Aladdin (1992) Review: The Genie is Out

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What Happens in Aladdin?

Our story begins outside the city of Agrabah, at the Cave of Wonders. Jafar has been searching for the lamp found deep in this cave for years and has finally found the cave. Unsure of the dangers inside the cave, he sends a poor man to fetch the lamp in exchange for the rest of the treasures inside. The cave tells Jafar that only a diamond in the rough will be allowed inside. The poor man nervously enters the cave and is instantly swallowed up by the cave.

While Jasmine is of age to marry a prince, every man that The Sultan has brought to her has been rejected. She is tired of the old rules of arranged marriage and wishes to select her own suitor. Frustrated with tradition, Jasmine escapes the palace and flees to the city. It is at this point that Aladdin saves her from the guards after she accidentally steals an apple from the market.

Even though they initially escape the guards, they are eventually caught. Jasmine is released after revealing she is the princess, but Aladdin is not so lucky. Jafar takes him prisoner and tricks him into going to the Cave of Wonders. Will Aladdin be the so-called diamond in the rough or will he face the same fate as the poor man?

Who are The Characters in Aladdin?

 Aladdin (as voiced by Scott Weinger)  is a charming, brave and clever young man who, while he steals to eat, is not a bad guy.  Aladdin constantly proves he is more than how he lives by doing things like giving food to starving children, stopping a prince from whipping children, and helping Jasmine when she almost gets her hand cut off for stealing. 

Jasmine (as voiced by Linda Larkin) is the princess, though she is no damsel in distress as she constantly wants to make decisions for herself. This is why she wants to marry for love. It is her drive and want for independence that causes her to leave the palace and meet Aladdin. The Genie ( as voiced by Robin Williams) is a loud, fast-talking, all-powerful being who aids Aladdin in trying to impress Jasmine by granting him three wishes. While the genie is very upbeat, he is not entirely happy as being a Genie means he has no freedom.

Aladdin Review

This film is one of the greatest animated films of all time, and it still holds up today. The characters are still interesting and charming with Aladdin and Jasmine being great characters to root for, while the Genie is revolutionary. They did not use big name celebrities in animation before Aladdin, and Robin Williams has a fantastic performance that is still funny and entertaining to this day.

Aladdin openned the door for other Disney animation films such as Raya and The Last Dragon, as well as non-Disney animation films such as Cars. Not only does the movie provide great animation and the inclusion of big name celebrities, it brings humour that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

The music is outstanding with songs that you won’t forget and that you will sing along to on repeat viewings.  This movie has action, adventure, romance, and magic which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike. The plot also teaches kids about accepting oneself and being honest which is a great message.

My only weakness with the film is that it ends abruptly and I would have liked more in the resolution of the story with more detail.

All in all a classic Disney film that will continue to please old and young alike for years to come. If you want a very similar story, Netflix’s Wish Dragon might be your movie.