How do you accurately describe the movie that defined your childhood? I found I could still pretty much quote this movie verbatim, and I was transported back to the days where my friends and I would re-enact the Price Ali song, silly voices and all. I got a little giddy I won't lie.
This movie is a perfect fairy tale for boys. It is the rare instance where the male lead is the one dreaming of becoming a prince, instead of the other way around. I recently read an article chastising Jasmine for falling for a hobo like Aladdin. While it's often fun to be snarky about Disney movies (I've been guilty of it during this countdown) calling Aladdin just a hobo misses the whole point of the movie. It's like calling Belle just a nerd. The whole movie is about a man who is worth more than the world knows. He's a Diamond in the rough, an exceptional human being in a sea of filth. That's why he can go into the cave in the first place. He's not just a poor man with a heart of gold. He is a man destined to greatness. He is worthy of the genie's lamp because he is the rare man with the ability to use it responsibly. He wishes to be a prince, not to seek power, but to be worthy of the woman he loves. The reason Jafar almost wins isn't because Aladdin is greedy, or cruel or flawed. It's because the thought of being in power terrified him. Aladdin demonstrates the best quality you could want in a leader; he doesn't want the power. He'll make a great ruler because his natural impulse is to care for and serve people, not dictate to them. We could use a few more leaders who comprehend the vast responsibility demanded of them.
The other Characters in this movie are fantastic. Jasmine is a strong woman who wants to have an active role in her destiny, and refuses to be just a decoration. She's almost an anti-princess, and one of the better role models in the Disney cannon. She realizes that freedom is better than wealth. She's willing to shun the life of luxury for a chance to make her own choices. The genie is every bit as great as you remember. Robin Williams isn't doing anything he hasn't done before, but his energy is incredibly infectious and you can't help but have fun with him.
I noticed an unusual thing about this movie; the four main characters all have a sidekick. Aladdin has Abu, Jasmine has Raja, Jafar has Iago, and the Genie has the flying carpet. Disney usually keeps the sidekicks to a minimum, but each one is a great compliment to their corresponding character. The carpet is the Genie's shy side, Abu is Aladdin's mischievous side, Raja represents Jasmine's independence and determination, and Iago is the Costello to Jafar's Abott.
Needless to say, I freaking love this movie. Up next, The Princess and the Frog
10/10
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