At first, Aladdin seems like it could be one of the greats. It's got zippy energy, starts off with a couple of terrific tunes, the characters and plot are enjoyable, and there's Gilbert Gottfried. For, oh, about 35 minutes I was pleased as punch. Then, of course, Robin Williams has to burst onto the scene and spew his manic, unfunny bullshit all over the place. When I was a child, I was a huge fan of "Mork & Mindy" and Popeye. But since then I've hated Williams and his dumb (sometimes verging on racist) voices and "wacky" non-sequiturs and lame cultural references (really, a Jack Nicholson impression?). I will grudgingly admit there is a talent to what he does, but I simply cannot stomach what he does. Fortunately, he doesn't dominate the film as much as I feared he would, and he even reins it in at times. But yeah, when he poured on his shtick, I was miserable. Also, why must all Disney romantic leads conform to such conventional standards of beauty? I realize this isn't limited to this film, but it's starting to annoy me. Jasmine's waist is, what, about 4 inches around?
I could make a few other minor gripes but it'd be nitpicking. Honestly I enjoyed the movie... if it weren't for Williams, I'd rate it substantially higher. Rating: Good (75)