Another month, another Disney favourite. Let's continue our journey through the golden '90s years on camelback, as we marvel at the cave of wonders that is...
Aladdin (1992)
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| Preparing myself to wash the teapot for the hundredth time this weekend |
It may be hard to believe it, but
Aladdin is the same age as me. Alas, not the character, who is apparently just
18 years old, but the classic film itself. Unlike
Beauty and Beast before it,
Aladdin seamlessly — if loosely – combines the essence of the Arabian Nights with the irreverent flair of early '90s cartoons, to create something fresh, funny, and still distinctly Disney.
The opening moments of
Aladdin set the scene for an experience that will be magically larger than life, with cinematic sweeping desert dunes and dramatic skies. We also know from the outset that Disney is continuing their tradition of the Broadway-quality musical. Alan Menken & Howard Ashman's
'Arabian Nights,' while some of the lyrics may not fly so well today, creates a haunting and theatrical atmosphere that paints a picture of a soaring tale to come.
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| Artistic angle or has the photographer started on the Arak? |
However, following the sinister opening number, we're immediately launched into a mockumentary-style sketch, Robin Williams'
street peddler narrator riffing on the joys of Tupperware as he launches us into Aladdin's story. In the first 5 minutes, we get the formula of the film — magic, drama, and mystery, with a pinch of humour at every turn.
Musically,
Aladdin is up there with Disney's finest, without a weak tune.
'One Jump Ahead' perfectly showcases Aladdin and
Abu's high-octane lifestyle, the frenetic pace and clever lyrics complementing the snappy dialogue maintained through the film.
'Friend Like Me' is a bonafide showstopper, overflowing with creativity as the animators almost have to keep up with the everchanging imagery of the words and music — not to mention Robin Williams' 110% performance.
'Prince Ali' is a triumph, and one of the most sing-along-able songs in the Disney repertoire, reminding us of the colourful pantomime nature of
Aladdin in the most exuberant way. And
'A Whole New World,' while overplayed by today's standards, is a soaring, joyous love ballad that really does feel like a whoosh of fresh air. Not to mention the reprises. Oh, how I love the reprises.
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| June 21st (if you know, you know) |
What really makes Aladdin shine as much as a diamond in the rough, though, is the combination of the joyous score, and meticulous attention to detail of the characterisation, from the script to the voice acting, and most importantly, the animation.
Most people will credit
Aladdin's success largely to
Robin Williams' iconic performance as the
Genie, and of course, he had a major role to play. However, you've got to hand it to lead animator
Eric Goldberg and team to bring this veritable whirlwind to life. Every quick-fire one-liner that William spouts is accompanied by a smart visual gag, be it changing in size, switching outfits, or conjuring up just about anything from thin air in an instant. Yet somehow, he remains a cohesive, empathetic character and not just a jumble of memes.
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| An easy win, but a definite one |
Aladdin and
Jasmine are perfectly pitched heartthrobs for the '90s. Aladdin's boyish charm and generosity — apparently based partly on Tom Cruise — is always being undercut by his naivety and misplaced over-confidence. This is what makes the Genie the perfect foil, bringing Aladdin down to earth with a cutting remark, even as he grants his wishes. Jasmine is just the right level of self-assured and cynical, while still having a romantic heart.
The Sultan is your classic hapless Disney dad, sweet yet oblivious, giving way to one of the most obviously evil villains in Disney history.
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| Me when I finally get on a plane some time in 2025 |
Jafar is simultaneously ridiculous and terrifying. While he struts around in his fabulous cape with his wise-cracking, cracker munching parrot
Iago, he oozes camp pantomime villain vibes. His evil cackle and delivery of the
'Prince Ali (Reprise)' are feather-bower worthy. However, let's not forget that he really does attempt to capture and/or murder Aladdin a number of times. Imprisoning him, throwing him down a thousand-foot drop, drowning him, and casting him to the ends of the earth to get hypothermia, it really is a miracle that our boy stays alive longer than 20 minutes. And that's even without Jafar turning into a huge man-eating snake. He's not a villain to be underestimated.
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| Saving this for most of my WhatsApp groups |
However, to understand just how incredible the character animation is, look no further than the
Magic Carpet. Unlike the enchanted objects in
Beauty and the Beast, the carpet not only has zero dialogue but doesn't even have any hint of facial features. The filmmakers only have body language and musical score to create an emotional relationship with this piece of woven fabric, and yet they manage to make a character who's sweet, optimistic, and brave. I'd even go as far as to call the carpet one of my favourite characters. Although I do have a soft spot for Abu — I, too, would have had trouble parting with that bread roll.
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| His little pom-pom hands <3 |
As we continue on to the next '90s Disney classic, I want to recognise Aladdin as a truly top-tier entry. Unrelentingly funny and joyful, with iconic characters, breathtaking animation, and a magical musical score that continues to go down in history.
Villain Rating: 8/10. Jafar nearly has it all — the drawling English accent, the dramatic wardrobe, the talent for disguises, and the absolutely deadly lust for power. However, I do have to dock a couple of points for lack of a full villain song. He does get his evil chops around the 'Prince Ali (Reprise)' with relish, but we could do with more.
Best Song: Oh, this is one of the toughest choices yet. This will probably change again, but right now I'm going to go with 'Prince Ali,' as it's one of the most crowd-pleasing, high-kicking, rousing chorus numbers you could come across. And I love the feathers.
Disney Detail: The inventive Genie sequences present the perfect opportunity for Disney Easter Eggs. There are nods to Dumbo and Sebastian, but I think my favorite is Genie comparing Aladdin lying to Pinocchio, his face suddenly transforming into the wooden boy with the protruding nose.
Why it's a Classic: Aladdin perfectly blends zany '90s humour with a timeless, magical setting and story, and a fantastic soundtrack, making it both fresh and nostalgic. Robin Williams' performance as the Genie gives an added shine to a film that's already a diamond in the Disney crown.
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| When someone talks about working on their summer bod |
