A new take on Aladdin

CEBU, Philippines -  In the magical action-packed movie “The New Adventures of Aladdin,” best friends Sam (Kev Adams) and Khalid (William Lebghil) dress up as Santa Claus to steal everything they can from Galeries Lafayette. But Sam is quickly caught by children and is asked to tell the story of Aladdin. In the skin of Aladdin, Sam begins a trip to the heart of Baghdad, a city with Arabian wealth. While telling the tale, the people suffer from the terrible tyranny of  Vizier, known for his ferocity and his questionable breath. The young thief, taking on his alter-ego Aladdin, tries to save the day and win the heart of a princess.

The movie’s hero, Kev Adams who plays Sam and Aladdin in “The New Adventures of Aladdin,” is the actor’s debut starring role after playing support roles in movies.

“I really wanted to participate in this story full of humor while confronting the real world. The original script was 250 pages. It’s a monumental epic and I love it!” shares Adams on his casting.

“I was indeed very happy to play a hero even if it’s not from my roots, especially since the cast is made of actors who mostly have no link to this part of the world. We shot in Morocco, the only country in Maghreb where I have no family roots! But when you are in the cinema, as part of a story or a fairy tale, the religious affairs or ethnicity have no place to be. What’s essential are the characters and the sets. The story of Aladdin reminded me of the ones who instilled values in me like my Tunisian grandfather. And in Morocco, every day we saw and worked with people who do not have much but who are all willing to give. It’s very touching, very motivating,” continues Adams.

“The New Adventures of Aladdin” is also director Arthur Benzaquen’s first feature film. Written by Daive Cohen, the movie had found its way to production ten years after the script was conceived.

Benzaquen notes that what is great about the story is that although it is set hundreds of years ago, it remains extremely modern.

“The New Adventures of Aladdin” is now showing in Philippine cinemas. (FREEMAN)