Not everyone had the opportunity to grow up during the peak of Disney animation. "Bambi" was likely ancient by the time most of us were born. That doesn't mean it's any less enjoyable, but every generation should have one to remember their childhood by. For a lot of us, that movie is "Aladdin."
The city of Agrabah is a tough place for young Aladdin (Scott Weinger). Forced to steal food in order to eat, he lives off the land until he unknowingly runs into Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). Unable to marry her because he is not a prince, Aladdin is almost forced to deal with his fate until he comes across a magic lamp. The Genie (Robin Williams) inside changes everything until he is taken away from his new master by the sorcerer Jafar (Jonathan Freeman). Now Aladdin must not only end the reign of Jafar, but save the Genie and Jasmine at the same time.
"Aladdin" is a fairly routine adventure with the usual round of songs and wacky animal characters. The story is hardly deep or involving and if you have ever seen an animated film in this vein, you can pretty much guess the outcome. What makes the film a classic inside the Disney vault is the combination of splendid animation and Robin Williams.
There is absolutely no one alive who could have played the character of the Genie other than Williams. Yes, someone else COULD have, but it never would have been the same movie. He brings with him such energy just through his voice, that it gives the film an energetic spark that lasts until the final frame. He also plays a small role in the beginning as a merchant peddling merchandise and gives the movie a perfect opening.
Though there is some CG work (including most of the magic carpet), this is mostly a beautifully drawn piece of art, featuring flawless use of color and motion. Yet again the Genie is the focus, morphing into hundreds of other forms in rapid fashion. Jafar's red and black color scheme is a perfect contrast to the film's generally bright tone, setting him up as the villain quickly and effectively. Most of the CGI doesn't hold up as well 12 years later (especially with the clarity of the restoration on this DVD) but its use is mostly brief and non-intrusive.
Article comments