Rating of
3.5/4
Disney magic brings the magic of the lamp to life
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
"Aladdin" (voiced by Scott Weinger) is a homeless person living on the streets of the Arabian city of "Agrabah". He must steal food to survive, and is frowned upon by the shopkeepers. However, he has a heart of gold and will give anything he stole to any one in greater need than he.
One day, he helps a beautiful woman who got herself into some trouble with a local shopkeeper. To his surprise, this woman turns out to be the princess "Jasmine" (voiced Linda Larkin).
Shortly after the royal guards throw "Aladdin" into the dungeon shortly after they find him with the princess, he meets a strange old man who tells him of a magical lamp, hidden for centuries in a magical place called the "Cave of Wonders" that can only be accessed by a "Diamond in the Rough". The two escape from the dungeon, and "Aladdin" gets the lamp only to learn that the old man is not who he claims to be. The man leaves "Aladdin" and his pet monkey, "Abu" (voiced by Frank Welker) in the "Cave of Wonders".
While trying to come up with an escape plan, "Aladdin" dusts off the lamp, and discovers that inside is a magical "Genie" (voiced by Robin Williams). After tricking the "Genie" into freeing them, "Aladdin" admits he wants to woo "Jasmine" and wishes the "Genie" to make him a prince, since the princess can only marry another royal.
"Aladdin", under the guise of "Prince Ali Ababwa" makes his way into the palace, only to find that the man who wanted the lamp is the "Sultan of Agrabah's" (voiced by Douglas Seale) most trusted advisor, the "Grand Vizier Jafar" (voiced by Jonathan Freeman).
Now, "Aladdin", "Princess Jasmine", the "Genie" and the rest must stop "Jafar" from completing his evil plan before it is too late.
Disney has done it again. They have brought a classic story to life in a way only they can.
Disney has also worked its magic into the soundtrack. The songs are pretty much uplifting and catchy. Like songs from Disney's past, the songs are pretty memorable.
But, Disney is best known for their animation. And it really shows here. At first, the majority of color are browns and white, but eventually other colors in the spectrum come into play. There are also elements made by computer, most notably the "Cave of Wonders" and "carpet", which comes to life wonderfully.
One thing that helped the animators was the performance of Robin Williams. The comedic actor, who is known to be off-the-wall, had the liberty of ad libing his lines, which helped the animators bring out their own comedic sides. Easily, the scenes where it is obvious that Williams is being himself are the ones which brings the biggest laughs.
There is some minor character development problems with supporting cast members. But there is more than enough to understand the situation of each character.
Like all Disney animated movies, this one is perfect for the entire family. It has wonderful animation and clean jokes for adults and children that will make you laugh, mostly thanks to Williams. This is one that should be a first choice rental, especially when you have kids in the house.
