Disney continue to outdo themselves

Rating: 7/10 (14 March 2008)

At the time this was probably Disney's most commercially successful production, that is until "The Lion King" eclipsed all expectations and smashed video sales records. But really the great movie mogul has outdone itself again and again in recent years, ever since "The Little Mermaid" appeared on our screens in 1989. Following that was the Academy Award Best Picture nominee "Beauty and the Beast", and then this comedy smash.
The entire success of this film is owed to the comic genius of Robin Williams, whose 'performance' is a riot of ad-libbing, satire and slapstick. Williams makes the 'Genie of the Lamp' all his own, delivering one of his very best comic turns. And of course in animation, the sky's the limit as to what his character is able to do. In this vain scripters Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio have let their collective imaginations run wild, and the cartoonists have matched them on the screen, unleashing some hilarious caricatures and send-ups each for which chameleon Williams has the voice.
All other aspects, though of high quality, are merely incidental, with the exception perhaps of the enjoyable score from Alan Menken, and rousing musical numbers from Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. They included the smash hit "A Whole New World" and "Never Had a Friend Like Me", a lively number delivered with panache by Williams.
H. Lee Peterson is the astute editor, while other voices belong to Scott Weinger ("Aladdin"), Linda Larkin ("Princess"), Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried, Frank Welker and Douglas Seale.
Friday, March 1, 1996 - Video
Highly entertaining Disney animated flick about the mythical Aladdin and the Genie of the Lamp. The entire film belongs to the enigmatic, charismatic Robin Williams whose characterisation of the all powerful Genie is an hilarious delight. His ad-libbing style of comic mayhem is a riot, as Williams easily personifies multiple personalities with the help of some clever animation. Scott Weinger provides the voice of Aladdin, with Jonathan Freeman wonderfully evil as "Jafar".
The script has a delicious sense of humour, providing a plot that will entertain children and adults alike. The entire show is presided over astutely by Ron Clements and John Musker.
The other big highlight is the music from Howard Ashman, Alan Menken and Tim Rice. There's the hit song "A Whole New World" as well as catchy tunes like "You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali".
A most enjoyable pic from Disney, even on re-runs.
Saturday, March 22, 1997 - Video