Aladin

Generally, when one watches a bad movie, it is in one of two categories: i) it is bad in a funny way, or ii) it is so bad that it isn't enjoyable, even to poke fun. This movie, however, transcends "normal bad" and becomes "Bad to the 3rd Degree," or "so bad that if you are not personally pained while laughing so hard, you aren't paying enough attention." From the paper-thin plot (pretty much the entire plot is on the back of the case, simply without the dialog and supposed wit), to the many continuity errors, to the over-all terrible production value, my friends and I highly enjoyed the hilarity that ensued.

On the whole this movie made my stomach hurt from laughing, and my psyche from awe-inspiring lack of effort. Sadly, 1/10 is the lowest I can give this movie.

I don't consider Golden Films' Aladdin one of their best like Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid and Pinocchio, but I personally found it good and I also think it deserves a fair chance in being judged on its own terms. If I were honest, I do prefer Disney's, mainly for the fact that it was one of my favourite movies as a kid, but the Golden Film version is in a way more faithful to the story. There are a couple of corny moments and the animation, with some of the characters designed rather stiffly and some flat colours, lacked the finesse and warmth of a Golden Film animation like The Three Musketeers for example. However, the opening theme song Rub the Lamp is amusing and catchy, there is some nice use of classical music and the script has several smart, funny wisecracks and jokes for especially children to enjoy that don't take over the seriousness of the story, which has its dark spots but still as engaging as you'd hope. The characters are great fun, especially the villain Hasseem and Aladdin himself is likable. The voice acting is suitably enthusiastic. In conclusion, I liked it. 7/10 Bethany Cox