You absolutely must be cautious and mindful of your words when in the presence of a genie, especially one with the ability to grant limitless wishes. It’s all too easy to carelessly say “I wish” without considering the implications, potentially resulting in unintended and disastrous consequences. It’s essential to approach interactions with genies cautiously and purposefully.
This cautionary tale about the ill-effects of haphazardly wishing for things is at the center of the new holiday-themed Christmas movie premiering on Peacock. “Genie” is heavily laced with humor and revolves around characters who thoughtlessly blurt out “I wish” only to quickly retract their words. The film aims to serve as a lighthearted, yet important reminder to take great care with our words and intentions when dealing with the seemingly unlimited power of genies.
The movie, directed by Sam Boyd, is a loose remake based on the 1991 BBC television movie “Bernard and the Genie” which was also penned by the talented British writer and director, Richard Curtis. Curtis, known for his work on beloved films such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Notting Hill”, has tried to tap into the holiday spirit yet again, following the success of his timeless classic “Love Actually”.
The titular role in the film is undertaken by Melissa McCarthy, who brings a modern comedic approach to the traditional character of the genie. Her character, Flora, emerges wearily after being trapped in an antique jewelry box for 2,000 years, only to begrudgingly utter, “Let’s get with it…your wish is my command.” The story revolves around Flora’s interactions with Bernard Bottle, played by Paapa Essiedu, as he navigates life’s struggles and accepts an unexpected twist of fate that gives him the chance to fix his problems through unlimited wishes.
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As Bernard and Flora embark on a contemporary journey, mixing Flora’s magical abilities with the modern wonders of the world, the film delivers culture clash jokes and humorous moments. As Bernard learns to navigate his newly-found unlimited wishes, several comical situations ensue, ultimately leading to introspection and growth.
Although “Genie” may not ascend to the rank of holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Die Hard”, it offers amusing moments, thanks to Curtis’ well-honed comic instincts. Essiedu’s understated portrayal of Bernard and McCarthy’s engaging presence make the film a worthwhile holiday watch. Furthermore, the film’s production, helmed by Working Title, Universal Pictures, and Peacock Productions, boasts a skilled cast and crew, including director of photography John Guleserian, costume designer Leah Katznelson, composer Dan Romer, and casting director Kim Coleman.
The lighthearted nature of “Genie” serves as a reminder to approach the concept of wishes with consideration and thoughtfulness. The movie provides an amusing, yet important, social commentary on the significance of our words and intentions, especially during the holiday season. In a world with so many pressing needs, it’s a timely reminder that our wishes, even if fictional, carry great weight and should be used wisely.
