Genie (2023) Movie Review

If that sounds a bit over-the-top, just wait until you catch the latest Christmas movie on Peacock called "Genie." It's all about people making wishes without really thinking, and it's so hilarious that it feels more like a reminder than a normal holiday movie.

Now, let's break it down a bit. The story is basically saying that when you're hanging out with a genie who can make all your wishes come true, you need to choose your words carefully. Otherwise, you might accidentally mess things up. The warning might sound a bit overdone, but it's inspired by a new Christmas movie called "Genie" that's packed with jokes about people making wishes without thinking and having to quickly fix their mistakes. So, it's like a funny way of telling us to be careful about what we wish for. [Genie Movie]

This movie, written by Richard Curtis, is available for viewing, and it's kind of like a modern take on an old TV movie called "Bernard and the Genie." Richard Curtis is the creative mind behind famous films like "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill." Now, he's trying his hand at a Christmas-themed film, following the success of his beloved "Love Actually."

This time, Melissa McCarthy plays the main character, Flora, who's a genie with a bit of a comic twist. She's not your normal magical genie from Arabian tales; instead, she's more like a funny character you'd find in a comedy show. Flora has been stuck in a jewelry box for 2,000 years, and when she's finally freed, she's not too thrilled about it. But, being a genie, she's ready to grant wishes.

The guy she meets, Bernard Bottle, played by Paapa Essiedu, is having a tough time. He's working hard for a demanding boss, ignoring his family, and things are falling apart. When Flora shows up, she gives him unlimited wishes with some rules, like no time traveling.

The story unfolds with Bernard making wishes, and there are some funny moments as Flora, who's not used to the modern world, finds things like pizza, hip-hop, and Tom Cruise movies. They explore the city together, and it's kind of like a standard "I Love New York" commercial.

Of course, there are problems. Bernard gets into trouble, like getting caught for stealing the Mona Lisa (yeah, not a great wish), and Flora starts flirting with the doorman in Bernard's building. There's even a magical carpet ride around Manhattan, but the special effects are a bit outdated.[Genie Movie]

The movie is a mix of humor, life lessons, and a bit of Christmas magic. It's not likely to become a classic like "It's a Wonderful Life," but if you're into light-hearted comedy with a festive touch, it might be worth a watch.

Alright, so this movie, directed by Sam Boyd and featuring Curtis, has some funny moments thanks to Curtis' knack for comedy. The main actor, Essiedu, does a good job, not going for cheap laughs but focused more on emotions. McCarthy brings a warm and engaging vibe to the movie, making you wish you had a genie like her.

Now, here's the thing. The main character, Bernard, doesn't exactly make the best choices with his wishes. He uses his last wishes for things like getting a table at a crowded diner and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for his daughter. It's kind of funny, but you might scratch your head and think, "Really? Is that the best use of magical wishes?" The article argues that maybe curing cancer or solving bigger world problems would have been more thoughtful choices, especially during the holiday season.[Genie Movie]

So, in a nutshell, the movie has its funny parts, the actors are good, but the main character's wish choices might leave you thinking there were better options. It's like having a powerful genie, but instead of asking for something grand, Bernard goes for more everyday stuff. It's a bit amusing, but you might wonder if he could have shot a bit higher with those wishes.