Aladdin

When I was in fifth grade, Aladdin was the staple of my childhood. I was hooked on the original movie still and became just as hooked on Return of Jafar. When news came out there was going to be a television series, I could not be more delighted! Not only was I on an Aladdin kick, I also dearly missed the number of Disney Afternoon shows (particularly Darkwing Duck and TaleSpin) which were no longer in production. I needed another Disney AFternoon show to get hooked on, and Aladdin had filled in that void quite nicely.

Although it has been a number of years since I've last seen the show (I will have to dig out my old VHS tapes of taped episodes), fondness and memories remain. It was the sidekicks in my eyes that truly stole the show for me. I became a big fan of Iago's since the maligned sequel came out, and seeing more of him was a treat for me.

My only flaws for the show were some of the original characters I didn't particularly care for and I felt some of the animation was "rushed" looking, but all in all, a terrific show!

I really love the film "Aladin" it's one of my favorite films from Disney because I've had a fascination with fantasy based in the Arabian setting. The fact that they were making a TV series based on it blew me away and surprisingly this show both met and exceeded my expectations. This show is another under the radar gem, which I'll admit is weird to say since it's derived from an unforgettable movie and this show had popularity. But despite it as time went on it just became forgotten and became a lost relic (no DVD/Blu Ray release which sucks hopefully they'll consider doing it soon).

It also to me one of the better movie to TV adaptations that actually work along the others that work like "Highlander" and "From Dusk Till Dawn"; because it was one of those rare examples that shows you can do more with characters, expand the mythos of their story, but most importantly stand on their own.

The animation is very good, same with the music, action is solid, but there are three things for me that really make the show work, for one thing the show expands on it's mythos and world by adding in other types of mythology Egyptian, Brazilian, Greek, and others. This I personally think is an awesome idea and it makes sense since Aladdin is a fantasy story so whose to say he's not living in a fantasy world where anything goes; this also in a way give the show a bit of educational value just showing how broad the fantasy genre really is.

The fact that not just the main characters develop but also the supporting characters as well. They all have something to do and at times have episodes based on them which shows you can do more with certain characters.

The show also has a really solid rogue gallery, most of the villains are memorable. Like Abusmal (played by Jason Alexander) and his subordinate (played well by Keith David one of my favorite actors), I just love the dynamic between both of them mainly it's the subordinate I think is funnest, he has this dry sarcastic witism and it's obvious he's smarter than Abusmal since his boss is a complete idiot he practically has to finish his sentences for him; He's aware of that and you can tell rolls his eyes every time he knows his boss will do something stupid, he's simply using his boss as a means to an end. This dynamic is great because it's pretty much a reversal on how the boss is usual the smartest and running things and the lackey is stupid and susceptible to control.

But my favorite villain is Mirage, she is great from the fact of how powerful she really is which makes her not the easiest opponent to beat. But just the fact that she is a total b....the thought of Aladin and Jasmine or anyone in love always motivates her to kill them or make them miserable for some unknown reason.

But the third is the fact that we see both Aladin and Jasmine have a real functioning love relationship, which I think is great and a bit revolutionary because animated shows at the time never really had that. It was also a primary example of a functional couple done the right way. They both have their ups and downs, help each other, have passion, and both do get challenged both physically and mentally which at times made you feel pathos for them and all the more wanted both of them to win and continue being happy together, which is something all couples want.

Like any hidden treasures in Arabian fantasies this is a treasure worth uncovering.

Rating: 4 stars

I remember getting up to watch these kinds of shows as a child. One time Abis Mal put a curse in the Sultan's bathing oils but Iago used them and had until sundown to get the cure but in the end he cleverly reversed the spell on Abis Mal. Another time Abu kept stealing fruit out of trees and Rasoul told him if he stole one more piece of fruit he'd throw Abu in prison. Another time A little king that lived over a recious area was always unhappy and that meant bad weather for everyone so Aladdin and company had to keep him happy until he could keep himself happy. There was also an episode where Aladdin and Abu got into a fight about his kletomania so he ran away and went to live with a bad guy and helped him steal something. There was another episode where Aladdin told Jasmine she wouldn't know the first thing about being a street rat so she got angry and spent a day at The Marketplace as a street rat. I also saw an episode where Abis Mal stole Genie's lamp and the Genie met a female genie along the way and in the end Abis Mal decided to become the girl genie's new master.

If you liked the film you might like the TV series.

The show isn't as good as the original and the King of Thieves(which is the best DTV sequel) but much better than the disappointing Return of Jafar. All the characters are well done, with the exception of Aladdin who seemed immature, and also Abis Mal who I never could stand, and generally the animation is good. Dan Castellanetta is funnier than he was in Jafar, and Jasmine seems more mature and vivacious. Most of the story lines are excellent, with great villains like Mozenrath, Ayama Aghoul, Mechanicles and Mirage. My favourite two episodes however were "Heads You Lose" and "Hero with a Thousand Feathers" with great humour, good stories, and the fantastic Tim Curry as Caliph Kapok and Amok Mon Ra. The rest of the episodes showed great promise too especially "Garden of Evil", "The Book of Kartoum" and "Armored and Dangerous". Well worth watching! 8/10 Bethany Cox

...you may find this rip-off TV adaptation fun. It's a silly, pointless cash-in, but also quite entertaining.

I can't believe that Scott Weinger actually returned to do the vocals. Oh, never mind, I can.

It's the many adventures of Aladdin! Luckily, the show actually retains much of the spirit of the film (which I rate 5/5), and that's quite refreshing. It's a lot better than some TV show adaptations.

If you liked the movie, give this a go.

If not, then stay away.

Overall rating: 4/5 stars.

• John Ulmer