Not bad

Rating: 7/10 (17 November 2014)

Aladdin isn't the best movie in the world. There have also been various accusations over the years that it was partially influenced by the terrorist attacks of the Twin Towers and that it's a racist movie. I won't get into some big debate over that because I'm not sure about these accusations myself, but based on the animation and voice acting alone, for a Disney movie, Aladdin certainly isn't bad.
Aladdin is the old story of an orphan and thief living on the streets of Saudia Arabia, dreaming of a life where everything is better for him and his pet money Abu. One day he falls in love with a girl on the street, who is secretly the princess, who escaped her palace to see the real world. After Aladdin is arrested she hears from her "loyal" adviser Jafar that Aladdin was beheaded (a lie because Jafar wants to make a dark deal with Aladdin). Horrified, Princess Jasmine avoids Jafar from then on, as does her caring but oblivious, overweight father.
Jafar, disguised as a wizzled up old man, helps Aladdin to escape prison but forces him to go into a mystical cave which closes in on him and Abu, trapping them underground. Luckily for Aladdin, he's saved by a magical genie, and is granted the wish of becoming a wealthy prince, using his new friend to try and get Jasmine's attention - but not if Jafar has his way.
Aladdin isn't the best movie out there, but it sure beats that stupid Ferngully environmental propaganda garbage that came out the same year! Robin Williams as the genie was an excellent voice actor, probably one of his best roles aside from One-Hour Photo (2002). The soundtrack was pretty sappy and cheesy but not the worst, and the animation was excellent.