Disney’s “Aladdin” is another one of the great animated movies that came out in the 1990s. Even though I’d seen it dozens of times, it had been several years since I had the chance to watch it. I was amazed at how I actually remembered most of the lyrics to the film’s terrific songs and how much there was going on in the movie.
Aladdin is a “street rat” who does what he can to survive. He and his monkey, Abu, take a lot of fun out of petty thievery and evading the Sultan’s guards. However, there are forces at work that are about to change his life.
Jafar, the Sultan’s advisor, is an evil man. He is attempting to locate a magic lamp that will yield him powers to take over the kingdom. However, the entrance to the Cave of Wonders (where the lamp resides) is guarded by a huge, magical sand lion who tells Jafar that “only one may enter, one whose worth lies far within- a diamond in the rough.” Jafar takes advantage of the Sultan and uses the Sultan’s ring and a magical machine to get a vision of this person- and it shows Aladdin. Jafar sends out his guards in search of him.
Meanwhile Aladdin assists a young woman (Princess Jasmine, the Sultan’s daughter) in the market place who nearly gets her hand removed for stealing and the two bond a bit. Each feels trapped by their place in society. But when the guards catch up with them, Aladdin is taken into custody and learns Jasmine’s true identity. Jasmine returns to the palace where she tries to get Aladdin set free. Jafar tells her that it’s too late, Aladdin has been beheaded. Jasmine is devasted and furious with Jafar.
But Aladdin is quite alive and well for being in a cold, damp dungeon. He’s approached by an old man (Jafar in disguise) who tells him he can help Aladdin escape if Aladdin will retrieve the lamp. Aladdin agrees and he’s taken to the desert where he gets the lamp, finds a magic carpet and is betrayed by Jafar. Jafar’s betrayal backfires though and leaves Aladdin trapped in the cave with the lamp. The lamp of course is home to Genie (voiced by “the ever-impressive” Robin Williams). Genie offers Aladdin three wishes, and rather than wasting a wish to get out of the cave, Aladdin tricks him into getting them all out.
Aladdin and Genie plot to figure out a way that Aladdin might be able to win the hand of the fair Princess Jasmine (who by law can only marry a prince) and to stop Jafar and his evil scheme as well. Aladdin is great movie for the whole family that features award winning songs (that apparently once you learn you never forget) and amazing voice talents. It also has a good message about being loyal to your friends and keeping your promises, no matter what. It is rated G and appropriate for all audiences.
Related Blogs;
Beauty and the Beast
What Your Kids Can Learn From Disney Films