Aladdin
Academy Award × 2
Rent/Purchase
In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.
What critics thought
Broadly celebrated on release and still beloved, Aladdin earns most of its praise from Robin Williams's anarchic, improvisational turn as the Genie, which critics found irresistible for audiences of all ages. The animation and technical craft drew consistent admiration, though even some positive reviews noted that Aladdin and Jasmine feel thin compared to the spectacle around them, and a minority of critics pushed harder, calling out the film's depictions of Arab characters as racially stereotyped and the Williams showcase as overbearing. The film's reputation has only grown with time, even as that specific charge about ethnic caricature has remained a recurring point of debate.
“Aladdin overcomes most story flaws thanks to sheer technical virtuosity”
Brian Lowry·Variety
“Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics—hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips—but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“The movie that brought a hip new sensibility to animated features and which still stands up in the age of Pixar and DreamWorks thanks largely to a blistering improv turn from Robin Williams.”
Olly Richards·Empire Magazine
“kids are still going to be entranced by the magic and adventure”
The Washington Post
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Cast & Crew
DirectorJohn Musker, Ron Clements
StarringScott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried
ComposerAlan Menken
Aladdin
Academy Award × 2
In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.
What critics thought
Broadly celebrated on release and still beloved, Aladdin earns most of its praise from Robin Williams's anarchic, improvisational turn as the Genie, which critics found irresistible for audiences of all ages. The animation and technical craft drew consistent admiration, though even some positive reviews noted that Aladdin and Jasmine feel thin compared to the spectacle around them, and a minority of critics pushed harder, calling out the film's depictions of Arab characters as racially stereotyped and the Williams showcase as overbearing. The film's reputation has only grown with time, even as that specific charge about ethnic caricature has remained a recurring point of debate.
“Aladdin overcomes most story flaws thanks to sheer technical virtuosity”
Brian Lowry·Variety
“Most of the Arab characters have exaggerated facial characteristics—hooked noses, glowering brows, thick lips—but Aladdin and the princess look like white American teenagers.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“The movie that brought a hip new sensibility to animated features and which still stands up in the age of Pixar and DreamWorks thanks largely to a blistering improv turn from Robin Williams.”
Olly Richards·Empire Magazine
“kids are still going to be entranced by the magic and adventure”
The Washington Post
Genres
Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Cast & Crew
DirectorJohn Musker, Ron Clements
StarringScott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried
ComposerAlan Menken
Rent/Purchase