IMDb RATING
5.9/10
8.5K
YOUR RATING
The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Oberon K.A. Adjepong
- Bernard's Father
- (as Oberon Adjepong)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIt is a remake of the 1991 British television film Bernard and the Genie, also written by Curtis.
- GoofsThe stuffed bear at the beginning is either strapped onto the back of the motorbike or it isn't. If it is it simply can't roll off on an easy, and very apparent wide, turn. If it isn't it will instantly fall off as soon as Bernard puts the bike in motion.
- Crazy creditsThe Universal logo at the beginning has snow.
- ConnectionsFeatures Top Gun (1986)
- SoundtracksPresents for Christmas
Written by Solomon Burke Jr., Solomon Burke (as Solomon Burke Sr.), Dolores Burke
Performed by Solomon Burke
Courtesy of Warner Music UK Ltd
Featured review
Genie in a Bottle of Disappointment
"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.
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.
helpful•3018
- natmavila
- Dec 4, 2023
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Bernard and the Genie
- Filming locations
- New York City, New York, USA(street scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $333,526
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Color
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