Tags
1990's, Aladdin, Animated, Disney, Fantasy, Gilbert Gottfried, Jonathan Freeman, Linda Larkin, Musical, Robin Williams, Scott Weinger
The quite fabulous and ever so lovely Gill and splendid Crystal asked me to partake in a blogathon to honour the talents of Robin Williams. I simply couldn’t refuse this offer as I’m such a huge fan of Williams. For my choice, I decided to review the wonderful Disney flick Aladdin.
Film Title
Aladdin
Directors
Ron Clements and John Musker
Voice actors
- Scott Weinger as Aladdin
- Robin Williams as Genie
- Linda Larkin as Princess Jasmine
- Jonathan Freeman as Jafar
- Gilbert Gottfried as Iago
A joyous and energetic take on Arabian Nights from Disney, Aladdin is chock full of stuff to enjoy and be a part of.
In the streets of Agrabah, Aladdin is a young urchin who along with his monkey sidekick Abu, must steal to survive. Although he must rob, he is an inherently decent person just attempting to make it from one day to the next. His life is about to get a whole lot more eventful very soon. He meets Jasmine; a spirited girl who is actually the daughter of the Sultan and therefore a Princess. She has run away from home because according to a law, she must be married to a prince very soon. So far, she doesn’t like any of the suitors that have been selected for her. She feels stifled by royal protocol and wishes to marry for love. On their brief meeting, Aladdin falls in love with her, but fate has other plans. Also involved is the villainous adviser Jafar, who wants to have power and never-ending domination over everything. He has identified that Aladdin is the person who can get him what he wants. That would be a magic lamp hidden within a magical cave. After imprisoning Aladdin, Jafar disguises himself as someone else to lure him to the place in the sands that is known as the Cave of Wonders. Inside, Aladdin and Abu accidentally upset the order of things and end up trapped. Upon rubbing the lamp, an energetic and fast-talking Genie emerges, ensuring Aladdin that he has three wishes that he can grant. There are limitations to what he can wish for, though Genie and Aladdin develop a friendship and Aladdin promises Genie that he will set him free as a final wish. Helping them out the cave and with Genie’s help, Aladdin masquerades as a famous prince in order to woo Jasmine and ultimately stop Jafar in his evil tracks.
From the opening of swirling sands, Aladdin looks gorgeous and magical. The vivid colours used in the animations are something to marvel at as Aladdin finds himself in an adventure and fantasy. The visuals are all in place for us to admire as well as many other key ingredients that make Aladdin a great movie. The briskness of pace bring out the fun right from the start, never letting any flab or dull moments sink in because of its fastness. The humour and adventure appeal to both grown-ups and children because it covers a wide range of styles. This is especially prominent once Genie enters the picture and all the great pop culture references and nods are in full abundance. The music is another ace high point of Aladdin with many numbers standing out. The sublime and romantic ‘A Whole New World’ is a great match for the visuals of Aladdin and Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride, while the bombastic ‘Prince Ali’ and ‘Friend Like Me’ are a perfect summation of Genie and his antics.
The assembled voice actors do extremely well with the characters they have and are all well-suited. Scott Weinger has the right amount of fun and charisma for the title character, which goes a long way with how much we like Aladdin and his journey. But its Robin Williams and his voicing of Genie that truly makes Aladdin that something to treasure. His endless impressions, vocal acrobatics and wildfire delivery are scene-stealing in a completely amazing way that is very much to Williams’ style of comedy. Genie is a character who brings an already great movie into the levels of excellence it achieves. With Williams the man behind it, it is quite impossible to not laugh along with Genie as he helps shape Aladdin with his wisdom and zany antics. It simply wouldn’t be the same movie if Williams wasn’t a part of it. Linda Larkin has a sweet but strong voice that is just perfect for Jasmine, while Jonathan Freeman is appropriately slimy and nasty as the main villain of Jafar. His voice is very snake-like, which comes in handy with such a foul and evil character. Just as Aladdin has a sidekick in Abu, Jafar has the loud-mouthed parrot of Iago, voiced with relish by Gilbert Gottfried.
A bundle of hip fun for all ages, Aladdin is dazzling movie making from the animation, music and voice acting. But best of all, it’s a showcase for the talents of Robin Williams and a special one at that.
Realweegiemidget Reviews said:
Thanks for joining the blogathon Vinnie with this lovely post. not seen the movie but you’ve definitely sold it to me with your wonderful description.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You have to see Aladdin, it is classic Disney. It was a pleasure to take part in the blogathon.
LikeLike
Pingback: Welcome to the Robin Williams Blogathon! – Realweegiemidget Reviews Films TV Books and more
beetleypete said:
Sorry mate, not for me. I have seen it more times than I care to remember, (with out grandson) so maybe that’s why I just can’t stand it!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
vinnieh said:
Haha, I’m sure that is how my parents felt when I used to have it on a lot as a kid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
That should read ‘with our grandson’ of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I knew what you meant.
LikeLike
fragglerocking said:
Love Robin Williams, and this movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
He was such a talented guy. Always made me laugh in his comedies and was very good in dramas too.
LikeLike
raistlin0903 said:
If there is one genre of movies that I am running behind on the most: it is Disney movies…have missed so many classics, this one included, that it’s totally embarassing. Maybe I should make that one of my theme months for this year 😊😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
vinnieh said:
Don’t be embarrassed. There are so many movies out there and so little time. Believe me, I’m running behind on so many of them along with television.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sonofabeach96 said:
Been a while since I’ve seen this, but anything with Robin Williams in it, animated or otherwise, is always worthwhile. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You said it perfectly. He was a great guy and such a presence on screen. So much energy and enthusiasm.
LikeLike
maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
Love this film and Robin steals every moment of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
He does indeed, Genie wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t voicing him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
And I very much liked your review of Dead Poet’s Society and left a comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ninvoid99 said:
I love Robin Williams in that role. Only he can play the genie. I miss that man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, it’s his role and no one else’s.
LikeLike
Meg said:
I love Robin Williams. This was a great animated film, and I look forward to the rest of the blogathon! Hope you’re well, Vinnie🙋♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s a fantastic blogathon to be part of. I’m doing very well thanks Meg. Hope you are too.
LikeLike
Diana Tyler (Eccentric Muse) said:
My favorite thing about this movie was simply Aladdin. I found the genie annoying at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. For me, Genie steals the movie.
LikeLike
Pingback: THE ROBIN WILLIAMS BLOGATHON HAS NOW ARRIVED – In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood.
Pingback: February’s Theme: Science Fiction & Horror movies | Raistlin0903
The Telltale Mind said:
Definitely one of Disney’s best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It ranks as one of my personal favourites.
LikeLike
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This makes me remember why I loved Robin Williams so much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
vinnieh said:
It’s a constant reminder of his unending talents.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Agreed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I feel the same way!😢 There needs to be such more awareness on mental illness.
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sadly I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Aladdin is the BEST!!!!!😍 LOVE your post, Vinnie! Fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s a favourite of mine. Always fun to visit again.
LikeLike
alexraphael said:
Your review nails it. Still miss him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I love this movie so much. It’s got a whole lot of fun running throughout it. And Williams is one of the finest things in it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eddy Winko said:
That reminds me, I must find Mork and Mindy to watch again, worth rushing home from school for year and years ago, always loved anything Robin was in, sad to see him go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’ve heard many amazing things about that show. Williams was indeed a very special talent.
LikeLike
In The Good Old Days Of Classic Hollywood said:
Thanks for taking part in the blogathon Vinnie. This film really proved what a genius Robin was, and you’re lovely and articulate article really done the film and Robin justice.
I’m also hosting another blogathon, and would love to invite you to participate. Here is the link below with more details.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I was delighted to take part in paying tribute to Robin Williams. And I’d love to take part in the Bette Davis blogathon. She’s one of my favourite actresses. I’d like to review Watch on the Rhine.
LikeLike