hearted hero. His path intertwines with Oomi's (Lin Zy), whose loyalty and complexity deepen the plot, making every twist and turn in their adventure more engaging. Aaron Golematis brings to life the Jinn of Wisdom, infusing the character with levity that anchors the film's fantastical aspects.

Despite its indie label and budget constraints, ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM showcases the potency of creative filmmaking. Busch leverages some practical effects, miniatures, and CGI to craft a visually enchanting world. This inventiveness permeates the entire production, from the intricately bustling markets teeming with advanced technologies to the shadowed corners of Hong Kong’s alleys.

The performances within this high-tech world are profoundly human. Steele portrays Aladdin with a blend of innocence and emerging tenacity, while Christi Dumar’s Princess Kamala brings elegance and warmth to her role. Zy’s portrayal of Oomi is particularly noteworthy; she delivers a nuanced performance that adds depth to the film.

However, ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM occasionally bumps into the rough edges of its budgetary limitations. Some visual effects don’t hit the mark, and certain scenes involving larger crowds lack the necessary scale to fully realize the world’s grandeur. Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise imaginative and robustly presented story.

As the first installment of a new trilogy, this film sets the groundwork for the subsequent chapters. It introduces a universe brimming with potential for further exploration, especially in developing its characters and the dynamics among them. I’m excited to see where this story goes!

ALADDIN 3477: THE JINN OF WISDOM revitalizes a familiar tale with innovation. It stands as a testament to the capabilities of independent filmmaking. This film invites audiences to rediscover their sense of wonder and look forward to the new adventures in the next installments.

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[photo courtesy of BUFFALO 8, KALEIDOSCOPE KOI ENTERTAINMENT, PLANETMATT ENTERTAINMENT]

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