It is so much fun to be traveling through this Disney movie adventure this year, but now that we're at the Disney Renaissance... it's even better! Not to mention the fact that these are the films that I grew up with. Don't get me wrong, I love the Disney classics like Peter Pan and The Aristocats, but I'm beginning to realize that my generation was particularly lucky in the Disney films that came out in the 90s. You've got almost 10 solid movies of Disney greatness when most of us were in elementary school. It's no wonder that most of us cling to our love of Disney even into adulthood!
Aladdin premiered in 1992 (right after Beauty and the Beast). And believe me those are some big shoes to fill! But Aladdin delivers! It is funny, heart-warming, memorable and filled with wonderful songs! The film tells the story of Aladdin - a poor young man (called a street rat) with street smarts who dreams of living rich in the palace but finds himself stealing bread instead. He is quick to look out for others though and often gives his stolen meal away to those who need it more. This also leads him to meet Princess Jasmine (in disguise in the marketplace). Aladdin rescues her from an angry shopkeeper who she unwittingly takes an apple from and then shows her town from his side of the tracks. Aladdin is pretty smitten from the get go, but once he realizes she's the princess, he realizes there is no way for them to be together as the law requires her to marry a prince. Sigh.
Alas their time together is short-lived as Aladdin is soon thrown into jail by the nefarious Jafar (the sultan's grand vizier). He quickly gains a trip to the Cave of Wonders to find a lamp for Jafar, but as luck would have it, Aladdin ends up with the lamp but trapped in the Cave of Wonders with his good friend, Abu (the monkey), and a magic flying carpet (affectionately termed "Carpet"). Turns out the lamp is a magic lamp and once rubbed... out bursts the funniest character in Disney's repertoire - Genie! He's big. He's blue. He's magical. He's hilarious! Robin Williams give voice and life to this character and it could not have been done better! So Al (aka Aladdin) now has three wishes and a genie on his side. Life is definitely looking up. Prince Ali here we come!
The rest of the film involves Jafar's devious schemes to steal the throne from the sultan and marry Princess Jasmine and Prince Ali's (aka Aladdin's) courtship of Princess Jasmine which doesn't go as well as he expected... By the way, important life lesson served up by Disney: Always tell the truth and be yourself. True story. Tossed into all this drama you have the Genie's antics and personality, so it's a very fun ride!
And speaking of rides... Aladdin has the most romantic magic carpet ride in all of film! Aladdin and Jasmine head off to "A Whole New World" on a magic carpet ride where Aladdin finally wins the fair Jasmine's heart. "A Whole New World" is perhaps the most popular Disney song of all time. A vast majority of my generation can probably sing part if not the whole song word-for-word. It's magical and beautiful and in my list of Top 5 Disney songs ever.
Aladdin has an amazing soundtrack even on top of "A Whole New World." Aladdin's opening number "One Jump Ahead" is funny and lively and a great start to the film. Genie has two show-stopping numbers in the middle of the film that are pure fun! Genie sings "Friend in Me" in the Cave of Wonders and you get to know his personality and powers, and then he sings "Prince Ali" as Master of Ceremonies to Aladdin's grand parade into Agrabah as a prince. Once again, Robin Williams comic mastery shines through making theses scenes an absolute delight. Then to round out the film (as mentioned above) you have the romantic masterpiece of "A Whole New World."
Aladdin is definitely one of Disney's best films! And goodness gracious is it funny! I counted a solid 12 jokes that went over my head as a child, but that struck my funny bone as an adult. One of the funniest characters is actually the villain- Jafar. He is decidedly witty and his parrot sidekick, Iago, can't communicate without sarcasm so they add a hefty dose of humor to the film. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend hopping on a magic carpet for a trip to Agrabah as soon as you can!
Since we all were singing this to ourselves anyway... I'm going to end this post with lyrics from "A Whole New World:"
I can show you the world; Shining, shimmering, splendid.
Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder,
Over, sideways, and under on a magic carpet ride.
A Whole New World!
A new fantastic point of view.
No one to tell us no or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming.
Have a great week everyone!
Coming Up Next Week: The Lion King
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