Genie (2023), No Magic, No Christmas Cheer

I rarely miss a film featuring Melissa McCarthy, so I decided to give Genie (2023) a try. Unfortunately, I ended up wasting my time. A Christmas-themed film in December should leave you feeling warm and joyful, but this one failed miserably, even with its promising premise of a Genie in a lamp. Mangoidiots gives it a “Rotten” rating. The film is available on Netflix in India.

The story follows Bernard, played by Paapa Essiedu, an auction house curator who is estranged from his wife and daughter due to his workaholic tendencies. Left alone for the holidays, he stumbles upon an old oriental jewel box and accidentally unleashes a ‘real’ Genie who promises to grant him unlimited wishes. With such a setup, you’d expect a fun and magical ride, but the film veers into a sad and aimless narrative instead.

Melissa McCarthy, in her Genie costume, initially brings a spark of joy to the screen. However, the poorly written screenplay gives her little to work with, and her character quickly fizzles out. Paapa Essiedu tries his best to bring depth to Bernard, but the lack of meaningful moments in the script leaves him stranded. The ending, which was meant to tug at our heartstrings, feels lifeless and abrupt. Worse still, the climax negates everything that came before it, leaving the audience baffled and disappointed.

Genie had all the makings of a delightful Christmas film—an intriguing plot, a talented cast, and a holiday backdrop—but squandered its potential with uninspired storytelling. It’s a missed opportunity that fails to deliver the magic it promises.