Read Time4 Minute, 51 Second

Rating: 5 out of 5

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? I would be rich, probably immortal, and I have to think of the last one. You probably heard of Aladdin? The one from the Arabic folktale from One Thousand and One Nights. The story is where the character says, “Open sesame,” and all that. How about the old-school movie The Thief of Baghdad?

During the Disney Renaissance Era, Disney made a HUGE comeback and started dropping some classic animated films. One of those films was Aladdin. At the end of its theoretical run, it was the first animated to reach the half-billion-dollar mark. It was the highest-grossing animated film of all time, only to be overtaken by The Lion King a few years later. Aladdin is honestly one of my favorite Disney films. It is easily in my top 2 and switches off between The Lion King.

This amazing film follows an Arabian street urchin named Aladdin and his homeboy money, Abu. Aladdin and Abu run the streets of Agrabah, just trying to survive. The Sultan and his BEAUTIFUL daughter, Jasmine, live in the castle of Agrabah. Behind the scenes is the Sultan’s royal advisor, Jafar, and his talking, wise-cracking parrot, Iago. Jafar is looking for the magical lamp that contains a genie. Jafar has tried and failed to enter the Cave of Wonders, which is a talking tiger of sand. The Cave of Wonders gives a minor clue about looking for the diamond in the rough. Lo and behold, it is Aladdin. Jafar disguises himself as a beggar and takes Aladdin to the Cave. After Aladdin retrieves the lamp, Jafar tries to take it, but Abu manages to steal it. With the lamp in hand, Aladdin releases the Genie, and wonders ensue with his phenomenal cosmic powers. Aladdin, with the help of the Genie, sets his eyes on the princess and decides to become a prince. The only thing is Jafar is waiting for his chance to get the lamp.

Aladdin became a monster hit from the voice performance of Robin Williams as the Genie. We will come back to that, but this animated film was spectacular and a joy to watch. I read that the legendary Robin Williams improvised all his lines and that the animators couldn’t keep up with him. That is boss status. If there was an Academy Award for voice acting, Williams would’ve won it hands down. Williams was so great as the Genie; you remember his voice, laugh, and all the jokes he made. This was a legendary performance and made Disney into a powerhouse after it. Williams made this one of the funniest and most joyful films ever. You cannot hate on Aladdin just because of William’s performance alone.

What also stands out with this film is the freakin music. I bought the soundtrack with my allowance money way back when it came out. The soundtrack was a banger back in the day and still gets you singing along. The first song, “Arabian Nights,” introduces you to the land of Aladdin in a big way. You feel like you are right in Agrabah and enjoying the sights and sounds of the kingdom. Aladdin’s first song, “One Jump Ahead,” is exceptionally well-placed and fun to watch. You must love watching Aladdin stay ahead of the royal guards who always try to catch him. One of my favorite songs in the film is “Friend Like Me.” I am going to say that I saw Aladdin on the stage or Broadway, and the performance by the Genie who sang this song blew my freakin mind. I love this song because I remember that one moment. Also, the song was the first time we were introduced to Genie in a big way, and he became legendary after the song.

My all-time favorite and best Disney songs have to be “A Whole New World.” That is a love and adventure song right there. It made me want to take a magic carpet ride through the world. I really wanted to see all the sights and sounds of the world. With the music video, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle brought it. The song also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

As far as the characters go, you will find one that you will love. You could love the title character, Aladdin, with his charming ways, to die for smile and spirit for adventures. The Genie should be everyone’s favorite, but you could also love the bad guys in Jafar and Iago. They are excellent as villains and quite evil with their ruthless ways. My favorite character is Jasmine because she is so foine! She may be the most beautiful Disney princess. I love her seductive ways and just how independent she is. My second favorite character is Carpet. Carpet is the realest and coolest of all the characters. Who wouldn’t want a magic carpet?

Aladdin is an ICONIC Disney film. Robin Williams is the one who made this film with his famous performance as the Genie. We miss you, Robin Williams. The story follows the tale, but the animation and music bring this film to life. I can watch this film repeatedly. After watching this film, think of your own three wishes, go to Disney, and ask the Genie when you see him to make them for you.