Genie

The writers of this film showcase a stunning lack of creativity, offering a narrative where the antagonist's wishes are painfully mundane and devoid of any depth. The movie's virtually non-existent storyline and the bafflingly high rating contribute to a cinematic experience that can only be described as a testament to the writers' incompetence. The concluding wish to erase everything and revert to a mundane routine further underscores the utter lack of skill in crafting a compelling narrative. It's a regrettable display of storytelling that leaves much to be desired, emphasizing just how subpar the writers are in delivering an engaging cinematic experience.

I love Melissa but this was awful to watch. Every scene that didn't include her was a torture. The couple and kid were horrible actors and the chemistry was just fake. I don't think I would have made it to the end if not for Melissa. She was brilliant and I loved her sense of humor. Unfortunately the script was below mediocrity. This is a story about a hardworking man who couldn't send time with his family on his daughters birthday, because he was working? This must be the most unappreciative wife ever. Also the severity of the matter didn't warrant her moving over to her mom's and then separating. And which mother in law would encourage her daughter to leave her husband because of work? Honestly, this story was real bad. So now, you have unlimited wishes and all you could do is buy gifts for your wife and kid, redecorate your house, get a new car, and steal the Mona Lisa? Are you for real? Oh and help out a few children. Talk about lazy writing.... Do better next time.

Possible Spoilers - Just to be on the safe side. Where to begin? An unbelievable premise, shallow characters, flat dialog and the general "I just can do whatever I want syndrome". I usually like Melissa McCarthy, but this movie is a complete waste of her comedic talents. To think that Bernard had the container that held the genie in his house for who knows how long and never once bothered to even clean it smacks of lazy writing and is just the beginning of a series of improbabilities compounded by boat load of impossibilities. Don't waste your time watching this sorry excuse for a "Feed Good Christmas Movie".

"Genie" (2023) is an attempt at a fairy-tale comedy that, unfortunately, misses the mark on nearly every level. The plot, which revolves around a workaholic man seeking the aid of a magical genie to win back his family before Christmas, sounds charming in theory. However, in practice, it's as if the script was written by a committee of people who have never experienced joy or human emotions. The humor is so forced and predictable that you can almost hear the strained creaking of the joke machine as it churns out one tired gag after another. The genie, meant to be the highlight of the film, comes off more like a budget Halloween costume than a mystical being, further hampering any chance of magic or wonder. The performances are as lackluster as the plot. The lead, who shall remain nameless to spare his future career prospects, delivers his lines with the enthusiasm of someone reading a microwave manual. His quest to win back his family is about as heartwarming as a corporate tax return. The supporting cast doesn't fare much better, with performances ranging from "I'm just here for the paycheck" to "I thought this was a rehearsal." The chemistry between the characters is non-existent, making their emotional journeys as believable as a two-dollar bill. To add insult to injury, the film's attempt at a heartwarming Christmas message is as subtle as a sledgehammer. The 'family first' moral is hammered home with such clumsy, heavy-handedness that you half expect the characters to turn to the camera and give a public service announcement. The special effects, which could have been the film's saving grace, are reminiscent of a mid-2000s video game cutscene - and not in a charming, retro way. In conclusion, "Genie" is a film that, much like its magical protagonist, should have stayed in the bottle. If you're looking for a festive family comedy, you're better off watching literally anything else.

Whoever cast this movie killed it for me. The wife is just downright nasty. The guy works so she can sit on the couch and pout. I was annoyed after hearing her speak her first lines. The daughter is terrible. And he's just not watchable. So with the three main family characters so miscast this film was onto a loser from the very start I'm about thirty minutes in and about to switch it off. Melissa McCarthy is doing okay but it's just cringy. I was so looking forward to the release of this and it's a total stinker of a Christmas film. I'm actually rooting for him to kick the wife and daughter into touch and go on a bender to Vegas for Christmas. Now that would have been a better film.

Everyone who left a 10/10 review is lying and probably has been paid by the company. This is a bad remake, of Bernard and the Genie, 1991. Alan Cumming in the 90s was the main actor and now he plays the role of Rowan Atkinson as the gallery owner. Not only he plays the role but actually acts exactly like Rowan Atkinson did in the 90s movie with zero creativity, even the mannerisms are exactly like the same ones. The main lines of the story, up to 50 minutes (I quit at this point) are basically the same as the lines in 199, seams that the writers (was there any?) just wanted to do some quick easy money Melissa McCarthy tries hard with her acting, but can't do much with the lines she has been given. The major change of this version vs the 90s is that the genie is now a woman and the main character is married, he was single in the 1991 movie and his gf left him for his best friend. If you just want to watch mediocre comedy watch the movie from the 90s, at least it is original, and it only takes 1h of your life. Everyone should boycott poor remakes that don't even acknowledge they are plagiarizing the original material.