Timeless

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2008)

It's been nearly fifteen years since the theatrical release of "Aladdin," and every time I watch it I am transported back in time to when I first saw it in theaters as a child.
"Aladdin" is a magical film; wondrous, exhilarating, and beautiful. While it may not be the BEST Disney film (that goes to its predecessor, "Beauty and the Beast"), it's the most fun.
The story is loosely based on the "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" tale (or so I'm told). I'm not that familiar with the source material, but the movie begins with Aladdin, a street beggar who finds a magic lamp and becomes a prince. Complications ensue when the sultan's adviser, Jafar, tries to get it too, and Aladdin has to deal with mounting pressure and guilt from the fact that his princehood isn't real (which is a problem since the princess can only marry a prince).
Anyone who talks about this film is bound to bring up Robin Williams sooner or later, and rightly so. Williams dominates this movie, and it shows. The genie is the most entertaining character to watch, as it's paired with William's boundless energy and nonstop imitations (that change in a flash). Williams elevates "Aladdin" from great to absolutely brilliant, and nonstop entertaining.
Fortunately, the rest of the movie matches up to William's performance just about evenly. The rest of the voice-overs are great. Scott Weinger is perfect as Aladdin, making it easy to sympathize with Aladdin. Brad Kane's singing voice is almost indistinguishable from Weinger's, which is in and of itself impressive. Linda Larkin/Lea Salonga are great as Jasmine, as is the rest of the cast, which includes Gilbert Gottfried as the sarcastic, wisecracking parrot Iago (who, interestingly enough, is elevated to more than just the villain's sidekick).
While I'm on the subject of the voices, I have to bring to light another member of the voice cast. That is Jonathan Freeman. He is tremendously talented, and creates the most vile villain ever to grace a Disney film; so much so that the likes of Ursula, Gaston, Hades and, ugh, Radcliffe, all pale to the likes of Jafar. With his thin figure, large, twisted smile, and vicious eyes, he's absolutely chilling. In a good way, of course.
Like the rest of the Disney musicals (the weak "Pocahantas" aside), the music is vibrant and infectious, accompanied by stunning visuals. The script is more intelligent than the majority of the more "adult" films, and it is wildly entertaining. Definitely check it out.